This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Cassie Oostindie from East Kentwood High School in Michigan. Nominator Amy Hollandsworth wrote:
Cassie is the heartbeat behind the culture and spirit at East Kentwood High School. While she serves as a teacher, athletic trainer, Activities Director, HOSA advisor, and Renaissance leader, what truly sets her apart is the energy, creativity, and heart she brings to every initiative. She doesn’t just hold titles, she elevates them. A recent example of her impact was the February “Building the Road to Falcon Awesome” rally. With a full construction theme, Cassie helped organize and execute a schoolwide celebration focused on recognizing students. She and her team hand-made 1,170 backpack buttons to honor students for a variety of achievements and positive contributions. That level of intentional recognition shows how deeply she cares about making students feel seen and valued. She has helped lead high-energy initiatives like the schoolwide radio station contest hosted by the administration team, bringing excitement and unity to the entire building. She is also organizing one of the largest end-of-year senior parades in school history, celebrating nearly 600 graduates. This includes coordinating 11+ buses to transport seniors to 14+ elementary schools, where they walk the hallways one final time to inspire younger falcons. It’s a significant undertaking, and she manages it with enthusiasm, organization, and heart. Cassie leads by example, whether through planning major events, going all-out for spirit days, or championing student recognition through Renaissance. Beyond school, she is also a devoted wife and full-time mom of two amazing kiddos. Her leadership, creativity, and unwavering commitment to students truly embody what it means to be “Falcon Awesome.”
What do you teach? Are you involved with anything else at your school?
BioPhysics and Sports Medicine Teacher, Licensed Athletic Trainer, PBIS Coach, HOSA Club Advisor
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
At East Kentwood, our big school (2,800+ students) gives small school vibes. We have created an unstoppable culture of achievement and recognition. Our mission is to ensure that even with thousands of students, with 117 languages spoken in our hallways and 105 countries represented in our student body, we never lose the personal touch that makes every individual feel like they belong. We transformed this massive campus into a tight-knit community. Whether we are 3,000 strong at a rally or passing in the halls, we are dedicated to a culture where every single student, no matter where they come from or what language they speak, is seen, heard and valued. We aren’t just a big school – we are a massive family.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moments are, without a doubt, our Falcon Awesome school rallies. There is something truly magical about getting 3,000 staff members and students into one space just to celebrate one another. When you see that many people laughing and smiling together, the energy is unreal. It’s a powerful reminder that we aren’t just a school; we’re a community that knows how to find joy in the journey. A close second was definitely when Sheri and I got to bust a move on stage with Sara and Mike at JRGC ’25 after we received our Renny for our Rallies!
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
As a second-career teacher who entered the classroom on a “dare” from my principal, I spent my first 15 years feeling like I didn’t quite fit the traditional “education mold.” That changed when I attended my first Jostens Renaissance Global Conference. For the first time, I truly felt like I belonged in the classroom. Connecting with educators across the country to share ideas and collectively make our schools better for everyone is an incredible feeling. I love being part of the team that brings that energy back to East Kentwood.
What is something that helps you feel Better Than Good?
Student breakthroughs both on an off the court give me all the “Better Than Good” feels. There’s nothing quite like the magic of an “Aha!” moment at a desk when one of our kids suddenly “Gets It.” But also to hear the roar of the crowd during the games when a kid comes back from an injury. As a teacher and athletic trainer, I get a front-row seat to watching our Falcons fly, and honestly, that’s the best seat in the house.
What is something you do to help others feel Better Than Good?
High Five Fridays are easily a highlight of our week! There’s nothing like blaring music and rocking a giant foam hand to start the day by putting a ‘Better Than Good!’ smile on their faces. Beyond the high fives, I love celebrating our kids through Fantastic Falcon awards for their steady progress and Student of the Month honors for those quiet leaders who consistently do the right thing. It’s all about making sure every Falcon feels seen.
How do you handle pressure?
Handling pressure as both a teacher and an athletic trainer means being the calm in the center of any given storm. Whether navigating a complex classroom dynamic or managing a injury on the sidelines, focusing on the person in front of me rather than the chaos around is key. Staying grounded and keeping focus can turn a stressful situation into a opportunity for growth.
Cassie will receive a coffee tumbler and a lapel pin in recognition of her achievements.