Emily Pettinga, a 1st grade teacher at Hudsonville Christian Elementary (MI), has been named the Open Up Resources Teacher of the Month for September 2025. Pettinga is being recognized for her outstanding work in her classroom and ongoing support of teachers across the country as a member of the Open Up Resources National Professional Learning Community.

Pettinga’s work with Bookworms K–5 Reading and Writing makes her one of the most innovative teachers in the country. The Bookworms K–5 Reading and Writing curriculum inspires a new way of teaching language arts by engaging students through compelling, real-world content to build equitable and inclusive learning opportunities.

Malyn Van Koevering, a colleague at Hudsonville Christian Elementary, nominated Pettinga for her efforts in building a safe community for learning in her classroom. Van Koevering shared, “Emily does a great job of creating a safe and welcoming community for all in her students. She works hard to make sure that kids feel like they belong and that they are known in her classroom.”

In her nomination, Van Koevering described how Pettinga provides effective instructional support for her students. She explained, “[Emily] goes out of her way to adapt her lessons and materials to make sure all learners’ needs are met. She is a cheerleader for her students, and she works to help each child feel successful, no matter their starting point.”

Pettinga shared more about her experiences as a 1st grade teacher using Bookworms K–5 Reading & Writing, where most students are starting on their reading journey. Pettinga said, “I am going into my 3rd year using the [Bookworms] curriculum, and I have seen great successes with ALL my students. There are not many curricula that truly meet the needs of all learners.” And she offered some insight about the curriculum to those considering adopting: “If you want an all-in-one, well-done, curriculum that is teacher-friendly and engages students with full support for all learners built in, this is an amazing find!”

Open Up Resources is a non-profit publisher in pursuit of delivering the highest quality learning experiences for all students by providing educators best in class, research-based PreK–12 curricula and professional learning so they may support every student’s academic success and create in-class experiences that celebrate, honor, and empower all students. Learn more at www.openupresources.org.