Gretchen Kooiman
Gretchen Kooiman
teaching position:
Spanish Teacher
Years at CWC:
9
Education:
Taylor University 2009 Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Psychology
Taylor University 2015 Transition to Teaching Program
Educational Experience:
When I first came to CWC in August 2009, I taught levels 1-3 of Spanish and also exploratory Spanish for grades 6-8. In my 3rd year of teaching we added a level 4 Spanish class for the seniors. In years 6 and 7 of my career, I started developing a program for my Senior students to teach lessons and culture for the elementary grades. My seniors led a Cinco de Mayo culture fun fair for elementary grades as well. I love theatre and the performing arts: I have directed 2 plays and produced 2 plays.
Family:
My husband, Branden, and I have been married for 10 years. We have two beautiful, amazing kids, Cora (6) and Oliver (4). We attend Oakbrook Church in Oshkosh and host a small group bible study in our home. For fun, our family loves to travel and go on hikes and adventures together. I love to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try. We also are a big board game family and recently have enjoyed teaching the kids games.
Why I love working at CWC:
I love getting to know the students and really being a positive person in their life. I love being able to be open about my faith walk and sharing with the students what God is showing me in my life. I also love the staff and colleagues I get to work with.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Isaiah 55: 8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." I love this reminder that God's ways are best for me. And it reminds me of the importance of aligning my plans with His. I truly trust Him and know His knowledge is greater than mine will ever be.
Other Thoughts:
My Storyline: Seeing the world through God's eyes.
My Deep Hope for my classroom: That we will recognize ourselves as image bearers of God and connect with the culture and language of our neighbors in our community and around the world.
