Middle

Birthplace:  Evansville, IN

• With teaching experience at both public schools and private schools, I have grown to find my purpose in life as a partner with parents to mentor students as a whole person.  I enjoy the Christian environment better than the secular environment as the parents, students, and I share similar Biblical values and can work together to maneuver through this stage of life called adolescence with God by our side.  God has gifted me with a talent and love for math, so I usually find myself teaching in a math classroom.
• I am married to Eric Honaker.  We have 7 children:  Erica, Isaac, Sarah, Ruth Ann, Hannah, Mary-Beth, and Rebecca.
• In my spare time I can be found engaged in a Sudoku puzzle, basking in the sun on the beach, or watching a parade at Disney World. 

Education:

• B.A. Elementary Education, magna cum laude 
• M.A. School Administration, summa cum laude
• College and University:
  • Bachelor Degree in elementary education with middle school endorsements from Oakland City University, Indiana
  • Master or Arts Degree in teaching with certification for school administration from Oakland City University, Indiana  
  • 40 hours training in Orton Gillingham 
  • TESOL certified
  • SREB High School Math certified

Experience Prior to St. Paul: 

• Oasis Christian Academy, middle school math teacher, Winter Haven, FL
• Greenwood Christian Academy, middle school and high school math teacher, Greenwood, IN
• YMCA, preschool teacher, Bloomington, IN
• Park Avenue Christian School, middle school math and social studies teacher, Nashville, TN
• Masonville Elementary School, grade 5 classroom teacher, Owensboro, KY
• Hobart Middle School, middle school math and science teacher, Hobart, IN
• Thurston Elementary School, grade 4 classroom teacher, Owensboro, KY
• Barton Township Elementary School, grade 2 classroom teacher, Mackey, IN

Birthplace: Lakeland, FL

• I love having the opportunity to share my faith with my students on a daily basis.
• I am married to Ken with two sons who both attend SPLS.
• I am a pianist and love playing in church as well as singing with the praise band. 
• I love spending time with my family, especially at Disney! 
• I love shopping, reading, and exercising when I have time. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College Music Education
• Master’s degree from University of South Florida Reading Education
• Thirty hours in Orton Gillingham 
• Twelve hours in Accadience Learning (DIBELS)
• Working on Lutheran Teacher Colloquy through Concordia University online

Experience Prior to St. Paul:

• Elementary music specialist in Polk County for 1 year 
• Elementary music special in Lynchburg, VA for 1 year
• Pre-K 4 teacher, Azalea Park Baptist School, 1 year
• First grade teacher and music teacher, Family Christian Academy 3 year
• Third grade teacher, SPLS
• Second grade teacher, SPLS

Birthplace: Indianapolis, IN

• It is a tremendous privilege to work and serve in a Christian school.  Our classrooms are places focused on eternal truths, grace, and forgiveness. It is a joy to be able to explore God’s magnificent creation together and approach everything we learn and do with a Biblical worldview. 
• I married my husband, James, in 2005. We have four children who also attend St. Paul Lutheran School.
• Our family enjoys cooking, traveling, and running road races together. 

Education: 

• BA in Elementary Education with minors in psychology and Lutheran Confessions from Concordia University St. Paul, MN (2001)
• MA in Reading from University of South Florida (2005)
• MA in Mathematics Education (K-6) from Western Governors University (2020)

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• I started teaching at St. Paul after graduating college in 2001 and have been here ever since!  I spent 9 years teaching 2nd grade and the rest of my years have been in 4th grade. 

Birthplace: Radford, Virginia

• God has provided me with the opportunities and knowledge needed to educate children. As a Science teacher in a Christian school, I am able to show the relationship between believing that God is our creator and how science explains the world around us. So much of what students learn about science enhances our understanding that the universe was created perfectly by God.
• Married to Lilly since 2002 with two children.
• I am a Clemson Tigers fan and enjoy swimming, science fiction, collecting comic book art, watching football, spending time with the family, vacationing in Sanibel and writing haikus about the above. I have never refused barbecue or ice cream.
• Education: 
• Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering from Clemson University
• Completed ACE (Alternative Certification Education) to obtain teaching certificate; 
• Certified in Middle School Science (5-9), Elementary Education (K-6), Physical Education (K-12);  ESOL endorsement; completed ESE training

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• 13 years at Purcell Elementary, as a 3rd & 4th grade teacher and PE teacher

Birthplace:  Schaumburg, Illinois

• The wonderful thing about teaching in a Christian school is that I get to incorporate the faith into all aspects of the day, whether I am teaching Christian studies, literature, or history. There is always a faith connection, and being able to share that faith with students is a huge privilege.  
• I have been married since 2007. My husband and I have three children, all of whom attend St. Paul Lutheran School.
• I coach my childrens’ baseball and basketball teams, and in the off-season I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with family. 

Education: 

• B.A. in Elementary Education from Concordia University, Texas (2005)
• M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in reading from Concordia University, Wisconsin (2010)  
• Lutheran Teacher Certificate
• Florida Department of Education English, Florida Department of Education Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum, Texas Educator Certificate ECE-Grade 4, Texas Educator Certificate Grades 4-8 Generalist

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• I feel very blessed that God led me to St. Paul Lutheran School right out of college, where I have taught middle school language arts since 2005.

Birthplace: Lakeland, Fl

• I love being able to share my faith with students and help guide them toward a life of service to God. Leading them by example in how to use music for God’s glory is a blessing I don’t take for granted!
• My wife, Denise, is also an educator. We have two sons who attend SPLS.
• Hobbies/Interests/Talents: 
• Talents and interests related to music include sharing my music at church, and performing with small ensembles for paid gigs. I also enjoy making music with family at gatherings and for personal entertainment.  
• Other hobbies include archery, knifemaking, reading, and occasionally video games. 
• Since having children, my most common pastimes include answering questions and changing diapers, however my favorite pastimes include sleeping for longer than 6 hours and bingeing netflix. 

Education: 

• Masters of Arts in Teaching, Bachelor of Music Performance
• Both degrees from Florida Southern College
• Music Adjudicator Training: Florida Bandmasters Association

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• SPLS is my first full-time position. I have been here since 2012.

Birthplace:   Patchogue, NY

• Loving nothing more than working with students, I currently serve as the Learning Strategies Instructor here at SPLS. It is my great joy to also lead a Christian Studies class.  I strive to see everyone through Jesus’ eyes and hope to build all of my students up to find and use the gifts that God has equipped them with.
• My family and I relocated to Florida in 2014. My husband, Jeff is a Stationary Engineer/HVAC at Lakeland Regional Health(LRH).
• Going to the beach and spending time with family are my favorite things to do.  I love to crochet, read, and collect antique tea cups.

Education:   

• Bachelor of Arts Concordia College, Bronxville, NY May 19, 1989
• Commissioned Minister of Religion
• Master of Arts State University at Stony Brook, Stony Brook NY 
• Certification Florida Department of Education ESE K-12
• Certification New York State Education Department N, K, and Grades 1-6 Permanent

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• I grew up and served on Long Island in NY. I have been blessed to serve in the Lutheran School ministry for 30 years.  I have been a middle school teacher, a preschool teacher, an administrator, as well as serving my alma mater as the Director of Church and Alumni Relations.  
• Concordia College, Bronxville, NY
• Director of Church and Alumni Relations 2012-2014
• Residence Councilor 2012-2014
• Trinity Lutheran School, Hicksville, NY
• Principal 2010-2012   
• Middle School Religion Teacher 2009 – 2010
• Emanuel Lutheran School, Patchogue, NY
• Principal 2000 – 2009
• Assistant Principal/Grade 6 Teacher 1999-2000
• Preschool Teacher and Summer Care Director 1995-1999
• Summer Program and Substitute Teacher 1994-1995
• Little Lambs Bible Center, Ridgewood, NY
• Preschool Teacher 1992
• Suffolk Lutheran School, St. James, NY
• Sixth grade teacher 1989-1992

Birthplace: Tecumseh, Michigan

• God led me to SPLS. I was a stay at home mom after 10 years teaching in public schools, looking for a preschool for my son. God knows what is best for you as it was a perfect fit. To be able to celebrate Jesus and teach is the best gift of all and fills my heart every day!
• I am raising one son.
• I love the beach; painting; mixed media; cooking; volunteering; and experiencing different cultures 
• Education:
• Bachelor of Arts Education – Eastern Michigan University in K-12 art education
• Continuing education for Adobe Photoshop; Illustrator: InDesign

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• 10 years art teacher in Polk County Schools