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Gertrude Vander Ark Collection, 1924-1984

Collection Overview

Title: Gertrude Vander Ark Collection, 1924-1984

ID: COLL/273

Creator: Vander Ark, Gertrude (1907-1994)

Extent: 0.5 Cubic Feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Date Acquired: 00/00/1976

Abstract

Professor of teacher education at Calvin College. The collection includes biographical information, diplomas, a research report entitled "Study of Undergraduate Elementary Teacher Education in Michigan Teacher Education Institutions," bulletins regarding teacher certification, and an article.

Biographical Note

Gertrude Vander Ark was born in Manhattan, Montana on August 24, 1907. She first attended Montana State Teacher's college for a year and then went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree from Calvin College in 1940. She furthered her education at the University of Michigan, earning a master's and Ed.S. degrees. Vander Ark went on to teach at a number of Christian schools before accepting a faculty position at Calvin College in 1959.  She began as a part-time assistant in the education department. Only a year later she was working as a full-time instructor and eventually becoming an assistant professor of Education. By 1964 she was appointed supervisor of the elementary student teaching program. Vander Ark also found time to serve on five college committees. In August of 1974 Vander Ark retired.

Vander Ark was involved on various associations and councils outside of Calvin as well. She was a member of the Grand Rapids Administrative Council, Midwest Christian Teachers Association, and the Grand Rapids Educators Club to name just a few. She was an active member of Fuller Avenue CRC, where she taught Sunday school and served as a leader of various girl groups. She actively participated in church choirs as well. She directed the choirs of Immanuel CRC and East Paris CRC.

Gertrude Vander Ark passed away on January 1, 1994.

Administrative Information

Alternate Extent Statement: 1 Boxes

Acquisition Source: Gertrude Vander Ark, 1976 and Mark Vander Ark, [1984]


Box and Folder Listing

Series 1: Biographical and Bibliographical Information --- 1973-1983
Box 1
Folder 1: Biographical and bibliographical information --- 1973-1983
Series 2: Bulletins, Rules, Manuals, and Circulars --- 1924-1928
Box 1
Folder 2: Bulletins, rules, manuals, and circulars re: teacher certification --- 1924-1928
Series 3: Diplomas --- 1933-1964
Box 1
Folder 3: Diploma: License to teach, The State Normal College, University of Montana --- 1933
Folder 4: Diploma: Bachelor of Arts, Calvin College --- 1940
Folder 5: Diploma: Master of Arts, University of Michigan --- 1953
Folder 6: Diploma: Specialist in Education, University of Michigan --- 1964
Series 4: Report, Article, Correspondence --- 1964-1984
Box 1
Folder 7: Research report: "A Study of Undergraduate Elementary Teacher Education in Michigan Teacher Education Institutions" --- 1964
Folder 8: Article and sketch:"With us Today: Gertrude Vander Ark Teacher and Traveler," Grand Rapids Press --- March 28, 1984
Folder 9: Correspondence re: Grand Rapids Press article --- 1984