Position: Elementary Teacher

College(s): UC Davis, University of Virginia 

Degrees/Certifications: B.S. Human Development, M.T. Elementary Education

Email: KatrinaChen@rcs.edu

How did God call you into teaching, and/or what are your professional credentials (or prior work experience)?

I've wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school myself. As I explored other career pathways in college, God rekindled my interest and passion for teaching and for being a positive part of raising young children and teaching them a love for the Lord and for lifelong learning. I have a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education and have taught mostly grades 1 and 2.

What motivated you to become a teacher at Redwood Christian?

I grew up going to a Christian private school and truly appreciate their dedication to the school for years, some of them their entire career. My teachers seemed to enjoy their job and the culture of the school community. What's motivating to me is that I can go to work everyday in a challenging profession, feeling belonging and support with more teachers and families who share similar values.

Tell us about your family and how they are looking forward to this new opportunity.

My eldest daughter is super excited to go to school with me, while my husband (and I) look forward to "staying local" for work so that our family can be present in the RCS and Castro Valley communities throughout the school year. My other daughters also get to stay close and go to nearby daycares!

What is a unique experience, talent or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?

I once had the opportunity to go on a domestic, "missions" trip for the purpose of learning and gaining perspective on world missions. It was an eye-opening week of immersive and hands-on study of major religious groups in the world and how God is using and could use people to reach the lost and spiritually hungry. I think this shaped my teaching in the unexpected way of my interest in classroom diversity and growing my boldness in relationship-building of students and families across cultures. God loves the people He made, and God loves me, so one way I want to teach and love my students is through teaching my students about the love of God for them and any of their neighbors.

Do you have any other hobbies/interests outside of teaching?

I actually have a hard time deciding on an interest to dive deep into and prioritize in my leisure time. However, lately, I've gotten to improve in indoor bouldering, try different restaurants with my husband when we can eat freely without toddlers, and very slowly review long-lost piano skills by introducing it to my daughter.

Our tagline is “Inspiring Futures.” How will a time you’ve been inspired shaped your teaching?

I was really inspired by the way some of my graduate school professors appeared to thoroughly enjoy getting to know and have fun with each cohort of developing educators. Their carefully crafted lessons made me feel like I was experiencing another level of great elementary education, only as an adult! I hope that my teaching will be a part of bringing students to have fun discovering the Bible, the world God made, the unique part they play wherever God leads them, and the joy of passing these onto others.