Michelle Nibbelink

Professional Biography

I graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa in 2003. I majored in both Elementary Education and Special Education. While attending college I was a member of the track and field team. My specialty event was javelin. I decided to leave cold Midwest winters behind, and I headed to sunny San Jose for my first teaching job. I taught a straight 4th grade class for one year, taught the 4th/5th Combo class for 5 years, and have taught a straight 5th grade for many years. Eight years ago I added Learning Center to teaching credentials teaching both the 4th and 5th graders in the area of language arts. Now in my nineteenth year of teaching, I am excited to be teaching in the 5th grade for Language Arts, Math, and History, but also still working with the 4th grade Learning Center students in the afternoons.

Personal Biography

I grew up in Manhattan, Montana and I am truly a farm girl at heart, which is evident in the many stories I share in how I grew up. I have always been active in sports, and still love to watch and talk about anything to do with Vikings football. I met my husband, Brett, in college. We were married right after graduation. We headed to California so I could teach at SJCS and he could begin his work as a mechanical engineer. We have a daughter and son who attend SJCS. I love camping, traveling, and playing games.

Christian Philosophy of Education

As teachers, I believe that we have an important task in modeling the Christian life. We need to show the students, in all situations, how to walk with Jesus. We, as educators, need to be partners with the parents and their church in raising each child. It is my desire to strengthen their love of the Lord and His awesome creation that He has made. 1 Timothy 4:12 means a great deal to me, for I believe as Christian educators that we should be empowering students to be examples in this world, showing everyone what it is like to live as a follower of Christ.