Home Is Where The Heart Is

Jesus has been an intrinsic part of third-grade teacher Mary Ellen Van Dyk’s life since as long as she can remember. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Mary Ellen attended a few Christian schools, eventually enrolling at Calvin College. When she began her schooling at Calvin, she realized her desire to become a teacher. After 26 years of teaching at Zeeland Christian School (ZCS) and her retirement nearing, Mary Ellen reflects on how she has brought her passion for teaching to life in the many classrooms of ZCS she has touched.

Mary Ellen’s teaching experience began in Highland, Indiana, where she taught second grade before starting her family. Years later, she and her husband found their home in Zeeland as their youngest child was in second grade. When her husband, Bill Van Dyk, was hired as principal and their children began attending ZCS, Mary Ellen’s passion for teaching was reignited. Zeeland Christian had become her family’s second home, and she was eager to join the staff. She started as an assistant in the CLC (Inclusion) program for six years and then began teaching third grade. For the past 19 years, Mary Ellen has had experience in both third and fourth grade, but insists third grade is where her heart beats most.

Her motivation to teach the Word of God can be traced back to the year 2000, during a two-week journey to Israel which is where the third-grade curriculum originates from. Today, she continues to pass on the knowledge she acquired from her trip through activities in the classroom. Her daughter and ZCS Support Services Teacher Maria Klompmaker admires how her mother brings stories from her trip alive in her class. “She has taken those lessons and passed them on to her students over the years,” says Maria. “One example is how she takes her class to the standing stone in the front entry to do devotions there and learn of the significance of the standing stone.” These teachings along with others have had a significant impact on her students’ understanding of the Bible and prayer itself. Mary Ellen noted that a favorite experience of hers is witnessing the eight and nine-year-olds’ persistence in prayer and their patience as they humbly talk to God for the healing of others.

After teaching for three decades, there have been many moments for Mary Ellen in which her students have, in exchange, brought the lessons to her. Every child is unique, she says, and their various backgrounds bring about distinct gifts in each one of them. To her, it is essential that she recognizes the factors that make up each and every student. A child who struggles in the classroom may flourish as a leader during playground games or an artist in the studio. Their experiences shape their talents, and Mary Ellen believes that when students come together in a classroom, it becomes a community with many gifts to share. Jen Leenstra, third-grade teacher and coworker of seven years, can attest to Mary Ellen’s dedication to her students. “Her love for ZCS and her students runs deep,” affirms Jen. “Most importantly, her trust in her Savior is obvious and evident in the way she teaches.”

As Mary Ellen’s time at ZCS comes to an end, many will miss her presence in the classroom. However, her impact on both teachers and students alike will linger long after retirement. Fellow teachers express their gratitude for her consistent words of encouragement and expertise that guided them. Tim McAboy, ZCS Head of School, is thankful to have had both Mary Ellen and her husband’s help during his transition to ZCS. “They love Zeeland Christian with their whole hearts, and their impact here will be felt for generations to come,” he gratefully remarks. The love is mutual for Mary Ellen, who says she will miss the many years of laughter and prayer. She is so grateful for finding her heart and second home within the walls of ZCS, fondly remarking, “We love God, we love kids, and we love learning.”

Mary Ellen reads a story to her students.