"Murch just felt right"
 
You might remember her from last year as pre-Kindergarten teacher Ms. Wierenga, but this year the newly married Betsy Wierenga has not only a new surname but also a new grade. Here she tells us how she’s adjusting to life in the Main Building, teaching first grade, as well as the many ways she’s become part of the Murch family and her own family has become a part of Murch.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan -- across the state from the “thumb.”  I stuck pretty close to home and attended Calvin College, a small liberal arts school in Grand Rapids with a strong reputation for its education program, where I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with minors in English and fine arts. Realizing I needed some space to spread my wings, I signed up for an overseas program in Newcastle, Australia. For six months of my junior year of college, I had the time of my life living and studying in Newcastle.  
 
What led you back to the States, and DC in particular?
While I was in Australia, I had the great fortune of meeting Nick, my husband, who was also studying abroad. After our semester in Newcastle wrapped up, I returned to Grand Rapids, and Nick returned to Pittsburgh, in order to finish school. After graduating in 2008, Nick was hired with the FDA, and we happily moved down to Washington, DC, to be together. After moving here, I applied to DCPS, and my first and only interview was with Murch. I had done my student teaching in third grade, and I was hoping to receive the third-grade position at Murch. On my way home from the interview, I received a phone call with an offer for the pre-Kindergarten position. I was hesitant, having had no early childhood experience and imagining my days spent wiping noses and tying shoes, but Murch just felt right. I never regretted my decision, and I loved my two years in pre-K. It was challenging and oh-so-rewarding, and I gained an invaluable understanding of the foundation of a child’s learning. It was certainly not all wiping noses and tying shoes, though, there was a little of that!
 
After two years of pre-K, you switched to first grade.
I was ready for a change and eager to get back into the things I really loved about elementary education, particularly Writer’s Workshop. I couldn’t be happier as a first-grade teacher, and the learning continues! Last year, my sister Amy Magee started at Murch as a pre-K paraprofessional, and my niece, Stella, started in second grade. It’s been fun to have my family in the Murch community.
 
Did you always want to be a teacher?
My mother thought so. I used to pack my younger brother a bag lunch and force him to play school with me for hours at a time. My mom told me my whole life that I would be a teacher someday. But I think part of my rebellion as a kid was thinking I would never be a teacher. In fact, I used to think I’d like to be a gerontologist -- until in high school when I worked at a retirement home.

What happened?
Well, I quickly learned that my gifts were better suited for the younger generations, but it was an interesting and emotional experience. Then I volunteered with an after-school program for elementary kids. It was life changing. The highlight of my week was taking the bus downtown to see these kids, helping with homework, and working with them in their neighborhood gardens. It became clear to me that my mom was right after all. She usually is.
 
Moms love to hear that. What was your family like?
I grew up in a blended family with eight brothers and sisters. I learned a lot about getting along with people, being patient, and finding a compromise -- and dealing with a lot of noise and activity!
 
If a little hubbub doesn’t bother you, what’s your greatest challenge as a teacher?  
I know I’m not the first to give this answer: time. There is never enough time for all of the researching, planning, organizing, preparing, teaching, assessing, responding, and conferencing that I want to do. I’m not sure I’ll ever figure that one out.
 
What do you do in your free time?
Last year, Ms. Bergin had the idea to bring Girls on the Run to Murch. Girls on the Run is a nationwide program that trains third through fifth grade girls to complete a 5K run while also teaching self-respect, healthy lifestyles, and community service. I had the privilege of coaching 15 amazing Murch girls, and we all completed the 5K in torrential downpours and cold temperatures this past December. It was incredible to watch these girls challenge themselves and grow as individuals and as a team. I definitely had tears in my eyes as I crossed the finish line with my niece Stella!
 
What other memorable moments can you recall at Murch?
In pre-K last year, my students and their families planned a surprise wedding shower for me. When I walked into the classroom, there were 20 little darlings waving white ribbons in the air with carnations pinned on their shirts and big smiles on their faces. I get emotional every time I remember it.
 
Of course, you do have a reputation as a beloved teacher. What’s your secret?
My style is gentle and firm, and I’ve found that it works well for me and for my students. Our classroom is calm and community-centered, and this allows us the space for creativity and cooperation in our learning. Though our classroom is typically calm, we always have fun together. We love singing and dancing, and we try to incorporate music and activity into all parts of our day.
 
What enhancements or curriculum would you like to see at Murch?
More than 20 Murch teachers spent two full weekends in a Responsive Classroom Workshop, and we are feeling re-invigorated. I would love to see the Responsive Classroom approach completely woven into everything we do at Murch.  
 
Finally, finish this sentence: “If I weren’t a teacher, I’d be….”
...a children’s book author. Maybe someday --  in my spare time.

 
-- Donna LaPorte Scharpf