Meet the teacher: Jamie Smucker
Please introduce yourself and say what your role is at Dayspring. I teach American Literature II (10), Honors Language and Composition (11), and British Literature (12).
Summarize your teaching experience, past and present, including how long you have taught at Dayspring. I began teaching at Dayspring in the middle of the 2020-2021 school year. I previously taught English classes at Living Word Academy and at Pequea Valley High School.
State your level of education, highlight any degrees, special awards, memberships, or specific focuses you have, and any key accomplishments, honors, or titles. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Adolescent Education and English Literature from Houghton College and am working on a Master of Arts in English at Ohio University.
Why did you decide to become a teacher? From my earliest memories, I have loved learning and helping others to learn. I get to do both every day as a teacher.
What do you appreciate most about the Principle Approach? The Principle Approach cultivates reflective thinking and deep reasoning from biblical truth. Real learning is not about achieving a certain grade or knowing a list of facts; rather, learning is about growing as a person and applying God’s wisdom to all areas of life.
What do you see in your students that is most encouraging? One of my favorite days in any literature study occurs just after we finish reading a novel or drama and students engage in a Socratic seminar, in which they pose discussion questions to each other. I am always encouraged by their ability to generate meaningful questions, converse respectfully with their peers, and offer insightful answers.
How do you teach a biblical worldview in your classroom? All literature is a product of worldview and is the palpable fruit of a writer’s beliefs. Thus, we are able to identify the underlying philosophies and beliefs present in any work of literature and evaluate those ideas using the word of God as our source of truth. In writing, I prompt students to anchor their arguments not in their own opinions, but in the principles found in God’s word.
What is unique about you, your talents, or the interests that you bring to the classroom? I am passionate about helping students become more sophisticated, effective writers.
What do you think students most appreciate about you and your class(es)? I am pretty transparent with students, evidenced by my willingness to admit mistakes, own both my strengths and weaknesses, and share lessons I am learning in my own life.
What have you seen in your students over the years that have touched your heart the most? I get excited every time I see a student make a breakthrough when persistence and hard work cause a student to flourish in a new way.
At Dayspring Christian Academy, we are committed to raising up the next generation of Christian leaders who acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of life, demonstrate a biblical worldview, become citizens of excellence in Christian character and scholarship, and aid in the restoration of America’s biblical foundation. If you would like to learn more about Dayspring Christian Academy, please contact Karol Hasting at 717-285-2000 or schedule a private tour using the button below.