From Student to Teacher: Kira Vander Molen Comes Full Circle at Grand River Prep
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When Kira Vander Molen graduated in 2021, she didn’t have a five-year plan to return to her high school classroom, at least not as the teacher.
“Honestly, it just kind of happened,” After finishing college early, Vander Molen was job hunting when she noticed an opening at Grand River Prep. The school she once walked as a student was now part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network. She loved her experience there and admired her former teachers.
“I really enjoyed all the teachers I had, and I thought they would make amazing coworkers.” She was hired as a paraprofessional and the next year, she stepped into her own classroom as a full-time English teacher.
Vander Molen credits the culture at Grand River Prep as one the reasons she wanted to come back and teach, “Everyone’s open and welcoming, and really honest with each other. Everyone really wants what’s best for the kids.”
That culture of support recently earned her recognition as “Titan of the Month,” an employee-of-the-month honor voted on by peers.
From stepping in to teach an AP Language class midyear to supporting colleagues wherever needed, Vander Molen embodies the collaborative spirit she admired as a student.
“Of course I’m going to want to help out. All of the staff at Grand River are wonderful.”
Vander Molen says her GRP high school experience prepared her in ways she didn’t fully realize at the time.
She took 12 AP classes and dual enrollment courses, graduating college a year early thanks to earned credits.
“It definitely gave me a leg up. I developed skills in high school that I was able to carry through college and into the workforce.”
Beyond academics, she learned how to build strong relationships, skills that later helped her connect as a resident assistant in college and now as a classroom leader.
She also appreciates the professional development opportunities and support she receives through NHA.
“I’ve learned so much in just the past year and a half. I definitely appreciate all of the professional development chances I’ve had. It’s equipped me to be a better teacher.”
For other alumni considering a return to an NHA school, Vander Molen offers simple advice, “There’s something special about being able to take what you learned as a student and put it back into practice at the school you went to.”
Creating a unique full-circle experience that strengthens not just school culture but also National Heritage Academies.
“Honestly, it just kind of happened,” After finishing college early, Vander Molen was job hunting when she noticed an opening at Grand River Prep. The school she once walked as a student was now part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network. She loved her experience there and admired her former teachers.
“I really enjoyed all the teachers I had, and I thought they would make amazing coworkers.” She was hired as a paraprofessional and the next year, she stepped into her own classroom as a full-time English teacher.
Vander Molen credits the culture at Grand River Prep as one the reasons she wanted to come back and teach, “Everyone’s open and welcoming, and really honest with each other. Everyone really wants what’s best for the kids.”
That culture of support recently earned her recognition as “Titan of the Month,” an employee-of-the-month honor voted on by peers.
From stepping in to teach an AP Language class midyear to supporting colleagues wherever needed, Vander Molen embodies the collaborative spirit she admired as a student.
“Of course I’m going to want to help out. All of the staff at Grand River are wonderful.”
Vander Molen says her GRP high school experience prepared her in ways she didn’t fully realize at the time.
She took 12 AP classes and dual enrollment courses, graduating college a year early thanks to earned credits.
“It definitely gave me a leg up. I developed skills in high school that I was able to carry through college and into the workforce.”
Beyond academics, she learned how to build strong relationships, skills that later helped her connect as a resident assistant in college and now as a classroom leader.
She also appreciates the professional development opportunities and support she receives through NHA.
“I’ve learned so much in just the past year and a half. I definitely appreciate all of the professional development chances I’ve had. It’s equipped me to be a better teacher.”
For other alumni considering a return to an NHA school, Vander Molen offers simple advice, “There’s something special about being able to take what you learned as a student and put it back into practice at the school you went to.”
Creating a unique full-circle experience that strengthens not just school culture but also National Heritage Academies.