Hart teacher radiates kindness 

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. 

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

HART — Spitler Elementary School first grade teacher Kelli Gross has a passion for teaching, and her passion, kindness and hard work have sparked well-deserved recognition.

Gross received the United Way of the Lakeshore Distinguished Educator Award, which is awarded annually to educators in Oceana, Muskegon and Newaygo counties.

“I am very grateful,” she said. 

“I have wanted to be a teacher my whole life. Teaching is definitely a calling.” She was inspired by her own first grade teacher Rhonda Bird in Kent City where she grew up. “I am grateful that I do something that I love.”

She recently reconnected with Mrs. Bird, who taught for 46 years.

“I loved everything about her — she was kind and loving. And the classroom was so vibrant and welcoming — like a home away from home, a warm hug.” Gross has definitely followed in her mentor’s footsteps with a colorful and friendly classroom and a kind and loving presence.

Gross has taught at Spitler for 20 years, instructing both kindergarten and first grade. “You see so much growth,” she said of her young students. “It’s so neat to see how far they’ve come.”

She obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University in 2003 and then a master’s degree in education from Marygrove College.

She taught at Kenowa Hills due to budget-driven teacher layoffs in 2007, but fortunately was able to return to Hart after one year.

This year, she added a furry friend to her cheerful classroom — Guinea pig Herbie. “She’s been an awesome addition so far.” Students rotate as “Herbie Helpers” to assist with the pet’s care. “They sit in there and read to her,” she said of the enclosed space where Herbie spends most of her time during the school day. “It teaches them to care for something beyond themselves, problem solving, building responsibility and so much more.”

“Kelli Gross is a phenomenal teacher and so deserving of this award,” said Superintendent Mark Platt. “Hart Public Schools is lucky to have her in the classroom, teaching and guiding our young Pirates to be amazing and kind people.” 

“She is one of the kindest and most nurturing people I know,” said Spitler Principal Brandon Bruce. “This award couldn’t have gone to a more deserving educator.” 

“She’s fabulous,” said Spitler Administrative Assistant Gwen Herremans. “We have parents who request to have their kid in her class.” Many of her former students who are now high school students stop in to see Ms. Gross, said Herremans.

A student she taught in kindergarten, Hart High School senior Alex Hicks, selected Gross for yet another award this school year. “He’s 7 feet tall, and I still call him my kinder.” Seniors on the Pirate football team chose educational professionals who made a difference in their lives to be honored.

Teaching has many benefits, but there are also challenges. “There are days that are hard,” she said. There are hard days for the students, too. Gross developed a communication system with parents who can send her a message simply stating “handle with care” for kids who are having a problem at home or maybe had a rough night. “So that I know to give them a little extra love or a little extra patience or modify their work. If they’re sleeping (in class), let them sleep. You have to take care of that first before any academics go on.” 

She asks no questions of the parents or the kids about what is going on.

Twice a month the teacher has lunch with a few of her students for “Lunch Buddies.” The students enjoy having that extra time with their teacher, and she likes hearing their stories.

Gross is also a mom — her daughter Ellie is a freshman at Hart High School.

“The relationships you build with students are so important.” The teacher is focused on creating a safe and welcoming place for her students. “A place where they are so excited to come and are ready to learn and flourish. If you’re not feeling safe or welcome, not much learning is going to take place.

“Bringing joy to the classroom and bringing a passion for whatever you’re doing is so important.” 

Honored teachers receive school supplies through the United Way of the Lakeshore’s Stuff the Bus campaign.

Other Oceana educators receiving the Distinguished Educator Award include:

Pentwater: Lucy Macher

Shelby: Karen McLouth

Hesperia: Roxanne Kammer

Walkerville: Mandy Achterhof

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