Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Alvarez.
Hi Shelly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always wanted to be an educator. Seriously, at age 5 I was determined to become a kindergarten teacher some day. Fast forward to age 23, a fresh GVSU grad, I was able to earn a Kindergarten teaching spot for Cedar Springs Public Schools. Twenty years later, I’ve enjoyed so many opportunities to grow as I’ve taught K, 2, 4, 5, and 6th grades, served as an instructional support coach, an assistant principal, a Middle School athletic director, and now I will begin the next leg of my journey serving as principal at our early childhood building to kick off the 26/27 year.
Along the way, I’ve joined the Pine Ridge Bible Camp team to enjoy beautiful summers with kids of all ages and backgrounds. During my time there, I’ve coordinated scheduling, taught chapels, supported with behavior needs, and truly…grown along the way. Bringing my education background to the summer camp world has not only been fun, it has grown my perspectives. It has also provided a supportive partnership with families and students. I really believe in summer camps and Pine Ridge is a sweet hidden gem. Their mission and ministry is a powerful one to help students truly engage in creation while connecting to build new friendships!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh man, the first year out of college, I was 22 and ready to take on the world…so I thought! It was a difficult time to find a teaching position in Michigan and many of my college friends were moving out of state to chases their dream of teaching. My husband and I already had a sweet little daughter so the idea of moving away just wasn’t of interest to me. I interviewed, made it to the final round and then heard each time, “we went with the candidate with experience.” To be real, this was pretty frustrating because the feedback I’d receive was positive, yet the area they decided upon was one that I couldn’t change. Thankfully, God had a plan and He always knows what I need before I know it. I was able to fill in as a long-term sub in a local district and by summer, we welcomed our second daughter into our lives. A week after she was born, I interviewed with Cedar Springs Public Schools and it just felt right. I remember coming home from the interview thinking this is definitely the one. That year I was offered 3 jobs, and it felt so wonderful to truly know that I find a home for myself as an educator and for our family to grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been in education for 20 years teaching. coaching, and leading. Now my title is in administration, but I’ll always be a teacher and a coach. I try to bring that thinking to the table because the power is within our team and the team is so important to me.
Honestly, as I look back on my career thus far, I am the most proud of my work as an instructional coach. We were blessed with a beautiful team of humans who worked diligently together for the growth of our students. Our team was flexible and supportive. Truly, it was one of the sweetest times in my career.
As far as our work at Pine Ridge, I’m proud of the love and compassion shown to all campers, but especially during our Freddy’s Friends weeks. Freddy’s friends is a week for disabled adults to enjoy the full camp experience. It is a time of genuine discovery, safety and acceptance. These weeks provide beautiful respite care as many caregivers are family members. These weeks have helped shape my daughters to recognize the needs of others and to grow servant’s hearts along the way.
I think something that sets me apart is my flexibility, spontaneity, and ‘give it to you straight’ approach:) I can roll with most things and adapt on the fly. I’ve been happy to teach multiple grade levels and move throughout our school buildings. A spontaneous change up to the day to create silliness is always welcomed. Throughout the month of December, I enjoy dressing as an Elf on the Shelf and I may have a few inflatable costumes in my cupboard behind my desk. You never know when you might need one! And, I’d say people would describe me as a straight shooter. Feedback is important and necessary for our student growth and also for ourselves. I’ve learned the most when colleagues have given realistic and honest feedback.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
As far as Grand Rapids…I love the fact that it is have so many big city feels, but it isn’t huge. We are blessed to have amazing medical care right downtown. ArtPrize is a gift in and of itself. The eclectic restaurant options are amazing, and now the new Amphitheatre addition is going to be a fun aspect as well. Furthermore, the university options in such a concentrated area is impressive. I also like the fact that you don’t have to go far to enjoy rural life. Grand Rapids really is a great balance.
I’ll be totally real with you, although I can appreciate cool things about the city, I’m just not a city girl. I prefer most to be in the country with hills, woods, and space.
