Van Andel Institute for Education Announces the 2024 Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence

May 14, 2024

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (May 14, 2024) — Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI Education) is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence Award, which honors outstanding educators who have worked alongside VAI Education to help create classrooms where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking thrive.

With this award, VAI Education aims to celebrate the work of educators everywhere while inspiring others to emulate the mission and ideals of VAI Education.

Presenting the 2024 Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence

Chris Allen
Webberville Community Schools,
Webberville, Michigan
Sonia Andrews
Rockford Public Schools,
Belmont, Michigan
Al Bandstra
Sioux Center Christian School,
Sioux Center, Iowa
Nicole Bowman
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy,
Flushing, Michigan
Kailey Faris
East Grand Rapids Public Schools,
East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grace Kneeshaw
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy,
Michigan
Mouhamed Mboup
Arsenal Technical High School,
Indianapolis, Indiana
Jennifer Conrad
Allegan Public Schools,
Allegan, Michigan
Kirk Reifinger
East Grand Rapids Public Schools,
East Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jackie Sleeman
Kentwood Public Schools,
Kentwood, Michigan

VAI Education also celebrates educators through programs such as the “Caught Being Awesome” award, where anyone can nominate extraordinary teachers throughout the year. Administrators, peer teachers, parents, and students are invited to shine a spotlight on educators who are making a real difference in their classrooms and communities. To nominate a teacher for being awesome or to explore past winners, anyone can fill out this form.

For more information about the 2024 Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence, visit VAIeducation.org and join us in celebrating the educators who are shaping the leaders of tomorrow.