My personal philosophy is based on the infallible Word of God.  God created human beings in His own image to take care of his beautiful and perfect world.  Man sinned and thus distorted all of creation.  God saw our need for redemption and sent Jesus to die on the cross and to be resurrected.  Realizing this message of the Bible, it is my task now as a teacher to show my students how sin has affected creation and to share with them the good news of salvation.  It is also my goal to encourage each of my students to use their knowledge and abilities to serve God and others, as the mission of Sioux Center Christian states.

Alot of what I believe concerning faith, learning, and Christian education can be broken into three categories: my view of students, the curriculum, and my instruction.  I see my students as unique, integral and holistic beings who are created in the image of our Lord and holy unto Him (Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 7:14).  Each child has his own characterisitics, abilities, shortcomings, learning styles, and experiences which I must recognize and celebrate.  I make a conscious effort to teach the whole child as I realize how easy it is for teachers to overemphasize students' intellectual dimension.  I think it is important to establish realationships with my students and to try to meet their individual needs as much as possible.

Because "the earth is the Lord's and everything in it" (Ps. 24:1) nothing falls outside of His control, including education.  Christian education is crucial in that it recognizes that the Lord is in all and through all.  Every dimension of the curriculum should reflect the awesome plan and design of creation.  For example, I can not teach science without marveling with my students at the coherent, intricate, and orderly universe our Lord has created.  I see my curriculum at SCCS as more than merely teaching first graders head knowledge.  The purpose of what I teach must prepare children for works of service (Eph. 4:12).  It is my desire for them to use what they know to become wise and responsible disciples of Christ and to grow in their relationship with Him.  I think the curriculum should be integrated as much as possible to reflect the interrelatedness of creation and to make learning more meaningful to my students.

Which brings me to instruction.  First of all, I think it is an important part of Christian instruction to share with my students the love I have for my Lord.  I need to daily model the love of Christ and the fruit of the spirit.  The Bible warns teachers in James 3:1 that we will be judged more strictly by God.  I take this seriously and I know that my teaching must be obedient and glorifying to the Lord and must take place in humble dependence on Him.  Because each child is unique, I think it is important to use a variety of teaching strategies in a supportive learning community where all children can contribute and feel accepted.  When I think of qualities of a good teacher, I am reminded that the Bible gives us a role model of the greatest teacher, Jesus Christ, and I strive to be like Him.