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Member Spotlight: Christina Sluyter

By Raevyn Harris posted 01-13-2025 12:00 AM

  

Member Spotlight: Christina Sluyter

We’re excited to spotlight Christina Sluyter, a passionate educator and mother of nine who transforms challenges into triumphs with the support of her KDP community. 

Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom?
A: KDP significantly enhances my teaching journey by providing a wealth of resources and opportunities. KDP offers access to professional development tools, networking with fellow educators. I also benefit from valuable publications, scholarships, and grants to support my future classroom.
 
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: As a stay-at-home mother of nine children, ranging from college students to a toddler, I found myself thrust into an unexpected role when COVID-19 struck. Suddenly, our home transformed into a bustling educational hub, with a flurry of homework assignments pouring in from various grade levels.
 
I also love teaching students and seeing them grow developmentally and socially. I see this when certain students require further assistance with adult supervision, and they are able to master socializing with their own peers in a positive way than when they first did.  I have seen many students change after Christmas breaks or summertime and they return to the new school year as a whole new person. It is a total transformation from working with them during the school year to the next. It feels great to know that I was a part of that social emotional coaching and that they worked on those skills during the summer. 
 
I also love teaching and connecting with students in a personal way that is tailored to their learning and who they are as individuals. I love seeing them connect with their peers or classmates and sharing their experiences with each other as well with me. 
 
Q: Outside the classroom, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
A: Life in our household is a whirlwind of excitement, centered around our passion for high school football and track. With nine children, there's never a dull moment, especially when it comes to sports!
 
Football isn't just a game for us; it's a family tradition. All my boys have donned the jersey, and currently, our son Zane is carrying the torch. The pinnacle of our football fever is approaching - Zane's State Championship game this Saturday. For those unfamiliar with high school football culture, it's an all-encompassing experience. From poring over game films (which, by the way, is the secret to sparking conversations with teenage boys) to working concession stands, we're fully immersed. And let's not forget the quest for the coziest blankets and heated stadium seats to combat those chilly game nights!
 
But our athletic involvement doesn't end with football. I've proudly earned the title of "track mom" at my children's school. This role keeps me on my toes, coordinating snacks for the entire season, spearheading fundraising efforts, and transforming the end-of-season banquet into a memorable celebration.
 
Beyond the sports arena, I find joy in the simpler things. The great outdoors calls to me, offering a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of sports schedules. In my moments of quiet, I indulge in my creative side - drawing, painting, and crafting. These artistic pursuits provide a peaceful balance to our action-packed family life.
 
Our days are filled with the cheers of victory, the camaraderie of teamwork, and the warmth of family bonds. It's a life brimming with activity, creativity, and love - and I wouldn't have it any other way!
 

Member Spotlights showcase KDP members who are making an impact both in and out of the classroom, whether they’re currently teaching or preparing to enter the field. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, fill out this form for a chance to be highlighted!

 
Connect with Christina:   
Instagram: @11ofussluyters
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