Nancy Johnston

What do you teach at Eastern Christian School?
Kindergarten

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
“At Eastern Christian School the staff and students can share their love for Christ!”

Why do you like teaching at Eastern Christian? What motivated you to become a teacher at Eastern Christian?
“My children were attending Eastern Christian School and I was welcomed as a regular volunteer in my daughter’s kindergarten classroom. The superintendent of schools encouraged me to use my experience in the corporate world and join the Board of Directors. I saw Christ being preeminent in all aspects of the school system- from the parents, the teaching staff, to the administrators. I saw Christ being glorified. Occasions arose when I was asked to substitute teach. The occasions became more frequent and led to a long term sub position in kindergarten. God lead me to a position as kindergarten teacher when both half day positions became available. My college degree in early childhood education solidified it!”

How do you teach a Christian Worldview in your classes at EC?
“At Eastern Christian as early as kindergarten students will notice God’s presence in all areas of academic, social, emotional and physical areas of instruction. God is not compartmentalized into a subject area titled, “Bible,” but integrated into all aspects of the students’ lives. The students apply what they learn into their daily lives so that Christ may be glorified and the world reclaimed for Him.”

What is a unique experience, talent or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?
“Learning has to be meaningful to children. Meaningful learning engages children which minimizes behavior issues. Learning that has meaning to a child validates their importance, is more easily retrieved, motivates children and makes them more accountable. It invites more interest in learning. Where possible I try to accomplish curriculum goals in creative ways that have meaning to children.”

What sets EC students apart from students in other schools?
“EC students are part of a community. The community goes beyond the doors of the building, but reaches into the lives of the students at home, at work, and at church.”

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How do you accomplish this in your role at EC?
“I accomplish curriculum goals using creative methods that are meaningful to kindergarten students. A five-year-old must feel safe and loved in the school environment before learning can occur. What a child feels and says is important! They need to know they are valued! Nurturing their spirit comes from listening and valuing each of them from the perspective of God. My goal is for children to know they are loved by God and loved by me. We practice transforming the world beginning with ourselves, and moving beyond ourselves to our classmates.”

What do you want your students to gain from having known you?
“I want each of my kindergarten students to know that God made you exactly the way you are supposed to be and God doesn’t make mistakes! God loves you no matter what. I want them to know the power of an apology and forgiveness, and I want them to know that learning is fun!”