Some of our parents suggested in the Parent Surveys this year that we put Teacher Spotlights in the weekly newsletter to give our parents a better feel for all the teachers at Heritage, not just the ones who teach their children. Rather than feeling constrained by print space in the Weekly Heritage, we’ve decided to put our Teacher Spotlights on the blog! We are so excited to help all our families get to know our wonderful teachers better. This week, we are featuring one of our middle school teachers, Miss Tammy Veenstra.
Where are you from?
I am from Peoria, Iowa, a small rural town near Pella.
Where did you go to college?
I graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA with a major in elementary ed and a minor in math. I am currently in the thesis writing portion of my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Dordt College.
How long have you been teaching at Heritage and what did you do before?
I have been teaching at Heritage for 7 years. Before that I taught 4th grade for two years at Somerset Christian Academy in New Jersey, and 7-11th grade math for 1 year. At Heritage, I have taught middle school math all 7 years, with a combination of Bible, computer, and now Language in different years.
What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, photography, golf, line dancing, and watching movies.
What is something about you that surprises people when they are getting to know you?
Because of my height, many people assume I have played basketball. I love basketball, but I lack athletic ability and only played in junior high. It also surprises people that I lived in New Jersey, because I love Iowa and being near my family.
What is your favorite thing about teaching at Heritage?
It is a joy to teach at Heritage. Being able to teach from a Christ-centered perspective, being able to openly share my faith as well as witness the development of my students’ faiths, working with other Christians, and being encouraged daily by the Word are all huge blessings in this position. My job is both challenging and deeply rewarding, and I am very thankful for it.