What motivated you to become a teacher?
I’ve always been passionate about learning, relationships, and history. Combining these things with the ability to share my faith openly was appealing, and I’ve been thrilled I went down that path.

What are your favorite moments with students?
Anytime I have the opportunity to get to know students on a deeper level is always a joy. I also enjoy coaching Worship Team and Quiz Bowl. Finally, all of the times students make me laugh are definitely highlights.

What is the most important life lesson you want your students to learn in your class?
That Jesus is faithful, forgiving, and loving. He wants us to be alive in Christ, and then share the joy of a life fully lived with others.

Why are you passionate about the subject(s) that you teach?
I’ve always been fascinated by history, but beyond that, I want students to understand the world, and use that knowledge to communicate better with people from all over the world. I furthermore want students to have the experience of being guided through problem solving activities, develop their reading and writing abilities, and grasp history from a gospel-centered perspective.

What kinds of creative things are you doing to keep students excited and engaged with e-learning?
I enjoy setting up the school day with a video clip, whereby I’ll share things like current events, a passage of Scripture, and a prayer. It has been fun seeing students work collaboratively on google docs, analyzing video clips, images of the Vietnam War, and crafting thoughtful responses. Recently, I asked students to interview parents or grandparents about the 1960s and 1970s to better understand the era and make personal connections in a time of social isolation.

What advice do you have for parents considering Christian education?
I know it’s a sacrifice, but it’s a valuable and rewarding investment. Teachers at Wheaton Academy love sharing their faith in Christ with students, and encouraging them to grow in Christ as well. Furthermore, teachers care not only for their spiritual well-being, but their academic, emotional, and physical well-being also. It is our joy and privilege!

---

At Wheaton Academy, we believe that students grow to become like their teachers (Luke 6:40)—that’s why it’s so important that 100% of our faculty, coaches, and staff are empowered to speak Biblical truth to our students.