At The Academy for GOD Preschool, all of our staff are current students or alumni of The Institute for GOD, holding or pursuing degrees in Biblical Studies and/or Community Development. Current students participate in The Institute’s Professional Development (ProDev) program, and testify to the benefits they’ve experienced from working in the field of early childhood education, learning unexpected lessons and looking forward to a future serving children and families. We’re so grateful to have Preschool teachers who love the Lord and implement their Biblical education on a daily basis, creating not only a healthy work environment in a challenging occupational field, but most importantly creating a safe and loving learning environment for our most vulnerable young children.
Miss Olivia testifies to how she has learned how to apply her Biblical education in the field of early childhood education, and how daily conversations at work have inspired her to continue serving families in this occupational field. We love Miss Olivia and she’s already a resource for parents and fellow teachers, so we can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to use her!
“At the Institute for GOD, all students are guaranteed a job. 5 years ago, I started school at the Institute for GOD and also started as a teacher in what was the GOD Parent’s Day Out Program at the time. I have worked the past 5 years at PDO, which is now a state licensed preschool, and have loved the learning opportunities in the program. I have learned not only about the needs of children and how to create a safe and hospitable environment for children to thrive in, but also how to take my biblical education and implement it, breaking down God’s word in a way that our preschoolers can understand it. As I have pursued my biblical education and worked at the preschool, I have developed capacity both as a student and a teacher.
The Academy for GOD Preschool team I work with shares the belief that biblical education is essential to the work we do and the development of people. As I have worked with fellow teachers each year, I have learned practical tools and best practices for the classroom, and also engaged the word I’m learning in classes as we talk about God’s word with one another. I’ll never forget my second year teaching when I was talking with Preschool’s lead educator, Amanda Davis, about preschool law #8 “Don’t take things from people” (these laws were developed by Institute president and Preschool’s founder, Gregg Garner, based on the 10 Commandments). Amanda gave an example with the kids about taking toys and she said that adults will also take things. Instead of toys, they take things like land, because they didn’t learn these preschool laws. Amanda and I talked afterwards about how teaching these preschool laws literally prevent things like war! It's so powerful for these kids to learn now how important the Bible is, not only for themselves but for how they should treat others. As Preschool teachers, we provide a solid educational foundation that connects the Bible to their everyday lives of play, and that is invaluable.
My time at The Academy for GOD Preschool has also helped me develop a passion for education and creating environments for kids to understand how practical God's word is and how it was always intended to inform our interactions, especially with one another. Each year I have taught I have learned invaluable lessons about classroom management, and I’ve also learned the struggles of managing a classroom when there are individuals whose behavioral needs separate them from the rest of the group. My education in God’s word created a passion in me to help reintegrate those that struggle to participate in activities with the whole group, and my time in the classroom has helped me to see the large need in that area. As I finish up my undergrad in Biblical Studies, I have wondered what I will do next and I am hoping to move into the field of occupational therapy to continue to become a resource for students, teachers and families to help those children that struggle to be integrated into the whole group. It’s God’s word and my time working with Preschool that helped develop both the passion and the ability to see the needs for early childhood education. I really don’t think I would have discovered this area of need and occupational interest without the Institute for GOD and The Academy for GOD Preschool.”
Miss Angel testifies about how working at The Academy for GOD Preschool has helped her learn skills that she will be able to use to benefit immigrant and refugee communities. We’re so grateful that Miss Angel uses her gifts to care for our students so well!
“There is so much to say about Preschool, but in a few words, I am so thankful for the opportunity that I have been given to work with kids. I am from a place that is different from here, so as I am still learning the language, the culture, and beyond that to serve the Lord in multiple cultures. I have found that working in Preschool is one of the most beneficial decisions that I made this year. I have learned so much so far, even though I still need to learn a lot. I have gained the right understanding about taking care of kids — not just about their hygiene, but also how to be present and listen to them. I have to humble myself and realize that whatever I am doing is a lesson for them.
Another thing is that as I always want to serve immigrants and refugees, I found being a teacher in preschool is helpful to even learn a lot of things that I will share with these vulnerable communities that are still trying to navigate life in this country. Ephesians 2:10 is a good reminder that tells us that we have to learn and do good for what we were created for. From that verse, I feel a need to learn so I may share with others what I have learned here. In conclusion, I can say that I am so grateful for my school leadership that gave us this opportunity through the Institute for GOD’s ProDev program, and am also so thankful for Mrs. Tori Web for encouraging me so many times, and being patient until I get things in order. Finally, I’m so thankful to be assistant teacher to Miss Natalie and Harley, and to work with Melanie. It’s been an amazing experience.”
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