- Do you feel that you make an impact in a student’s faith life as a theology teacher?
**Absolutely I do, and not just in the act of teaching the course content, but in the way I listen and am open to the students. During classes students have disclosed their parents alcoholism, bullying, eating disorders, gender confusion, suicidal thoughts etc, and I have been able to help/intervene. One thing I challenge myself to do is learn all the students names on the first day. So many kids feel they are anonymous, and when you call them by name and say "Hi"in the hallways it makes a huge difference.
So you are not just teaching them you are serving them as “little ones” - the “least of my brothers.”
I love teaching religion. It’s satisfying, challenging, interesting and always new. **
- Why did you pick the student level that you are at? What is the difference between high school level theology teacher and college level theology teacher (besides a lot more time in college yourself!)
**I think you make the biggest difference with teens. they are exploring, confused, often lonely, and looking for meaning. They can also be funny, charming, enthusiastic and very open. And some days they are closed up, tense and negative.
So it’s always a challenge.
They are kids on the edge of adulthood and a little push in the right direction can have a huge impact.**
- Have you grown closer to God in your teaching about Him daily?
**Yes.
You have to, otherwise what you say and teach is hypocrisy. When kids ask you questions about sexuality, or other ethical/moral issues you has better speak from a place of honesty and integrity, otherwise you will fail the sniff test. What you say will be “fishy!”
So, when talking about god you can’t be phony, and this challenges you as a teacher to get closer to God.**
- How did you decide God was calling you to your current teaching position? Any tips or hints for discerning a career path in theology education?
**I had to get right in my relationship with God and with the church before I felt called to teach religion. I had taught all kinds of other subjects before, had got into school admin, and then took 12 years out to run my own business. I had a conversion, quit my business and came back specifically to teach religion and be a highschool chaplain. **
