Joel Nagelkirk
Sixth-grade teacher - Traditional
Years at Zeeland Christian: 13
Years in Christian Education: 15
Education:
B.A. Calvin College in PE and Math,
Masters in Educational Leadership Grand Valley State University.
What do you love about Zeeland Christian?
What I love about teaching at Zeeland Christian is the overall mission of the school. I love being able to share my faith with my students and walk alongside them to help them discover their purpose and meaning.
Why are you passionate about Christian Education?
I love how Christian Education allows us to make connections between the world around us and our calling and purpose for being here. I am passionate about helping students discover more about their maker and building a trusting relationship with them.
What do you want others to know about you?
I have been blessed with an amazing family; My wife-Stacey, six-year-old son- Parker, four-year-old daughter-Peyton, and two-year-old son-Sawyer. We love to spend time together going for bike rides, playing Legos and exploring the world around us. I also enjoy watching, coaching, and participating in sports. To connect with God at a deeper level, I love to be outside on my mountain bike or paddle board. Every time I am out in nature I am blown away by God's power, majesty, and creativity. I have been a Christ follower from a very young age and have been blessed to have been raised in a Christian home and attended the amazing school I now teach in. Even though this has been a great foundation, it is through life's trials that I have learned the most what it means to love and trust God. Now as a husband, dad, and teacher I try to seek God's guidance in all that I do and live out His purpose to build His kingdom.
One life lesson your students have taught you:
One of the things I have learned from my students at Zeeland Christian is their amazing ability to care for each other and show what inclusive education should look like. It is through their selfless relationships with each other that I get a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.