Looking back at my childhood, I can see the beneficial effects of my Christian education overflowing into every aspect of my life.  My desire to pass on this blessing to others is one of the main things that originally drew me to AFA and is one reason why I am thrilled to continue teaching at the school. I consider it a high privilege and responsibility to be a part of my students’ lives at such an integral time, particularly when it includes their spiritual well-being. At AFA, Christ is always at the center, and it is from this focal point that all other subjects are taught. I love this! In a culture that tells us many roads lead to salvation and truth, it is very important for young people to have a solid Biblical foundation from which to form their ideas and opinions. In my classroom, the students learn to see the ways that Christ and the Scriptures are woven into each subject we study, and they get excited to look for ways that they themselves can apply principles from the Bible. AFA encourages and hones this worldview in the students in and out of the classroom, and it is neat to see the way that students grow spiritually as well as academically at the school.

Furthermore, the wonderful community at AFA is contagious! Students, faculty, and families all show a friendship and dedication to one another that is unique and special. One highlight of my day is walking with my class through the hall or out to recess and seeing the camaraderie between my 5^th graders and the 1^st graders. In addition, it is incredibly encouraging to see families support other families and teachers support teachers in both the best and the worst of times. The daily exhibition of Christ-like love and community in a school setting is something I have not witnessed before, and I feel blessed to be a part of AFA’s strong fellowship.

Also, a simple but no less important reason why I teach at AFA is because it is fun! A love of learning flourishes here, and I thoroughly enjoy digging into the material with my students. Why would anyone want to read textbooks or complete dull worksheets every day when instead he could perform plays, build castles, play jeopardy, and read Beowulf? As the teacher, I do not just shove information at my students, but rather we learn, discuss, and discover together. AFA students engage in lively discussions about their studies because they truly like the topics that they cover in class. Not only are the children taught to ask good questions and interact with the material in class, but they are exhorted to continue learning on their own at home. It shows the students’ love for learning that many do choose to go the extra mile and look up additional information. Taking ownership of their studies in this manner allows the students a chance to be enthusiastic and become independent learners. It is my joy to help them along the path! This experience with my students is one of the aspects of AFA that I treasure most.

Overall, it is my hope that my students value the characteristics of AFA that I do. I want them to continually grow in their relationships with and love for the Lord and to see Him in every area of their lives. I want them to see the benefits that come from a Christian community, and I want them to enjoy learning! AFA fosters all of these ideas, and I would honestly not want to teach anywhere else!