Elementary School

When I started seriously thinking about what I wanted to do with my life, I knew it was either to become a psychologist or a teacher. I started down the psychology road and completed a psychology degree from OSU in 1996. During this same time my wife, Carolyn and I started our family and I felt I really needed to take a different direction that would earn a paycheck quicker to support a family, so I attended Corban University and earned a teaching certificate.

The summer after I earned my teaching certificate, I had several interviews in public schools but was beat out by teachers with experience. I had picked up an application from Albany Christian School, but didn’t really want to teach there because I had my mind set on being a missionary in a public school. So I did not fill out the Albany Christian application. By the end of summer I still didn’t have a public school job, so I filled out the application for Albany Christian and got an interview. The principal told me he was hoping I would come back. Two hours after the interview I got a phone call with a job offer to teach 4th grade. In my mind I thought I would teach a year and then apply for a public school job with a better chance of getting a job having some experience.  

But God had a different plan for me. After a year teaching at Albany Christian School, I was hooked. Teaching kids in a classroom and having the freedom to teach God’s word was what I wanted to do. I taught at Albany Christian School for 4 years and then applied for a 4th grade position at East Linn Christian and got that job. I loved being in the classroom teaching elementary students and soon realized that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

 After several years of teaching I was encouraged by a lawyer acquaintance to pursue classes to become a mediator which was very appealing because of my love for psychology. I took classes to become a mediator and did volunteer work as a mediator for juvenile victim/offender cases for Benton and Linn County Juvenile Courts for several years. I was wondering if God was leading me into another direction because of the satisfaction I got from helping children resolve their legal problems.

After about 15 years of teaching I decided I should start working on a Masters degree to learn more about being a Christian school teacher. I completed a Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Corban University in 2014. Also in 2019 I received a Professional Lifetime Education Certificate from ACSI.

Before I finished my degree, I was offered the job of elementary principal of Linn Christian Elementary School. Looking back I see how my love of psychology, becoming a mediator and earning a master’s degree was all planned out by God to prepare me as a principal in an elementary school. It has been a very rewarding job.

My own 3 children have been blessed by some very special teachers here at East Linn, and I hope to bless my students and their families while I teach here, too. 

Educational Background:
Bachelors of Science – Human Development and Family Studies / Minor in Elementary Education. – Oregon State University
Masters of Art in Teaching (MAT) – Oregon State University
Oregon Teaching License from TSPC – From 2003.
 

Years in Education: 8

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2015
 

Favorite Scripture: The 23rd Psalm
All of Psalm 23 is a comfort to my soul. I was thankful to memorize it all last summer during a personal Bible Study. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...." 

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that my students would know they are children of God and will follow their Heavenly Father.

My travels have allowed me to see education in different corners of America and I can say without a doubt, ELCA is a truly special place and in my opinion, THE BEST school! I am very thankful God led my family and me here. Anyone who experiences being a part of this school is truly blessed!
 

Educational Background:
B.Ed. from University of Hawaii. 
ACSI and TSPC-I received my teaching license in three states (Hawaii, Connecticut and Oregon).

Years in Education: 19

Years at East Linn Christian: 5

Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I think of this verse when I am anxious or fearful. I "Grab Hold," and remember God is with me. This thought fills me with peace.

My Deep Hope: My deep hope for my students is that when they struggle, they don't give up, and instead "Grab Hold" to God's hand and let Him pull them through.
 

I graduated from East Linn. The teachers and experience here changed my life in a way I am not sure I will ever be able to express the exact value of, and it definitely got me started on the journey to deepening my faith into something whole-life consuming. My goal as a teacher here is to do my best to deliver that experience to every student that walks through my doors. I love seeing "aha!" moments, hearing students ask great questions, watching students discover the joy of exploring the Bible, and walking alongside students as they discover who God says they are through the sacrifice His son made on their behalf. 
 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science – History, Corban University: Salem, Oregon
ACSI certified teacher

Years in Education: 5
This is my 5th year teaching and my 3rd as a head classroom teacher.

Years at East Linn Christian: 5
 

Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  I think understanding our identity in Christ is foundational to being able to walk in an upright way in this world and at this time. If we know God has created us by hand and loves us the same even with the mistakes we make every day, then what can shake us? From my understanding, the Greek word for "workmanship" here is "poiema", which is very similar to "poem". I love the image that we are God's poems. I have made my fair share of poetry and I am proud of it even when it doesn't come out exactly like I had envisioned or hoped. While God doesn't have the same problems with authorship that I do, I know I make a mess of His poem sometimes and it is comforting to know He is more proud of me than I am of any poem I've ever created.

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that students would discover and embrace the identities God has been singing over them since before they were born.
 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (1983). University of South Dakota – Vermillion, South Dakota
Teaching Certificate with music endorsement, Corban University – Salem Oregon
Nationally Certified teacher of piano through Music Teachers National Association,

Years in Education: 4

Years at East Linn Christian: 1

Favorite Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in His time.”
 

My Deep Hope: My deep hope for my students is that together, we can become His shining stars by reflecting His Light through joyful praise.