By: Perimeter School teachers

This week (May 3-7) is National Teacher Appreciation Week! We are so thankful for each and every teacher we have here at Perimeter School and are continually blessed by the many ways they invest in the lives of our students and families.

We are excited to highlight what a few of our teachers love about teaching at Perimeter School. Please take time this week to acknowledge what you love about them!

LOWER ELEMENTARY

ANNE JOHNSON (GRADE K):

"I love teaching because it is so fun!! 

Last week I came home to tell my family about apple stamping, apple graphing, and apple stories ending with our applesauce dance party during ‘A’ week, and they all lamented that they weren't still in kindergarten.

I get to work with nine children who love to have fun and explore as much as I do! Who wouldn't want my job?!"

KAREN DILLS (GRADE 1):

"One of the most special parts of being a teacher at Perimeter School is that I get to read scripture with seven year olds!

I love watching the awe and wonder in their faces - the excitement of discovery and understanding. There are many beautiful sounds in the world, but my favorites are children laughing and singing! 

My hope for the school year is that I can meet the needs of each student where they are each day as they walk through the door."

BARBARA WILLIAMSON (GRADE 1):

"My favorite thing about being a teacher at Perimeter School is really three-fold: belonging to a community of learners, the rhythm of the school terms, and seeing children and families grow.

At Perimeter School, the covenant between home and school makes this a community where I can thrive both personally and professionally.”

Upper elementary

PHYLLIS PINKSTON (GRADE 3):

“I love hearing the ‘ohhhhhh’ sound a child makes when he/she finally understands something.

The covenant philosophy at Perimeter School is HUGE, but being able to tie EVERY subject back to bringing glory to our Creator is amazing. Realizing that a child is a person - no matter how small - with great thoughts and ideas to share rather than just an empty container to fill is another reason I absolutely LOVE teaching here.

My hope is that every child understands that he/she is created by God for a PURPOSE. Finding that purpose and being willing to serve the Lord makes life worth living. Third grade may be a bit early to fully grasp this, but I pray that the ‘seeds’ I plant this year will sprout into full understanding one day."

MIRIAM JOHNSON (GRADE 4):

“I consider myself a life-long learner, mostly due to my time at Perimeter School.

I love the emphasis Perimeter School puts on family involvement, as well as character and habit development. I also love the emphasis on reading good books, and the mission focus of our church and school, especially to Tanzania, came as a later-in-life missionary focus for me. 

I’ve been teaching at Perimeter School for almost 30 years. I had taught at several other Christian schools, which were quite different, but still good schools. None of them were covenant schools, for one thing, and the support that families can be to one another came as a wonderful revelation to me.”

KIMBERLY TUCKER (GRADE 5):

"This is a different place, a sacred place, where the hands and feet of Christ are stamped everywhere throughout the day by dedicated teachers and staff and by the students He has called here.

I earnestly seek to understand the unique gifts, talents, and challenges of each life God places in my classroom. I have already seen such growth and heart change in my students as we train together for the Great Commission.

My favorite moments in the classroom are when I get to experience my students’ ‘light bulb’ moments during our Bible lessons, and I am so encouraged to be able to start each day with scripture and build every other lesson as an extension of the truths we studied in God’s Word. God has shown us many areas of weakness and our great need for Him through this pandemic; He is drawing His Church to Himself like never before.” 

Middle school

JULIE DURRENCE (GRADE 7):

"I love seeing the individual and recognizing and celebrating that we are all uniquely and wonderfully made.

Perimeter School creates an environment that is conducive to building relationships with students and parents. I have the freedom to tailor my instruction to my students’ needs and interests, and I get plenty of opportunities to know my students via small classrooms and parent collaboration. 

I love teaching because I love connecting with students. There is nothing better than seeing the light bulb go off and knowing you played a part in making that happen.”

STEVE BENNETT (GRADE 8):

"My favorite part about teaching is becoming a part of kids' lives.

I love teaching because it gives me a chance to glorify God with the gifts He has given me. I identify with Eric Liddell in the movie Chariots of Fire. When I teach, I feel God’s pleasure. (Liddell was a science teacher when not running or doing missionary work.)

Perimeter School seeks the heart of the child while enjoying the freedom to learn of God even in science. The class sizes, parent support, and administration direction all reinforce that goal.”

BRIANNA TEJEDA (GRADE 8):

"Teaching here at Perimeter School allows me to kindle the desire to learn by holding my students to high standards while also meeting them where they are and sharing the gospel with them.

Having the shared experience of being a student at Perimeter School enables me to connect with students and their families because I am able to speak from experience.

Perimeter School celebrates the love of learning. I was inspired by my teachers to become a teacher. I loved how much they loved their job. My teachers gave my peers and me their best, and now I get to give my students my best.

I love teaching because I get to invest in the lives of children … encouraging and inspiring them along the way. The lightbulb moments and memories made during ‘downtime’ in the school day are some of my favorite parts of this job.” 

For more teacher spotlights, follow Perimeter School on social media.