We are back for the second volume of teachers who change lives. For the month of December, we will be featuring Mrs. Tinholt, a fourth-grade teacher from Wealthy Elementary. Mrs. Tinholt was also one of the Vision staff’s favorite teachers, so we are not surprised that so many students recommended her for this volume. 

When asked about her teaching style and approach, Tinholt said “I love learning and love finding ways to inspire children to love learning as well. This could mean an engaging lesson, an extra challenge, or by giving them the extra time they need to grow and learn”. 

Tinholt takes a professional, yet supportive approach to her teaching and influence on her students. 

“I believe that all children can make great strides in learning and all children should face

challenges. I believe that children are becoming more perfect each day. Mistakes are not a sign of ability or character but part of the learning process. When you are a child you are supposed to make mistakes and the adults around you are supposed to give you the resources you need for continued growth,” Tinholt said. 

A lot of Tinholt’s experience and teaching abilities come from her childhood. 

“I grew up in a family of teachers. They loved their jobs and

were so inspiring to me. A lot of my energy and passion comes from growing up around these fabulous people,” Tinholt said. “My aunt and uncle were the best teachers I have ever known. They built an entire park of nature trails for their students that is now a large part of the Grand Ravines Park in Ottawa County. Their love of teaching and the outdoors was evident in every part of their lives. I have always strived to be more like them.”

Tinholt also takes time outside of the classroom to further improve her teaching skills, something our students and community are appreciative of. 

“I was so fortunate to be a part of a global cohort through the University of Michigan that spent two summers in Geneva, Switzerland learning about 21st-century learning. This time helped to shape my pedagogy and approach to instruction,” Tinholt said. 

Tinholt is also a part-time lecturer at the university. 

What’s more, Tinholt leaves a lasting impression on her students that creates a genuine relationship. 

“The best part about being a teacher in EGR for 20 years is the children who come back and visit. I have this rule that if you are one of my students you are always one of my students. Just because you move on to 5th grade or any higher level of learning, you are always one of my kids. I have students that reach out to me often,” Tinholt said. 

Tinholt also has former students who come back and work as cadet teachers for her. This year, she has “an EGR graduate, Theo Wassink, who is volunteering in my room twice a week right now,” Tinholt said. 

If you have the chance, take the short trip over to Mrs. Tinholt’s room on the top floor of Wealthy Elementary and say hello. Maybe you’ll even leave with a jawbreaker.