Josie Vander Stoep

Years at OCCS: 2020-present

Educational Background: Dordt College
Major: Elementary Education 
Endorsement: Special Education
M.Ed. Dordt University in Developmental Reading

Professional Experience: 
2017-2020: 3rd grade teacher at Sanborn Christian
2020-present: 3rd grade teacher

Family: I have been married to Tanner for 7 years. You will see him at Fareway behind the meat counter! I also have two dogs- Kobe and Oakley!

Faith Statement: 
It was never a part of the life plan to become a teacher. I hated school, so it was the last place I wanted to be. Now, it is one of the places I enjoy the most! God sure does have a great sense of humor! It is amazing how God used my struggle for such an incredible purpose. I now get the amazing opportunity to serve God every single day through helping His children discover more about His world, His Word, and all the wonderful gifts God has given to each of them. My prayer for each student that walks into my classroom is that they know they are loved, valued, and chosen by God, even when they go through all the struggles of life. By the time they have left my classroom, my hope is that they have grown a deeper understanding of why they were placed on this Earth; to serve our King!

Favorite verses:  
Psalm 23:1-4 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Church Membership: Trinity Reformed Church