Rachel Vanden Hull’s Journey from Inspired Student to Creative Teacher
Teaching is more than a career—it's a calling, and Rachel Vanden Hull embodies that spirit wholeheartedly. Inspired by a caring teacher who sparked her love for learning, Rachel now passes that passion along to her students daily. From sharing joyful moments in the classroom to fostering strong relationships and experimenting with innovative tools, her teaching journey is a testament to the power of connection and creativity. In this blog, Rachel shares her insights, memorable experiences, and advice for new teachers, giving us a glimpse into her inspiring approach to education. Ready to feel inspired? Let’s dive in!
What inspired you to become a teacher and what's been the most rewarding part of your teaching journey so far?
I was inspired by a teacher who made a big impact on me, not just by teaching me how to read, but by showing how much she cared. That experience sparked my love for teaching. The most rewarding part of my journey has been helping students discover a love for learning and seeing them grow. I also really enjoy learning and collaborating with other teachers, whether that's online or in person—it keeps me inspired and growing as an educator.
Could you share a memorable classroom moment that reinforced why you chose this profession?
Honestly, it's the moments when my students and I laugh so hard together. Those lighthearted, joyful interactions remind me how much I love my job. Building relationships with my students is at the heart of what I do, and those connections make the learning experiences even stronger and more meaningful.
What innovative teaching strategies or tools have transformed your classroom experience?
Building strong relationships with my students is one of my most effective teaching strategies. I love starting the day with opening circles. Community-building games set the tone for trust and collaboration. Alongside that, I use tools like Google Classroom, Canva, and even new AI tools to make learning engaging, creative, and relevant for my students. I’ve also used canva to create teacher resources for my teachers pay teachers page. Combining these approaches helps me create a classroom environment where students feel supported and excited to learn.
If you could design your dream classroom with unlimited resources, what would it look like and why?
My dream classroom would have plenty of flexible seating to encourage collaboration, a massive library filled with books to inspire readers, and lots of open space for students to move around and learn actively. I want my classroom to feel like a place where students can thrive, both academically and creatively.
What's the most valuable piece of advice you'd share with new teachers starting their careers?
Set clear and consistent expectations for your students—it’ll save you so much time and stress in the long run. Build friendships with your coworkers because having a support system at work makes all the difference. And most importantly, have fun! Teaching can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you let yourself enjoy the journey.
Conclusion
Rachel’s journey as a teacher is a shining example of how passion, creativity, and connection can transform a classroom into a thriving community. Her dedication to helping students grow, combined with her innovative approach to teaching, is truly inspiring. Whether she’s fostering laughter, building relationships, or creating engaging resources, Rachel proves that teaching is as much about heart as it is about strategy.
Want to keep up with Rachel's teaching adventures and gain more inspiration? Be sure to follow her on Instagram at @shineinfifth!