Meet the Teacher
What is your name?
My name is Mary Kim. I received a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois State
University and Master of Education with a Suzuki Emphasis from Southern Illinois
University Edwardsville. (“Suzuki” refers to the string pedagogy formulated by Dr Shinichi Suzuki of Japan and later brought to the U.S. by John Kendall). I hold a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and have completed courses in Spanish at the Instituto del Español de Honduras in Comayagua.
What do you teach?
I will be teaching 5 th and 6 th grade, English Literature (7 th and 8 th grade),and music at True Foundation this year.
How many years have you taught at True Foundation?
This is my first year at True Foundation.
In the past, I have taught at New Life school in Honduras, and in various public school
districts, as well as private lessons on violin, group Suzuki lessons, and Kindermusik with young children and parents.
What do you appreciate most about the Principle Approach?
The Principle Approach has revolutionized my thinking about teaching. One of the major
premises that that all learning and all knowledge comes from the Word of God—His spoken Word over creation and His written Word. The acknowledgment of students as unique individuals created by God with the ability to self-govern according to God’s Word with the help of the Holy Spirit frees both student and teacher to maximize God-given abilities and allows the student to take ownership of their work. I also appreciate
the return to academic scholarship emphasizing mastery, individual subjects, writing, vocabulary, literature, language and research.
What do you see in your students that is most encouraging?
Each student has unique potential and a divinely endowed purpose. I have had many
opportunities to engage the mind of a student in such a way that a “window” is opened to cultivate a love of learning and the reception of truth into their heart. This is not only desirable but it is fun!
Why do you love teaching at True Foundation?
I really enjoy the freedom to research and plan curriculum from the perspective of a Biblical worldview. Creativity is encouraged and the individual is valued and recognized.
How do you teach Biblical worldview in your classroom?
We begin each subject with a Biblical basis directly from scripture. Students are taught
to reason from Biblical truth and facts already researched, and then to apply it to the
subject being studied (relate). The student’s notebook contains the written record of their research, reasoning, and application—in short, their learning of a subject. Providential history, the moving of the hand of God in affairs of individuals and nations,emphasizes His sovereignty and His purpose.
What do you think most students appreciate about your class?
It is my hope to demonstrate the love of God and to create a peaceful atmosphere of expectation and excitement for learning. Students will know that although they will be challenged to be their best, they can always ask for and receive guidance when needed.
What is unique about you, your talents, or interests that you bring to the class room?
The piano and violin are my main instruments, and I have played with many
professional ensembles and artists in the past. The most memorable experience was playing as an orchestral member with the great violinist Itzhak Pearlman. I have traveled to Honduras on many mission trips to serve the children’s home and school at New Life Honduras in Jalaca. This past February I went to Iquitos, Peru in the Amazon region to minister in worship at a women’s conference. A love of languages, music, and history are things that I bring to the classroom. I desire to point my students to a personal relationship with a living, loving God who created them and who is the source of all wisdom and learning.
What have you seen in your students over the years that has touched your heart the most?
I have been privileged to see many students and their parents encounter the love of God over my years of teaching. Many have also acquired a love of learning that will last a lifetime. The most memorable moments have been ones in which a students realized their value as a unique individual. This in turn fueled their success.