Position at Unity: I teach Physical Science (Freshmen), Physics (Juniors & Seniors), and Principles of Technology (Juniors & Seniors). I am the head girls cross country coach in the fall and head girls track coach in the spring.
Professional and Educational Background: I graduated from Dordt College in 1976 with a major in mathematics and a double minor in physics and physical education. I began teaching at Unity the same year and have completed 34 years of teaching and coaching at Unity. It has been a great experience! During this time I have also completed a Master of Science degree in Human Performance from Iowa State University. Over the years I have taught a variety of math and science courses from freshman through seniors.
Childhood and Family Background: I grew up in Nebraska on a farm and attended grade school and high school at Sutton Public Schools. I became acquainted with Christian day school education after I started attending Dordt College. I have an older brother, Dave, and a younger sister, Nancy. I was married to JoEllen Visser Poel until the summer of 2009 when she died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. I have four children, Nathan, a graduate student in architecture at the University of Oregon in Eugene; Dan, a 2010 graduate of Dordt College in exercise science and now employed with Sanford Health in Sioux Falls; David, a junior at Dordt College majoring in Criminal Justice; and Trevor, a sophomore at Unity Christian. God has provided for our needs through the compassionate care and prayers of many students and staff at Unity, our church family, and friends near and far.
Church Life: We are members of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Orange City. My heartfelt desire is for the church in our community to demonstrate the love of Christ in the ordinary things of life so that others may share in the grace of salvation from sin and a renewed life of service to God and to others.
Life Outside of Unity: My family is a wonderful gift from God. I enjoy sharing time with my chidren and celebrating life with them as a Dad. I also enjoy reading inspirational material and discipling others to love the Lord Jesus Christ. Running provides me with chance to exercise and enjoy the outdoors and I enjoy working out with our athletic teams at Unity.
Why I Teach at Unity: My goal in life is to bring honor to God through serving Him and other people around me. I try to do this by reflecting the character of God in my daily life and sharing with people the hope that I have in Christ. God made each of us for His purpose. I enjoy serving God at school by spending time with young people during a time of their life when they are making important life decisions about their direction in life. I want them to have a living relationship with God and discover His purpose for their lives. I also want them to see the purpose and design of creation as a testimony to a living God.