Laura Joustra

Hello! My name is Laura Joustra, and I have been teaching at OCCS since 2020. Prior to coming to Iowa, I taught for 11 years at Central Minnesota Christian in Prinsburg, MN. Here's a little information about me: I received a BA in Elementary Education from Calvin College in 2009, an MA in K-12 Education with an emphasis on technology from Bethel University in 2014, and a Gifted Education Certificate from Hamline University in 2017. When I'm not at school I love to read, watch TV, knit, quilt, bake, and spend time with my family, who live all over the country! I currently live in Granville with my dog Watson, and I attend Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City.

I believe that every child is unique and created for a purpose. In my classroom, I love trying to find different ways for students to use and share the gifts God has given them. My deep hope for students in my classroom is that they will discover God's unique world, their place in it, and how to make it a better place. All my teaching focuses around helping students do these three things.

My life verse is Psalm 46. No matter what life throws at me, the words of this psalm bring me comfort by reminding me that God is a refuge and strength and is ever present. Nothing surprises Him, and He never lets me down!