 Meet Mrs. Runge, our High School Prep math and 8th grade homeroom teacher!~Why did you decide to become a teacher?
"Quite honestly, I do not remember really wanting to do anything else besides teaching. However, I knew I wanted to be an 8th grade teacher, after I was in the 8th grade. Although my 8th grade year ended just fine, the year itself was not at all what I imagined it to be. It was then that I decided that I wanted to make sure that I would create opportunities for the students in my classroom to have an unforgettable, amazing experience before they started the next chapter of high school." ~What do you like about teaching High School Prep math? "One of the blessings of teaching High School Prep is watching how students grow, change, develop and mature from 6th graders to 8th graders. This happens socially, emotionally, spiritually, and of course, academically. As the High School Prep math teacher, it is a lot of fun to watch the light bulb go off and have students become more confident in their math skills." ~What do you love about St. John's? "The thing I love the most about St. John's is the family atmosphere. It is a space where everyone should feel loved and cared for. Individuals are known by name and greeted with a smiling face. St. John's is a place where alumni could come back if they need anything or just for a visit. Most importantly, the head of this wonderful family is Christ. He knows exactly how to bless us each and every year!" ~What do you like to do in your free-time? "When I am not at school teaching or coaching, you can find me hanging out with my family and friends, working out, and/or watching tv. There are even the rare moments that I enjoy playing board games/cards or doing puzzles." ~Do you have a favorite book? "It may sound cliche, but my favorite book is the Bible. Besides being the book I read the most often, it is the perfect mix of many different genres of literature." ~What is a fun fact about you? "Throughout all of elementary school my dad was my principal and he ended up finishing the year as my 8th grade teacher (Hence the reason I mentioned it ended just fine!)."  Meet Mr. Benedict, our High School Prep English & Language Arts Teacher!~ What made you want to become a teacher? "I became a teacher because I love to read and write and talk about reading and writing. I also knew that I loved Jesus and working with his children seemed like the logical way to do all of that. It was really that simple." ~ What do you like about teaching ELA? "What I like about teaching in my content area is the ability to use reading and writing as a means of communication. Whether that be using our own writing to communicate with others or realizing how the books we read communicate with us through their characters and themes. I love the conversations that arise when discussing literature. It makes every single day exciting." ~ What do you love about St. John's? "What I love about St. John's is the family atmosphere that surrounds it. My own children are here now as well and that just adds to the atmosphere." ~ What do you like to do in your free time? "I like to hang out with my wife and kids, read, run, and stay as active as I can." ~ Do you have a favorite book? "My favorite book is constantly changing. I will always love the Harry Potter series and all things that J.K. Rowling has written. The best book I have read recently is probably The Teacher of Warsaw by Mario Escobar. My favorite book to teach is definitely To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee." ~ What is something that might surprise us about you? "Something that might surprise people about me is that I make it my personal goal to catch exactly one fish each summer. My in-laws live on a lake and I cast a line only as many times as it takes to catch a fish. However, one summer I actually caught a fishing pole that had been lost in the lake. That was interesting. " We are so grateful for Mr. Benedict and his dedication to his students! Meet Mrs. Franklin |
©
