Meet the Teacher: Mary Stauffer
What is your name? Mary Stauffer
What do you teach? I teach STEM to grades AK through 5, Grade 8 STEM/physical science,and P139 (learning support) for upper school math and science. I also run a number of STEM related clubs throughout the year.
How many years have you taught at Dayspring? I began teaching at Dayspring in the fall of 1994. That makes the 2018-2019 school year my twenty-fourth year at the school.
What do you appreciate the most about the Principle Approach? I appreciate how the Principle Approach brings God’s Word into every subject area. It is a timeless philosophy of education because it is based on the Word of God.
What do you see in your students that is most encouraging? I see a variety of ages in my classroom. I am always encouraged by the enthusiasm of the very little ones as they see science and technology ideas for the first time. I’ve been greatly encouraged by our upper elementary and middle school students as they apply things they have learned and take things to the next level. They are so bright and enjoy the challenges. Because I have been at the school for so many years, I have had the opportunity to watch many, many students grow up from helpless, needy little ones to very capable and accomplished young men and women with outstanding character. There is no greater joy than to have the opportunity to see some of the fruit that has grown from years of planting and watering in their lives.
Why do you love teaching at Dayspring? I love teaching at Dayspring for many reasons. First, I love the family feeling of the school. Because the classes are small and many children are in the same group from AK through graduation, everyone knows one another well. I love that I know every student by name and have taught some of them several classes, so I feel like i know them pretty well. Our faculty and staff and administration really support each other and care for one another as well. I love teaching here because I can freely share the Word of God and teach from a Biblical perspective.
How do you teach a biblical worldview in your classroom? Science is a pretty easy subject to teach a Biblical world view. I begin the school year by looking at the foundation of science and the premise that either God is… or God is not. Then we look at some scientific principles which clearly would not work without a sovereign, unchanging lawgiver and designer who is God. Throughout the course we look at the scientific principles and I am able to remind students how God placed those principles in place when he Created the world, knowing that in time, man would discover them and use them. We look at the purpose of science is to know God (Romans 1:19) and His character and nature is clearly displayed through what He has made.
What do you think most students appreciate about your class? My class is very different than any other class at DCA. I’m known as the teacher with all the toys. The students appreciate that my class is a very hands-on experience. The room is filled with robotics, 3d printers, building sets and many things to “play” with as we learn. I do many demonstrations, labs and hands on problem solving activities.
What is unique about you, your talents, or interests that you bring to the classroom? I love to learn. I often get as excited as the kids do as I teach about science. I am quick to admit when i don’t know an answer and we will research to find out more. My education degree is in Industrial Arts, which means that I love to build things, to tinker, to create. I am a kinesthetic learner which means I am also a very hands on teacher. We build things, examine how things work, and have lots of demonstrations.
What have you seen in your students over the years that has touched your heart the most? I have been very blessed by the way our students truly care for and help one another. I am touched when one stops to help a special needs kid with the door, or when an upper school student takes a kindergartner by the hand and walks them to their class, or when I see a kid who is crying in the center of a group of classmates who are loving on her and trying to help.
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.