Retirement Feature:
Beth Nyenhuis

CAMPUS: Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Evergreen Campus

ROLE: Kindergarten/Team 1 Teacher

Where did you begin your career in education?

Grosse Pointe Christian Day School in 1983.

How many years have you been working at Grand Rapids Christian?

I have been teaching at Grand Rapids Christian for 5 years.

What schools/buildings have you worked at either before coming to GRCS or while at GRCS?

Rockford Christian School and GRCES Evergreen Campus

Do you have a favorite year that you worked or a favorite memory? What made this stand out in your mind?

Favorite memories really happened around chapel times. I loved singing with the kids, and with one class, we even made up a tune to the school theme verse that year and sang it for our last Team One chapel (Psalm 105:1,2). But each and every time I helped lead a chapel, I witnessed the blessings of God as children raised their voices in praise, and God sent his Holy Spirit as a blessing to those listening! Beautiful!    

Tell about a moment in your career that you will never forget, possibly at an event or with a student or co-worker.

Just a few years ago, a former student who I had in 4th grade back in 1986 contacted me and came over for dinner one night. His goal was to get back in touch with former teachers to let them know how we had impacted his life. He recalled the class read-aloud we ended the year with: "Trumpet of the Swan" by E.B. White and shared how much it had impacted his understanding of friendship and loyalty as he grew up. Now, this was a student who had impacted my life as well, and I had prayed for him often over the intervening years. What a thrill to reconnect!

Tell about your most significant learning experience either from a colleague, student, parent, or Professional Development Day.

Teaching the story of Elijah each year with Team One has been a steady reminder that we are meant to encourage, pray for, and stand by our brothers and sisters in Christ. They will remind us that we are NOT alone in serving God, and that God ALONE gives us the strength to do his work.

What are you looking forward to, or what is your next adventure?

I'm looking forward to having time to travel with family and friends. First stop — five national parks in Utah!