Please join us in welcoming Ms. Alyssa Larson to Brookside Elementary, where she is beginning her teaching career as a 2nd grade teacher! A Kent City, Michigan, native, Ms. Larson graduated from Kent City High School in 2021 before attending Aquinas College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Athletic Coaching. While at Aquinas, she was also a member of the softball team.
Ms. Larson gained valuable classroom experience during her student teaching at Cedar Trails Elementary in Cedar Springs last fall. She then continued working in the same building and grade level as a long-term substitute from late November through the end of the school year. These experiences helped prepare her to begin her own classroom and continue doing what she loves—making a difference in the lives of students.
Ms. Larson credits the incredible educators she had growing up in Kent City for inspiring her to pursue a career in education. She shared that she has heard “numerous great things” about Big Rapids Schools and is excited to become part of the Brookside family.
Family is especially important to Ms. Larson. She is the oldest of four siblings and loves spending time with both her immediate and extended family. Her family has a strong connection to athletics, with her brother having played collegiate baseball at GRCC and her sister currently playing collegiate softball at MCC.
Outside of school, Ms. Larson enjoys camping with family and friends, shopping, watching sunsets, and cheering on her boyfriend at his Alma College football games. She is also passionate about giving back to her community through softball coaching and has coached at various levels for the past five years.
One thing that might surprise people about Ms. Larson is that she has undergone three knee surgeries, including two during her junior and senior years of high school. Despite those challenges, she persevered and continued playing softball at the collegiate level. Her experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of determination, hard work, and believing that anything is possible.
We are excited to welcome Ms. Larson to Big Rapids Public Schools and look forward to the energy, passion, and perseverance she will bring to her students and the Brookside family!