Retirement Spotlight

As I reflect on 40 years in education, I am thankful for the many experiences and interactions that have shaped who I am as a person and an educator. The last 29 years at Zeeland Christian have been such valuable times of growth as a teacher and a leader. When I began my career in 1979 at Rochester (NY) Christian School as a thirdgrade teacher, I would never have imagined the path that I would walk professionally over the next years.

I have loved the opportunities that I have had to teach and create relationships with so many students over the years. Although our job as teachers is to affect the lives of kids, I believe that I have benefitted and been impacted by those interactions and relationships as well. There is a lot of energy needed to teach, but I have often found myself encouraged and energized by my interactions with kids. There has been great joy in creating and teaching lessons, planning and leading camps, leading student trips, and daily conversations with kids all within an environment of Christian faith. Teaching has allowed me to never have two days alike in 40 years of education.

Although I never aspired to move out of the classroom and into leadership roles, I appreciate the opportunities that I have had to lead over these last years while still maintain daily teaching responsibilities. It has been a joy to work alongside people who genuinely do love God, love kids, and love to learn. The leadership, teachers, and support staff at ZCS have been excellent models of what Christians in the education field should be.

It has been a blessing for me to be at ZCS for these last 29 years. Thank you to the ZCS community for the opportunity to serve here and for the support that you have shown me. My prayer is that Zeeland Christian continues to be a school community where God is honored in everything and where all students are included, loved, and accepted.

Mr. Buteyn with his students.