Kristin Yates is excited to begin a new chapter at Big Rapids High School as an English Language Arts teacher. While Kristin may be new to the classroom in this role, she is certainly not new to BRHS or to the Big Rapids community.
Kristin grew up in Laingsburg, Michigan, and graduated from Ferris State University. Her connection to Big Rapids High School began during her college years, when she completed her student teaching at BRHS.
“I knew it was some place I'd love to end up again,” Kristin shared. “I’ve always loved the relationships that come with working in education—the opportunity to get to know students, help them grow, and hopefully make a positive impact along the way.”
Education comes naturally to Kristin, who comes from a family of educators. She previously taught and coached volleyball at Fremont High School and Crossroads Charter Academy before taking time away from education to raise her three children.
During that time at home, Kristin found other ways to put her writing skills to work, becoming a transcriptionist and blogger. She wrote about a wide variety of topics for companies throughout the United States.
Her path eventually led her back to Big Rapids High School. In January, Kristin joined the BRHS staff as a Literacy Paraprofessional. That experience quickly reminded her how much she enjoyed being part of a school community—and how much she missed the classroom.
“Being the Literacy Paraprofessional at BRHS reminded me just how much I enjoyed working in the school system,” she said. “That experience ultimately brings me back to where I belong—the classroom.”
Outside of school, Kristin stays busy cheering on her three children during soccer and football seasons. When she has some downtime, she enjoys spending time at the lake or getting lost in a good book. Kristin and her husband actually met while taking education classes at Ferris State University, and they now have three children together.
And if you’re looking for a fun fact about Kristin, she has a pretty unusual hidden talent:
She can wiggle her ears!
Kristin is excited to be back at BRHS and to begin this next chapter as a teacher.
“I’m excited to be back at BRHS and to begin this next chapter as a teacher,” she said.
Welcome back, Kristin! We’re excited to have you in the classroom and are so glad your journey has brought you back to Big Rapids High School!