Here at Gateway Christian School, we've leaped into the 2018/2019 school-year with much excitement and anticipation! This year, we added six incredible, talented new teachers to our teaching staff.
All the teachers at Gateway Christian School, from our 2-year-olds teachers to our high school educators, dedicate their time and energy to teaching, guiding and assisting students in their educational and spiritual journeys.
Take a few minutes to take a glimpse at the wonderful new educators that are leading your children this year!
Cheryl Anderson, 4th Grade
Background:
Cheryl has been teaching for five years with experience teaching pre-school students - eighth graders. In addition, to substitute teaching and being a kindergarten teacher, Cheryl has led students in small and large groups in a church setting as well through Vacation Bible School and Awanas.
What is your teaching passion?
I love being able to talk about Jesus!
What drew you to Gateway?
Being a Christian School, small classes and, mostly, Mrs. Parker (the Elementary Principal).
What are your teaching goals for the 18/19 school year?
To grow and mature young minds in all areas and to put Christ first.
What opportunities do you offer your students in the classroom?
[I provide] a lot of opportunities to develop responsibility and leadership skills.
Can you clearly define your teaching philosophy?
Respect and responsibility cover most rules.
What are your passions outside of teaching?
Reading actual books, swimming and painting.
Fun Fact: I have been cliff jumping!
Lori Chitwood, 4th Grade
Background:
Lori's teaching journey began in a Sunday School classroom when she was just fifteen years old. Since then she's taught a variety of ages from babies to young adults. Her experience with children includes seven years as a Children's, Youth & Family Pastor, five years of Pre-School teaching, six years as a Home-School Mom, four years as a K5 - sixth-grade Tech Teacher and two years substitute teaching.
What is your teaching passion?
My passion is seeing the "light bulb" come on when students realize the concept of what is being taught.
What drew you to Gateway?
I am a Gateway Graduate. My sister taught English for eight years and my mother retired after teaching for twenty years at Gateway.
What makes you unique from other teachers?
My own personal experience from the vast non-traditional classroom. I'm all about allowing kids to move in class. We frequently stand while working.
What are your teaching goals for the 18/19 school year?
1. For students to enjoy coming to school. 2. For students to begin [to be] self advocates.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your classroom?
Providing an optimistic/positive attitude in my class is important. Instead of "I can't" or "This is too hard", ask "What am I missing?", this may take some time and effort.
Can you clearly define your teaching philosophy?
All students are individuals and learn in their own unique ways. I like to help students realize their learning style.
What are your passions outside of teaching?
I have always had a heart for children. My husband and I are CAST volunteers.
Jessica Doege, 5th Grade
Background:
Jessica is a young, vibrant teacher whose passion for teaching and children is sure to inspire her classes. Jessica spent the summer working closely with children while interning at Christ's Church. In college, she worked as a teaching assistant for Freshman courses. Along with a teaching certification, Jessica is also certified to teach TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
What is your teaching passion?
I have a deep passion for teaching English, reading, music and history. I love seeing my kids exploring their creative and artistic side!
What drew you to Gateway?
I interned at Christ's Church with a former Gateway teacher, Jayci Grantham, and have heard nothing but amazing things about the staff and school in general.
What makes you unique from other teachers?
I actually got my degree in Psychology, so I have a deep understanding and overall curiosity about child development and the human mind.
What are your teaching goals for the 18/19 school year?
To ignite a genuine passion in each of my students to not only want to learn more about the world around them, but about the Lord and His word as well.
What opportunities do you offer your students in the classroom?
Each Friday we award a student for Christ-like behavior and overall outstanding actions towards other students. The winner of the "Doege-Do-Gooder" award will receive their favorite candy and other various treats.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your classroom?
Warm, inviting and open. I want my students to feel comfortable asking questions and being honest in class.
Can you clearly define your teaching philosophy?
Every student has the potential to succeed if provided the necessary love, respect and tools to learn.
What are your passions outside of teaching?
I have a heart for worship and love playing piano during worship services at the Roswell House of Prayer. I also love tea, rain, and the great outdoors. There's nothing better than a nice hike in the mountains.
Fun Fact: I almost accepted a teaching position in South Korea before God led me here to Gateway.
Crystal Graham, 6th Grade
Background:
Crystal is heading into her sixth year as an educator, but she has over ten years of experience in education working as a tutor, in aftercare programs, in daycare programs and by serving as a children's pastor. Her knowledge with children is vast ranging from tiny tots to seventh graders.
What is your teaching passion?
My passion is teaching kids the Bible! I want more than anything else for my students to gain an understanding and appreciation for God's word and to learn their true identity--that they have been created by their heavenly Father, that they bear His image, they have a purpose, and they are loved and accepted by Him. I am also passionate about helping children to learn and develop a positive attitude towards learning and life.
What drew you to Gateway?
The Christian atmosphere, and the freedom to teach the Bible to my students.
What makes you unique from other teachers?
I don't know if this is necessarily unique, but it certainly part of what makes me who I am. I truly have a love for the Word of God and a desire to help children learn, from an early age, what I was not taught or never grasped. I also feel like I have lived through some things that allow me to draw in some of the more challenging students. I have a big heart for those who are confused, lost, and hurting.
What are your teaching goals for the 18/19 school year?
My goals for this year are to help my students discover their true identity, learn to use their gifts and talents to serve others, and to develop a growth mindset towards learning and life. I am all about a hands-on classroom and meeting children where they are. I believe in challenging children when appropriate, but also providing support needed for them to feel success. I want everyone in this classroom to feel like they are important and that they can do all God is asking them to do!
What opportunities do you offer your students in the classroom?
I want my students to be proactive learners and citizens and will give them the opportunity to help in class through our classroom jobs, as well as to lead a Bible study, and "teach" their classmates through projects and presentations.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your classroom?
Engaged, safe, fun, and focused!
Can you clearly define your teaching philosophy?
Colossians 2:3 says that, "God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ." My philosophy of education is: If we are to truly educate our children and expect them to adhere to a biblical world view, the word of God and gospel of Christ must be central to our teaching.
What are your passions outside of teaching?
I am passionate about empowering children (and really all people) with the truth of who they are and how greatly loved they are. I am passionate about reaching all nations, including the nation of Israel for Christ. Last but definitely not least, I am passionate about loving and spending time with my family.
Fun Facts: I am wife to the love of my life and mom to four awesome kids. Although I grew up in Roswell, I have been gone for the past twelve years. Over the summer, my family and I moved here, following God's call into children's ministry at Christ's Church, where we now attend. I love to read and learn, and especially enjoy cooking, baking, and trying new recipes (although when school is in session, that slows down!). Oh, and I can walk on my knees with my legs crossed criss-cross applesauce! :-D
Angela Fogle, 7th/8th: English; 7th: History; 11th: American History; 12th: Government/Economics
Background:
Angela has been teaching at the College level for nine years, at Dallas Baptist University, spending four years teaching Freshman Foundations, then joining their full-time faculty teaching marketing for five years. Angela has also previously devoted time to teaching and imparting wisdom in Sunday school classes to sophomores-seniors. Her wealth of knowledge, partnered with her experience working with teens are sure to create an enriching learning environment.
What is your teaching passion?
I love learning - I am the quintessential nerd. I love reading, so naturally I am drawn to English and history. I also love telling stories - I love how all of history is God's story! I hope my students walk away with a passion for learning and seeking God's Story in everything!
What drew you to Gateway?
Everyone I talk to who either teaches at, or attends Gateway loves it! Everyone I met was wonderful - I love the people and the atmosphere! I also love teaching in light of God's word and truth.
What makes you unique from other teachers?
My Bachelor of Arts is in Communications and I have a business degree. Technically marketing is my "specialty" but I love literature and history. English proficiency is a basic necessity for marketing and communications. My love for history comes from my father. He studied military history in particular.
What are your teaching goals for the 18/19 school year?
All first year teachers focus on survival. Seriously, I am hoping to impart a love for learning and find creative ways for students to engage in the story of history and the power of literature to communicate thoughts, feelings and ideas!
What opportunities do you offer your students in the classroom?
In English I hope to give my students opportunities to think critically and write creatively. We'll be reading several novels and writing, writing, writing! In history, my upperclassmen are studying and presenting their thoughts about current events and I hope to plan some field trips/service opportunities.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your classroom?
Is it possible to be orderly and laid back? I like to be serious about our lecture/study time, but I also like to take time to talk and discuss ideas. A good agenda for each day includes thinking, listening and discussion. Games are also a great way to study for quizzes.
Can you clearly define your teaching philosophy?
To teach students to thoughtfully engage every subject through the lens of God's word. As I partner with parents, who are the primary disciples of their students, I desire to see every student think biblically in every area of their life.
What are your passions outside of teaching?
I enjoy reading, watching movies, and musical theater/drama. Everything reminds me of a movie or musical quote. History is a drama of the world - I consider it all closely related. I love historical dramas like Les Miserables, The Scarlet Pampernel, etc., but I also love fantasy fiction (sci-fi, Marvel, etc.). I love it when I can read a book, then see the movie (And then talk about the differences).
Fun Facts: I studied Musical Theater in New York City between college and grad school many years ago.
Chad Fogle, 7th/8th/10th: Bible; 8th: American History; 10th: World History
Background:
Chad has been teaching for ten years in student ministry. He got his start leading students in 2002 as a youth intern for Jersey Village Baptist Church. He then moved onto a Youth Minister position at First Baptist Church in Santo, Texas where he remained for six years. That is, until 2015 when he became the Student Pastor at First Baptist Church in Roswell, New Mexico, where he remained until joining the team Gateway.
What is your teaching passion?
My teaching passion is teaching/preaching God's Word and any other subjects from a biblical perspective and worldview. My desire is to see all my students through their academics, sports, and any other extracurricular activities love Jesus Christ above all. I want to see my students love God and His word and for their lives to be so transformed by it that they live lives worthy of the gospel and for the glory of God and for the good of others.
What drew you to Gateway?
What drew me to Gateway is their mission to train their students to view every subject from a biblical worldview. Also, the school, from what I've heard from people in the community, has a good reputation.
What makes you unique from other teachers?
I don't know if it makes me unique, but I have had, by God's grace, experience in working with students in student ministry for ten years. I have had the privilege, but also weighty responsibility in teaching God's word and equipping students for ministry.
What are your teaching goals for the 18/19 school year?
To survive! Ha! Ha! In all seriousness, for the students to enjoy learning God's Word and history from a biblical perspective and worldview.
What opportunities do you offer your students in the classroom?
I give them the opportunity to lead in prayer and give presentations in leadership in the Bible and current events.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your classroom?
I am trying to find a balance between being studious, working hard, being diligent with our time, but also having fun. I encourage class discussion and feedback.
Can you clearly define your teaching philosophy?
The Christian school should support and help the parent, as the primary disciple-maker of their child, in the purpose of strengthening the child academically, emotionally, and spiritually. The goal is for the child to think biblically in all areas of academics and life, to be equipped to go and make disciples and to live lives worthy of the gospel and for the glory of God and for the good of others.
What are your passions outside of teaching?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, family and friends, eating good food (Mexican, Chinese, chocolate), traveling to new places, watching and playing sports (Go Astros, Texans and Rockets!), reading, coffee, listening to sermons, telling other people about Jesus, and teaching/preaching God's word. Also, I have a passion for discipleship and equipping others for the work of ministry (teaching God's word, studying God's word, evangelism).