What do you teach / do at TC Christian?
Cultural Geography, World History, US History, Economics, Government, and Understanding the Times
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I love to see them grapple with new concepts and develop solutions with the tools they have at their disposal. I am thankful that I have the freedom to not only show how God has continued to work through human history but encourage students to engage problems from a Christ-centered approach.
How do you incorporate a Christian Worldview at TC Christian?
When we approach history it is apart of God’s continuing story of redemption. We can look at history honestly knowing that sin has caused hurt but there are also redemptive forces at work as well which we can endorse and learn from today.
What unique experience, talent, or interest do you bring to your role to help shape the experience of students and their families?
I would say that my lifelong interest in history as not just my job but also a personal fascination for how people have lived hopefully helps me bring history to life with personal details. Also my commitment to the ideals of scripture and my parents I felt strongly about service and protection of others so I served in the Michigan Army National Guard for several years at home and overseas.
What would students be surprised to find out about you?
I was born in Traverse City, but did not live here until permanently until I met my wife, in between I lived in 9 places and traveled to 6 countries not counting passing through Germany and Ireland.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Summer time is family time so we split our time split between day trips, my wife’s family locally, and my family which is all over the eastern seaboard and midwest.
What school sport or activity do you enjoy watching?
The sport I really get into still is soccer, after playing for four years in high school, this game still draws me into the action like no other.
What is your favorite bible verse?
This verse has comforted me in war zones and exam weeks:
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Proverbs 3:6 – In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day and why?
I think I would have to say Judge Wheat’s class, specifically her 8th Grade American History, because every teacher brings their own expertise to their subject matter, and the combination of her background with the topics that are regularly discussed on a weekly basis. Sounds like a fun class.
