From a military childhood to a new home in Big Rapids, Tori Zukowski is excited to join Riverview Elementary!
For Tori Zukowski, calling Big Rapids “home” is a new experience—and one she is embracing wholeheartedly.
Tori grew up as a military kid, having the opportunity to live in Japan twice, Belgium, Canada, and eventually Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She considers Carlisle her hometown and graduated from Carlisle High School before heading to West Virginia University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is currently finishing her master’s degree in Special Education from WVU.
And while she’s learning to see blue and yellow as University of Michigan colors instead of WVU colors, she admits she still gets excited every time she sees them!
Before joining Big Rapids Public Schools, Tori taught at BASS Elementary in Lynchburg, Virginia, a year-round school.
Teaching has been a lifelong dream for Tori. In fact, she says she knew she wanted to become a teacher as early as first grade.
“When I was younger, I would come home from school and play ‘school’ with my stuffed animals,” she shared. “Teaching has been my dream job since I was in first grade, so becoming an educator has always felt like something I was meant to do.”
Her journey to Big Rapids was just as meaningful. Tori knew she wanted to move to Michigan but didn't have a particular community in mind. After applying to schools in several areas, she received an interview opportunity with Big Rapids Public Schools—and something told her she needed to attend in person.
She arrived early for her interview and spent some time exploring Big Rapids.
“As I drove around Big Rapids, it felt like a small-town version of my hometown, and I immediately had a feeling that I was ‘home,’” Tori said.
That feeling grew stronger during her interview, where she saw firsthand the supportive relationships among teachers, staff, and the community.
“Since I didn’t have any family or friends in the area, finding a community where I could feel like I was part of a ‘family’ was a big priority for me when searching for my forever home,” she said. “The Big Rapids community has been nothing but welcoming, generous, and patient as I made the 11.5-hour move and continue to become familiar with the community and its culture.”
Outside of school, Tori loves traveling and exploring new places. Since moving to Michigan, she has been checking out surrounding communities, visiting beaches, and attending local fairs and rodeos. Once school is in session, you’ll likely find her at hockey games and other sporting events.
When she’s staying home, Tori enjoys tackling 1,000- to 2,000-piece puzzles while listening to a good audiobook.
Tori is also excited to bring her love of learning and connection to her new fourth-grade students.
“I am so happy that Big Rapids chose me to be the new fourth-grade teacher!” she said. “I love my ‘older’ kiddos, and I can’t wait to continue inspiring them, building connections with them, and watching them grow.”
And if you're looking for a fun fact about Tori, there are plenty to choose from! She is half Canadian and has already visited 15 countries and 21 states—with more adventures still to come.
We’re thrilled that one of those adventures brought her to Big Rapids!
Welcome to Riverview, Tori! We’re so glad you found your way to Cardinal Country and are excited to have you as part of our BRPS family!