Jamie Johnston

What year did you start teaching at Siouxland Christian?

2021! This is my first year!

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Be kind to one another and love them the way that Christ loves us - fully and without and agenda. He welcomes us with open arms, and there is always a seat at the table with him - we should do the same.

Is there a Bible verse or quote/saying that you live your life by?

Zephaniah 3:17 is one of my favorite verses - I have kept it very close to my heart throughout the last few years. It says, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with his gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." It is a simple reminder that in the midst of any circumstances, the Lord is present and walking alongside me. He is constant and faithful.

How will you incorporate the Siouxland Christian mission statement into your teaching?

My deep hope for my students is that through studying history they are learning how history is the story of the human experience - we study the pitfalls and triumphs of humanity, and see where Christ has redeemed and restored broken histories. Understanding that history isn't black and white, and in fact very complicated, confusing, beautiful, and inspiring can help us to be better disciples of Christ in our communities and in the world itself as we look to further His kingdom.

What is your favorite lesson to teach in your class?

I love teaching about the Italian Renaissance because it is such an incredible era of flourishing in human culture. I've also been to Italy and seen many things that are important to the Italian Renaissance!

Why did you want to become a teacher? Why do you teach at Siouxland Christian?

I wanted to become a teacher because I love investing in young people and watching them grow into who they were created to be. It is a privilege and a blessing to be able to watch students lean into the calling that the Lord has placed on their lives. It will be my first year teaching at Siouxland Christian, but as of right now, I can say that I made the right decision in choosing to teach at Siouxland Christian because of how kind, supportive and encouraging the faculty and administration are. It can be hard as a first year teacher to find a school that is willing to take a chance on them, so I am very thankful and humbled to have this opportunity to teach history at SCS. I also really love that SCS centers on developing the student as a whole person - spiritually and academically. I am excited to add my students to my list of reasons I teach at Siouxland Christian!