Spotlights
Christina McElwee '05 & '08
Employer
Grand Rapids Community College, Associate Professor
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-mcelwee-a5185320a/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Shortly after graduating with a BA in English with an emphasis on
Elementary Education, I was offered my first teaching job in Muskegon,
MI. As a Grand Rapids native, who has always been devoted to serving
the local community, I was a bit hesitant to accept this offer. But,
as a teacher just starting out, I knew I couldn’t be picky. In the
fall of 2005, I began teaching 2nd grade at Marquette Elementary.
Throughout my tenure at Marquette Elementary, I was also able to teach
1st grade, 3rd grade, high school Reading, and serve as a Literacy
Coach. It was during this time, I also completed my Master’s Degree in
Education with an emphasis on Literacy Studies/Reading Specialist.
During the last semester of my graduate program, my professor asked if
I would be interested in teaching a course as an adjunct at Grand
Valley. I knew it would be a significant change from the little ones I
was used to, but I never back down from a challenge. During the winter
of 2009, I taught my first class as an adjunct, while still living and
working full-time in Muskegon. Though the first few classes were a bit
rough, due to being so close in age to the students, I eventually
began to enjoy it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, in 2011 I applied
for a full-time tenure track position at Grand Rapids Community
College. I moved back to Grand Rapids and began teaching full-time as
a member of GRCC’s English Department in the fall of 2011. In addition
to teaching a variety of courses, I have also presented at multiple
national conferences on topics such as assessment, developmental
education, curriculum development, and multidisciplinary studies. I
received tenure in 2015. From 2016 to 2018, I assumed the role of
Director of Faculty Development at GRCC. In this role, I served the
college by developing a New Faculty Mentor Program, planning
large-scale college-wide professional development, creating a variety
of learning series’ to best meet the needs of faculty and staff, and
building connections with other colleges in Michigan. In 2014, I was
diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a genetic disease that
causes cysts to form on your kidneys and reduces kidney function. I
soon became a member of the PKD Foundation, and in 2016 I planned the
annual Michigan PKD Walk to raise money for and awareness of the
disease. I continue to be an active member and staunch advocate of the
PKD Foundation. In 2021, I started Teal Couch Consulting LLC, a small
consulting agency that focuses on technical and professional writing,
graphic design, and personalized workshops, and professional
development. I never imagined that I would become a small business
owner. As a woman of color, suffering from a chronic illness, I often
felt like the odds were stacked against me. This business is
definitely evidence of overcoming the struggles that I’ve encountered
on my journey.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
One of my favorite memories from Grand Valley was being a part of
the GVSU Dance Troupe. I had never taken any type of organized dance
classes prior but soon fell in love with the art of dance. I still
dance both recreationally and competitively today.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you
are.” ~Brené Brown
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Growth Rewarding Inspiring
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I feel that my profession is much more than just a job, it's a
calling. I've been called to inspire people to be their best selves
through education, professional development, and self-discovery. I
want other people to feel just as empowered as I feel and spread the
idea that no matter what circumstances may come into your life, you
can still achieve your goals.
December 2021
Interest Area(s)
English, Education-Elem Middle Teaching, Education - Literacy Studies
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