“There’s nothing better!” Judy Radtke Reflects On A Career At TC Christian
Judy grew up in Scotts, a small town between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. “We lived in a one room schoolhouse which, over time, my parents expanded,” remembers Judy. “I guess I was meant to be a teacher!” After high school, Judy attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, with Minors in Chemistry and Physics, along with a Secondary Education certification. It was in college that Judy met her future husband, Andy. “Andy was studying Chemical Engineering and we just clicked.” Andy’s career in the oil and gas industry ultimately brought them to Traverse City where they put down roots and raised their three children, Melissa, Doug, and Jeremy.
I am proud of the fact that my students find themselves successful in college math classes and that I have helped prepare them well. I am also proud that in some small way I have been able to speak into their spiritual and emotional lives and help point them closer to God.” 14 | The Messenger
For some TC Christian alumni, Judy Radtke’s name inspires awe as they remember her Calculus class. For others, she’s a mentor and friend who cared deeply for her students and ‘mentees’, taking them on retreats to the family cottage at Grand Marais. And for a select few, she’s ‘Mom’ and ‘Grandma’. Judy Radtke is something of an institution at TC Christian. On staff since the high school’s earliest days, Judy can rightfully claim to have taught almost every graduate. “I just love this place. I love the community that’s here. I love that I can be part of helping train students for what God has prepared them for in their future. I so value that I can speak truth and love into my students’ lives.”
In 1994, Judy and Andy attended the first public meeting to introduce TC Christian to the community. “Melissa was a student on the first day the school opened”, says Judy, “And Doug joined the next year when he was old enough.” Youngest son, Jeremy, followed soon thereafter. Sending the children to TC Christian caused a sadness in Judy’s heart, but not in the way you might expect. “Honestly, I was jealous they got to be a part of such a great community every day and I wanted to do that, too!” Judy started subbing “anywhere they needed me”, and when a vacancy opened in the Math department, Judy leapt at the opportunity.
