Meet the Teacher: Rebecca Detweiler
What is your name? Rebecca Detweiler
What do you teach? I teach Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus BC, Math 2, and Economics. I am also one of the faculty advisors for the Student Government Association.
How many years have you taught at Dayspring? The 2019-2020 school year is my sixth year at Dayspring.
What do you appreciate the most about the Principle Approach? As a math teacher, I appreciate the emphasis on learning to reason and think logically. Mathematics is all about problem-solving and reasoning from known information (truth); it is so much more than memorizing procedures and algorithms.
What do you see in your students that is most encouraging? I have been blessed by the creative thinking of my students. I really enjoy struggling through math problems alongside my students. We get to bring different ideas to the process and work out a way to a solution. I get to see their desire to learn and perseverance in action.
Why do you love teaching at Dayspring? I love the students. I love watching them grow in their relationships, academics, and spiritual life. It is a sweet thing to involved in their lives as they are formed into the people God wants them to be.
How do you teach a biblical worldview in your classroom? The whole system of mathematics is based upon the presupposition that order exists in the world and can be discovered. This order is based in God’s character and reflected in his world. Whenever we stop to ask, “How do we know this is true?” we are confronted again with the ultimate reality of God. I also find it helpful to examine specific biblical principles such as these four reasons to study math, which I am highlighting this school year:
*To admire and cherish the beauty in the exactness and perfection and experience the greatness of God when facing the depth and complexity of math (Psalm 8:3-6)
*To adequately develop the reasoning talents given by God (I Peter 4:10)
*To instill order and thorough procedures when encountering unknown situations that require the use of reasoning skills (I Corinthians 14:40)
*To exercise diligence and practice to develop a skill to the glory of God (Proverbs 12:24, I Corinthians 10:31, Hebrews 5:14)
What do you think most students appreciate about your class? My students have remarked that my love and enthusiasm for math makes it easier for them to enjoy the learning process, even when it gets tough.
What is unique about you, your talents, or interests that you bring to the classroom? I really love math. I enjoy talking about math, working through problems, and finding ways to explain concepts differently. Maybe that isn’t particularly unique, but it sure is helpful in my work!
What have you seen in your students over the years that has touched your heart the most? It is so meaningful when students express satisfaction in or appreciation for the time we spent together learning math. Sometimes it’s a little comment such as, “I actually enjoyed that,” after a tough problem-solving session. Other times it’s a thank-you note at graduation from a student who saw the beauty of math for the first time in my class. Overall, my greatest joy comes from seeing my students develop a love for the truth that leads to a life-long pursuit of truth. At minimum, this looks like an appreciation for the truth and beauty of math. Fully developed, this looks like a life devoted to Christ, who is the foundation of all truth.
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.