What do you teach at Traverse City Christian School?
I teach our “specials” out of the Learning Lab. This is a combination of remedial programs for students who come to us with learning disabilities, students who need help getting caught up in a particular subject, and Life Skills. I also assist teachers as needed (e.g. I was a sub (5 months) for Charlotte Dornbusch while she was out for maternity leave).
What do you love about TC Christian?
I love that I not only can be completely open about my faith in Jesus, but that I am encouraged to do so. I love being able to pray about anything and everything with my students. I also love seeing others praying during school hours. It is certainly a pleasure to work in an environment with Christian brothers and sisters. There is so much love and concern amongst the staff and students.
Why do you like teaching at TC Christian? What motivated you to become a teacher at TC Christian?
On a sunny day in August, two years ago (well, maybe it wasn’t sunny), on a “whim” I visited the TCCS website. Listed was an opening in the Learning Lab. Having had a similar position for 9 years at Lenawee Christian, I immediately called to see if the opening was still available. As they say, the rest is history. Assisting students in their academics is what I do. It is where God has put me and where he continues to use me. After moving to TC in 2014, I “tried” volunteering to fill my time, but found it to be quite unfulfilling as a sole focus.
How do you incorporate a Christian Worldview in your lessons at TCCS? I find it very easy to to do in Science. The complexity of God’s creation is such a testament to who He is that it is hard to ignore. When I taught science those 5 months for Mrs. Dornbush last year, I was thrilled when students commented in their teacher appreciation notes about how much we gave God the credit for the things were for learning about. My hope was for them to see Him so much in creation that they had to believe that He was the master designer of all things.
What is a unique experience, talent or interest that you bring to your role to help shape the experience of students and their families? I have many years of math and science tutoring in my background that I love to use when students have a difficult time in those subjects. I also use the internet extensively to research a variety of topics and in the past have taught 9th grade science with extensive computer use (even our text was online). I also love doing lab science and have incorporated that love whenever asked to teach science.
What sets TC Christian students apart from students in other schools? When I was in the classroom, I was surprised to get “thank-yous” from the students. Where else does that happen? Whenever I am asked to sub for a teacher, I find that, for the most part, the students are quick to get on task to complete what they are asked to do for that day. I often see students praying with teachers or other students.
A TC Christian tagline is “Teaching Students Purpose”. How do you accomplish this in your role at TCCS? I would like my students to know that God has a plan for them, meets them wherever they are, and uses them to accomplish his purposes (Eph 2:10). As I work with students, I learn their strengths and try to encourage them in those areas.
What do you want students to gain from having known you? Last year as I was going through my cancer journey, it was my desire that God would use me to show that we can be joyful and thankful in this life no matter what life throws at us. Our God is good and helps us through all of life’s experiences. I also wanted them to know that his Word is there to help us during these challenges. I had my collection of verses, many from the Psalms, that I kept on my desk and would refer to them as sources of encouragement.
