Education Spotlight: Andrea Herrema enters 25th year at MCE. 

Education Spotlight: Andrea Herrema enters 25th year at MCE. 

Education Spotlight is a presentation of Shelby State Bank, with offices in Ludington, Pentwater, Shelby, Hart, Hesperia, Manistee, Montague, Whitehall, North Muskegon, and Fruitport. 

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

CUSTER — Andrea Herrema is in her 25th year teaching at Mason County Eastern, her alma mater.

“I have always loved learning new things,” she said about what inspired her to become a teacher. “I had several teachers growing up that challenged me and got me excited about learning.  I decided to teach elementary students because I wanted to inspire students to become lifelong learners.”

Herrema grew up in Fountain as Andrea Chancellor and graduated from MCE in 1991. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University. 

She currently teaches science and phonics in the fourth and fifth grades. Her career began teaching pre-kindergarten, known as begindergarten and then kindergarten when it was changed to an all day, five days a week program. She taught kindergarten until the end of last school year. 

“I believe all students can learn and be successful,” she said. “If students don’t understand, I try changing my teaching style to help them learn.  By adjusting the teaching style or classroom environment when possible to meet students’ needs, I help them grow as learners.

“The keys to keeping students engaged in learning are to keep lessons student-focused/authentic so they are meaningful and to make sure students physical and emotional needs are being met.” 

She said the pandemic has been a challenge as a teacher, especially in school districts such as Mason County Eastern where many students have limited or no access to broadband but have needed to learn remotely. 

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