Staff Spotlight: Theresa Gleason
Theresa Gleason has dedicated her career to supporting migrant and multilingual students, making a lasting impact on the Bloomingdale community and beyond. With a passion for education, advocacy, and connection, she brings a wealth of experience and heart to her role at the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD).
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A Journey in Education
Theresa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, with majors in Science, Spanish, and Liberal Arts. She furthered her expertise by obtaining a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL) from Cornerstone University. Her educational journey also includes student teaching in Spain and Chicago, reflecting her dedication to multicultural learning experiences.
She is currently beginning her pursuit of a second Master’s degree in Literacy Studies through Western Michigan University, further deepening her commitment to supporting language development and literacy for all learners.
Before joining VBISD’s Migrant Program in 2005, Theresa taught Spanish and second grade at Fennville Public Schools. She also taught English in Mexico and gained hands-on experience supporting migrant children as a teacher at Telamon Migrant Head Start.
Supporting Bloomingdale Schools
For the entirety of her 20 years with VBISD, Theresa has served as a migrant teacher supporting Bloomingdale Public Schools. She works closely with children from preschool through high school, with a strong focus on developing their reading and writing skills. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom—she ensures that middle and high school students stay on track academically by providing guidance on assignments and maintaining communication with their teachers and parents. She also makes home visits and engages with children ages 3 to 5, fostering early literacy through songs and interactive activities. Additionally, she fields phone calls and texts from Spanish-speaking parents, helping build a strong bridge between families and schools.
To help keep families informed and connected, Theresa maintains the Van Buren Migrant/Multilingual website and manages the department’s Facebook page. She also publishes a weekly blog to share updates and resources with the community.
Embracing Technology and AI
Theresa’s enthusiasm for technology is evident in her embrace of AI tools. She recognizes their potential for enhancing student learning, particularly for English learners who can benefit from translation and comprehension support. However, she emphasizes the importance of using AI responsibly, ensuring it serves as a learning aid rather than a crutch.
Life Beyond the Classroom
Outside of her work at VBISD, Theresa has pursued several entrepreneurial ventures. She and her family own a successful short-term rental in South Haven. Her love for her hometown is showcased through her website, ExperienceSouthHaven.com, which highlights the area’s attractions.
In addition, Theresa’s creativity shines through AmberMoonBooks.com, where she has published 13 coloring books using AI-assisted design under her pen name, Amber Moon. Her latest endeavor is writing her first novel, a fictional story set in South Haven that blends fact and fiction.
Theresa is also very passionate about her family. She lives with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Camborley. She also has two step-children and two grandchildren whom she loves to see and spend time with regularly.
In her free time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and dancing. Last year, she even checked skydiving off her bucket list, sharing an exhilarating jump over Lake Michigan with her daughter.
Making a Difference
For Theresa, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing her students grow in confidence and skill. Her dedication to fostering their success, supporting families, and embracing innovation continues to leave a lasting mark on the Bloomingdale community.
To learn more about VBISD’s Migrant and Multilingual services, visit VBISDResources.com or follow along on Facebook.
