I graduated from Calvin College in 2002 and since then have taken many course in my field at Western Michigan University. While growing up, my educational experience was very positive. I was blessed with wonderful teachers in my life and I always knew I wanted to serve by being in the field of education. As long as I would be working with students it didn’t matter what I would be doing, but my two favorite subjects were Phys Ed and Psychology, so it seemed obvious to major and minor in those two fields. My husband Tony and I have three children and we attend Caledonia CRC. I enjoy being with my family and friends, participating in triathlons, and doing crafts.
Curt Copeland
I am a proud graduate of Hope College where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education while majoring in Social Studies and minoring in Physical Education. While I thought I was going to be a high school teacher and coach until my retirement, the Lord had a different plan for me. I started my professional career at Hope as the Assistant Event Manager at the DeVos Fieldhouse as well as serving on Hope’s football staff as an assistant coach. Also during this time, I attended Western Michigan University as a graduate student where I received a Master’s Degree in Sports Management. Soon after graduation in 2011, I spent 18 months as the Athletic Director at Fowlerville High School then joined the South Christian community and served as the school’s Athletic Director from 2013-2020. In the fall of 2020, I had the privilege of heading back into the classroom to join the Physical Education department. I also serve as a varsity assistant coach on the Sailor football staff. My wife, Kelly, and our children, Kenlee, Gracyn, Decker, and Parker are so thankful to be a part of the wonderful community here at South Christian.
John Hendrikse
I graduated from University of Michigan in 2008 with a BA in Secondary Education specializing in History and Political Science. In 2010, I deployed to Iraq with the Michigan National Guard as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After a year of service I returned home and married my wife, Leanne. Shortly after this, we moved to Arizona where I taught History at a boarding school. We spent three years at The Orme School, which was located in the high desert region in northern AZ (directly between Phoenix and Flagstaff). I was hired by South Christian in 2014 and we have enjoyed making our home back in Grand Rapids. I was raised in Grand Rapids where my Christian community was vital in shaping my life as a disciple. I hope to succeed as an educator in promoting continued discipleship for young men and women in this community. We live in Cutlerville and have two children, David and Annaliese, who attend Legacy Christian.
Jill Haagsma
I graduated from SCHS in 1984 and attended Calvin College. I always knew I wanted to continue my education in the sciences, but was unsure of what specific direction I would go in science. A volunteer tutoring opportunity during my 3rd year of college helped me come to know that I wanted to use my science background in the field of education. By the time I graduated from Calvin College in 1989 I had a major in biology, and nearly a second major in chemistry, as well as a major in secondary education. My first three years as a teacher were spent at Dutton Christian Middle School. Then, in 1992, when South Christian became a four-year school, I began teaching 9th grade science and chemistry in the Community at SCHS. I have been here ever since. I am married to Dave Haagsma. Together we have four children. We attend Heritage Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center. Our family enjoys camping together and taking extended road trips. (We have driven straight through to Key West . . . twice!)
Eric Grimm
I graduated from Calvin College and Michigan State with degrees in Physical Education and Exercise Physiology. I taught at Moline Christian for two years. I have been at South Christian since the 92/93 school year. I teach health, anatomy/physiology, and a Discipleship class. My wife Kris is also a teacher. We have three children who have gone to South Christian and three grandchildren currently at Byron Center Christian. I enjoy reading, playing games with the family, and hiking on vacations. I also have a passion for learning more about the culture and context of the Bible. I have been to Isreal several times and have led two trips.
Bob DeWeerd
I graduated from South Christian in 1987, then from Calvin College in 1991. I majored in History and minored in Speech. Since then, I earned an English certification from the University of Michigan (at Flint) and a master’s degree in education from GVSU. Prior to coming to South Christian, I taught for three years of middle school in Lafayette, Indiana followed by three years of high school in Imlay City, Michigan. At South, I currently teach Intro LIt, Comp 10 and Comp 11. I enjoy being involved in different activities and SCHS and being able to interact with students in a wide variety of contexts. My wife, Chris, also works at South. My three kids, Mike, Calvin, and Becky all graduated from South as well. Outside of school, I enjoy playing my trombone in Shofar Brass and the Calvin University Community Orchestra. I also spend time writing and arranging music for various situations. Some other hobbies include biking, disc golf, and traveling with family. I thank God for every day that I get to teach students as I live out his calling in my life. It is a blessing to work with them each day at school and to see them grow in their faith.
Amy Slotsema
I received my B.A. in elementary education from Calvin College and my M.Ed. in K-12 Library/Media Services from Grand Valley State University. Before coming to South Christian, I was a third grade teacher as well as a P-8 Media Specialist. I currently teach technology classes and am in charge of South’s social media accounts. I enjoy watching and/or participating in sports, playing pickleball, wake surfing, and traveling.