New Dir. of Learning Innovation – Karyl Morin

EDUCATION INNOVATOR AND PROJECT BASED LEARNING PIONEER JOINS THE TEAM AT ZEELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

 

March 28, 2018 – Karyl Morin will be joining the team at Zeeland Christian School as the Director of Learning Innovation starting this April. Morin has helped shape the landscape of education in West Michigan over the past decade.

 

Former Director of CultureWorks Transformative Art + Design Academy, Karyl led efforts to offer high access, high-quality studios for youth from all backgrounds. She also led six organizations as Launch Lead Program Director of the two-year collaborative design of a Center of Innovation: Grand Rapids Public Museum School. GRPMS was recognized nationally through XQ America as a model of rethinking education, gaining a grant of ten million dollars.

 

“I am thrilled for the combination of Karyl’s gift of thinking about education in an innovative way pairing up with the innovative culture of Zeeland Christian,” said Tim McAboy, Head of School at Zeeland Christian School.

 

Karyl has been partnering with ZCS on a consulting basis since 2012 and was the lead on the 6th grade Project Based Learning(PBL) project that resulted in the splash pad located in downtown Zeeland. Leading collaboratively with local designers, Karyl led ZCS in utilizing design thinking and place-based approaches to pursuing project based learning.

 

Morin commented that ZCS is, “known as an innovative leader by both public and independent schools, in Spanish and Mandarin Immersion as well as industry-leading Inclusion practices. The bent toward innovation and the markedly loving community stands out to me and is evident in the culture.”

 

Her early career, after graduating from Hope College in 1997, was spent teaching for 15 years with a focus on inclusion practices and achieving growth with underperforming and underserved youth.

 

“Karyl’s passions for educational innovation, authentic learning, community connections and student engagement are inspiring, and I am thrilled that our teaching staff will be coached so closely by her,” said current ZCS Dir. of Curriculum and Support Services, Janelle Sievert.

 

“I look forward to the opportunity of more explicitly integrating my spiritual journey as a follower of Jesus with my professional life,” emphasized Morin when asked about her excitement to join the Zeeland Christian team.

 

She went on to say that, “After twenty years of serving in education, I’m eager to pursue work that truly prepares students for their future – a quickly changing future – and to work collaboratively with professional teachers for increasing student agency and competencies to thrive and lead!”

 

This collaborative and forward-thinking vision is what found synergy with the school’s administration and school board. Current ZCS board member and former board president, Brian VandenBrink said that Morin would “…provide relevant and impactful learning to our students that will prepare them for 2018 and beyond.” He went on to say, “having been on the Lead Team for Engedi Church with Karyl and her husband Mike, I am convinced that she loves the Lord with everything she’s got.”

 

On a personal note, Karyl is celebrating 24 years of marriage to Mike and enjoying the journey of parenting two daughters, Rebecca Grace (15) and Sarah Noble (18). From hiking Saugatuck Dunes State Park to paddleboarding at sunset in Lake Michigan, Karyl loves the midwest coast. As a family, they have been actively engaged internationally through annual mission trips to Chichicastenango, Guatemala and ongoing leadership with Manos De Jesus / Pray America.

The Morin’s continue as active partners at Engedi Church after serving on the lead team for its launch in 2005.

 

Zeeland Christian School is a Threeschool – 8th-grade school whose mission is to Love God, Love kids, and Love learning. Innovative programs such as Inclusion, Spanish, and Mandarin Immersion, and Project Based Learning along with an unashamedly Christian perspective shape this unique educational environment with over 1,000 students. Further inquiries or enrollment questions can be directed to Tracy at zcsinfo@zcs.org.