Big Rapids Public Schools is excited to welcome Maddy Duer as the newest Young Kindergarten teacher at Eastwood Elementary! A recent graduate with a passion for early childhood education and serving others, Miss Duer is eager to begin her teaching career and become part of the Eastwood family.
Originally from Spring Lake, Michigan, Miss Duer is the youngest of four siblings. After graduating from high school, she attended Ferris State University, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. During her time at Ferris, she also added a Child Life concentration, further deepening her understanding of how to support children and families through meaningful relationships and compassionate care.
Before joining Big Rapids Public Schools, Miss Duer worked as a nanny for a family in the Big Rapids community and previously served as a lead toddler teacher at a daycare in Reed City. She also completed her student teaching at Eastwood Elementary under the mentorship of Ashley Bouman, making her transition from student teacher to classroom teacher especially exciting.
"I am so excited to start my first 'big girl' job!" she shared with a smile.
Miss Duer says her path into education began during her senior year of high school when she spent an hour each day assisting in a kindergarten classroom.
"It quickly became my favorite hour of the day," she said. "I knew I wanted to go into education."
As she continued her studies at Ferris, experiences in early childhood classrooms and involvement with the university's Child Life program confirmed she had found her calling. One particularly meaningful experience was participating in Project Night Lights at DeVos Children's Hospital, where families, healthcare professionals, and volunteers came together to brighten the evening for children receiving care.
"That experience reminded me how much even small acts of kindness can impact a child," she said. "I've always wanted to serve people, and I feel like I've found my calling."
When it came time to choose where to begin her teaching career, Eastwood stood out above the rest.
"I've completed several internships and placements throughout college, but I've never stepped into a building as welcoming as Eastwood," Miss Duer shared. "Even as a student teacher, the staff and administration treated me like part of the team. I can't explain the joy I feel now that I'm officially employed by such an awesome school!"
Outside the classroom, Miss Duer enjoys balancing adventure with quiet time. She loves camping, pickleball, spontaneous road trips, and spending summer days at her parents' home on Pentwater Lake. At home, you'll often find her reading, sewing, or working on an embroidery project.
Although she doesn't have a dog of her own just yet, she gets her puppy fix by volunteering each week at the Big Rapids animal shelter. She admits it's both the perfect way to spend time with dogs—and a constant temptation to bring one home!
Students and families may also be surprised to learn that Miss Duer has a knack for organization. She enjoys creating tidy, organized spaces and says she could happily spend hours cleaning and organizing.
As she begins her first year at Eastwood Elementary, Miss Duer is excited to create a classroom where young learners feel safe, encouraged, and excited to come to school each day. She looks forward to partnering with families and helping students build the confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills that will support them for years to come.
Please join us in giving Miss Duer a warm Cardinal welcome to Eastwood Elementary and Big Rapids Public Schools!