Mr. Justin Terpstra

Professional Biography

I graduated from Western Michigan University with dual majors in Elementary Education and Social Studies. I am certified to teach in Elementary settings. While this will be my first teaching position, I am extremely humbled and blessed to begin my education journey at Hudsonville Christian School. I have had several diverse educational experiences. I have student-taught at Congress Elementary (5^th grade) and Harrison Park Academy (3^rd grade). I have also coached middle school girls’ basketball at West Side Christian School.

Personal Biography

My wife, Tessa, and I have been married for almost four years. We are also expecting our first child, coming, Lord willing, December 1! We also have an extremely loving and energetic Aussiedoodle named Luna. Tessa graduated from HCS and Unity in 2010, while I graduated from Heritage Christian and Covenant Christian HS in 2010. We love beach days, hiking, and adventuring from state to state. I love to run, bike, hike, read, and stay as active as possible.

Philosophical Biography

Every single child that walks through the doors of school is one who is made in the image of our Heavenly Father. With this paradigm, I believe it is my calling as a Christian educator to make sure that every child that walks through my doors feels loved, cared for, and understood. The classroom will be a safe space built on positive relationships for students to grow, be heard, and respect others as they would want to be respected.

We all have different characteristics that set us apart from one another. My goal is to guide students to see how their God-given talents and abilities make them truly special. In my classroom, God and His calling for each of us will take precedence. We will learn what it means to fully trust in Him, confide in Him, and love others with the Love that He showers on us through Jesus. We will learn together what it means to develop wholly as a Christian.

I hope to make every day engaging, meaningful, and full of experiences that will be memorable where both I and my students can grow and learn from. I look forward to working with and learning from my colleagues and parents that make Hudsonville Christian incredibly special!