The Christian School Educators Science Academy (CSESA) has selected the participants for this year’s continuing education event. This selected group of science teachers will meet at the Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on November 16 and 17. The academy, now in its second year, provides instruction on the use of the Community of Practice model while integrating Christian worldview into the teaching of science. Christian Schools International (CSI) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) collaborate with the VAEI to host the event, which is heavily underwritten through grants and the generous financial support of CSI’s donors.
“ACSI, CSI, and VAEI are very excited to host another cohort of the Christian School Educators Science Academy,” said Rachael Heyboer, CSI’s director of product development. “We have been busy preparing to meet and learn with another excellent group of teachers from various backgrounds, all eager to advance their calling of teaching science from a Christian worldview.”
This year’s participants are:
CSI members
Kate Adams
6th Grade Teacher | Crown Point Christian School | Crown Point, IN
Paul Bierman
Middle School Science Teacher | Immanuel Christian School | Aylmer, ON
Beth Boven
Middle School Science Teacher | Calvin Christian School | South Holland, IL
Erica Boven
Middle School Science Teacher and Curriculum Director | Traverse City Christian School | Traverse City, MI
Mark Branderhorst
6th Grade Teacher | Central Valley Christian School | Visalia, CA
LuAnn Eaton
Middle School Science Teacher | Beaver County Christian School | Clinton, PA
Aaron Elzinga
Middle School Science Teacher | West Side Christian School | Grand Rapids, MI
Micaela Fenwick
Middle School Science Teacher | South City Community School | St. Louis, MI
Tim Fykoda
Middle School Science Teacher | Christian Heritage School | Brandon, MB
Leanne Gillson
Kindergarten Teacher | Rehoboth Christian School | Rehoboth, NM
Nora Gomez
Middle School Science Teacher | King's Christian School | Miami, FL
Mindi Hengst
Middle School Science Teacher | Southwest Chicago Christian School | Oak Lawn, IL
Lynn Hoosink
2nd Grade Teacher | San Jose Christian School | San Jose, CA
Martha Johnson
Middle School Science Teacher | Community Christian School | Willmar, MN
Beverly Jonkman
2nd–5th Grade Teacher | Rehoboth Christian School | Rehoboth, NM
Ben Kloosterman
Middle School Science Teacher | Denver Christian School | Lakewood, CO
Kim Kryger
1st, 4th–5th Grade Teacher | West Side Christian School | Grand Rapids, MI
Rachael Morren
1st Grade Teacher | Legacy Christian School | Grand Rapids, MI
Brittany Rotman
3rd Grade Teacher | Jenison Christian School | Jenison, MI
Leland Rozeboom
Middle School Science Teacher | Netherlands Reformed School | Rock Valley, IA
Mark Sneller
Elementary Science Teacher | Zeeland Christian School | Zeeland, MI
Karen Thompson
8th Grade Teacher | Westminister Christian Acadmey | Town and Country, MO
Melissa Truong
Middle School Science Teacher | San Jose Christian School | San Jose, CA
Heather Van Dyke
Curriculum Director | Kalamazoo Christian School | Kalamazoo, MI
Renae Venhuizen
4th Grade and Middle School Science Teacher | Central Wisconsin Christian School | Waupun, WI
Sara Woltjer
3rd Grade Teacher | Dutton Christian School | Caledonia, MI
ACSI members
Julie Bartlett
Middle School Science Teacher | Charlotte Christian | Charlotte, NC
Debbie Brenner
Middle School Science Teacher | Santa Clarita Christian | Santa Clarita, CA
Dana Brickner
STEM Coordinator | Charlotte Christian | Charlotte, NC
Michelle Burrus
Middle School Science Teacher | Trinity Christian | Lubbock, TX
Daniel Cox
Middle School Science Teacher | Christian Academy of Indiana | New Albany, IN
Suzy Deneen
Science Department Chair | SouthLake Christian Academy | Huntersville, NC
Jeff Evans
8th Grade Teacher | Maryville Christian | Maryville, TN
Tracy Fernandez
5th Grade Teacher | Charlotte Christian | Charlotte, NC
Angela Henderson
Elementary Science Teacher | Southside Christian | Simpsonville, SC
Rachel Jaramillo
Middle School Science Teacher | Colorado Springs Christian | Colorado Springs, CO
Sarah Nettles
4th Grade Teacher | Trinity Christian | Lubbock, TX
Andrea Nissley
Middle School Science Teacher | Cornerstone Christian | Harrisonburg, VA
Lisa Reese
Middle School Science Teacher | Faith Christian Academy | Wausau, WI
Kara Schroeder
Middle School Science Teacher | Trinity Christian | Lubbock, TX
Gareth Schuth
Middle School Science Teacher | Christian School of Grace Baptist Church | Carlisle, PA
Diep Stamps
8th Grade Teacher | Charlotte Christian | Charlotte, NC
Beth Tiess
7th Grade Teacher | Charlotte Christian | Charlotte, NC
Nicholas Wilburn
Middle School Science Teacher | Christian Academy of Indiana | New Albany, IN
Robin Zecca
Middle School Science Teacher | Delaware County Christian | Newtown Square, PA
Cheryl Zimmerman
Middle School Science Teacher | Chandler Christian Academy | Chandler, AZ