Meet Your Teacher!

My name is Mrs. Kimberly VanderZwaag.  I was born and raised in Holland.  I am a 1994 graduate of Holland Christian, a 1998 graduate of Hope College, and have a masters degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University.  I am beginning my 28th year of teaching, all the time at Holland Christian in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades.  I taught full time for the first 7 years of my career, and then did team teaching for 15 years.  Five years ago, I returned to full time teaching, and I love having my class all day long!

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Kelly.  We celebrated our 27th anniversary this past May.  We are blessed with three healthy, God-fearing children:  Baylee - a sophomore at Hope College this year,  Brody - a 12th grader at Holland Christian High School this year, and Brinsley - a 10th grader at Holland Christian High School this year.

We live in Zeeland.  We are involved members at Calvary Christian Reformed Church.  Aside from being a wife, mother, and teacher, my interests are exercising, hiking, backpacking, and bicycling.  I am also a deal hunter - I LOVE to shop, but rarely pay full price for anything!  As a family, we enjoy playing games, making and listening to music, traveling, and being active outdoors.  My favorite colors are green and purple and my favorite food is fresh fruit (almost any kind!).  I am a gum chewer and have a strong sweet tooth, but never drink coffee (gasp!).

I feel strongly that all children are made in God's image.  They all can learn, although learning takes place at different levels and paces for each child.  Teaching to the needs of each individual child is very important to me.  Helping each student feel successful is a goal of mine. 

I am dedicated to teaching children about God's love for them, the world He created, and serving God in everything they do.  I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the Rose Park family, and pray daily that God uses me for His glory.  I am humbled that He has chosen me to be a part of each of the student's lives.  Additionally, I rejoice in the fact that we can talk about how God is obviously at work each moment throughout the day.  I truly want to encourage each child to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  What an incredible honor and calling!  Thank you for partnering with me in that this year.  I truly count it a privilege to nurture your children in the truth.  

I am excited to begin a new school again!  I can't wait to meet all the new children God has entrusted to my care this year!

If ever you need to talk with me, the best way to reach me is by sending an e-mail: kvanderzwaag@hollandchristian.org