From Student to Success: How Grace College Guided My Path in Elementary Education

By Kymberly Oliver (BA 27) 

From student to success, Brandon Kleber is a 2025 Grace College graduate who continues his passion for teaching at Jefferson Elementary in Winona Lake, Indiana. 

In a recent interview, Kleber reflects on his path to Grace, how his experiences shaped him, and how his education has set him up for success in his first year of teaching.

Background/High School

Growing up, Brandon’s role model was his neighbor. His neighbor was the women’s cross-country coach at Seymour High School and an elementary teacher at the school. In his senior year of high school, Brandon sat in his elementary class and instantly felt at home. 

“I was in his classroom all year, and I just fell in love with kindergarten. I love it so far this year, this is where I want to stay.” 

With the influence of his neighbor and classroom experience, Kleber knew he wanted to pursue a degree in elementary education. He says that interacting with the kids and being a positive influence for them fills his cup. 

College Experience 

When coming to college, Grace influenced Brandon in two ways: academics and athletics. Throughout Brandon’s four years at Grace, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and competed for the cross country and track and field team. 

“Grace College was a good opportunity to balance running competitively and what I wanted to do academically.”

When asked about a time he recognized that education was his calling, Brandon recalls his hands-on experience within the teaching practicum. 

“They don’t wait until your last few years to get you into the classroom. In my freshman year, I was already in the classroom interacting with the kids. By my sophomore year, I was teaching them.” 

Another highlight of Brandon’s experience at Grace was how his professors prayed for their students before class, and his coaches before every meet and practice. This allowed Brandon to grow and exercise his faith. He uses this experience to impact his students as well. 

“While I can’t talk about the Lord in a public classroom, I try to show my faith in how to treat others through my actions and words.” 

Success After Graduation/Impact and Reflection

Being in the classroom early on not only allowed him to build these relationships with students but also opened doors to opportunity. An opening in the kindergarten classroom allowed Brandon to stay in the area, right across the street from Grace. 

Graduating from Grace College with a major in elementary education in May of 2025, Brandon started his job at Jefferson Elementary in the fall. Because of his many teaching practicums and extensive experience in the classroom, the transition was easy. Now, Brandon is in charge of a group of students, teaching them numbers, letters, and sounds. 

“We start from ground zero to help and prepare these students for first grade.” 

The most rewarding part of his teaching is the impact he has on his students. He desires to be a positive role model for them. Since he is one of the only male teachers at Jefferson, Brandon recognizes the roles and responsibilities he needs to display.

“My classroom is by the cafeteria, so I see students walk by all day, and I get to interact with kids who aren’t even my students.” 

It’s in the small moments that Brandon uses his faith and love to impact a student. Currently, Brandon and his wife live in the Winona Lake area and plan to stay. He wants to complete a master’s degree in administration to see where it takes him in his educational career. 

“Jefferson is where I wanted to be.” Brandon found a home in kindergarten education right here in Winona Lake.  

Throughout his journey at Grace College, Brandon Kleber was able to reflect on his hands-on experience, spiritual growth, and meaningful relationships in the elementary education program. His education goes beyond academics. Kleber goes from student to success right out of college by making an impact in his teaching career for the next generation. Brandon Kleber is a perfect example of how the right education and experience can change a passion into a calling. 

Learn how Grace can do that for you by checking out our website.