I am passionate about teaching the New Testament, which was my emphasis in my education, and seek to develop a Biblical-Theological framework for teaching. For my undergraduate degree, I earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies: Bible Exposition from The Master’s University. I also have an M. Div., and a Th.M., (New Testament Studies) from The Master’s Seminary.I have taught a number of courses at GCU both on campus and online platforms. I teach Christian Worldview, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Biblical Interpretation & Application, Gospels & Acts, Pauline Epistles, and the General Epistles, as well as, Hebrew Poetical & Wisdom Literature and The Pentateuch.When it comes to teaching, one of my favorite aspects of teaching students is the “aha” look of the students on their faces when something clicks in their mind in making Biblical-Theological connections between the Old and the New Testaments. I love to engage students in discussions of the biblical texts and themes to hear what they are thinking and to help engage them in deeper critical thinking skills. Reading and refreshing my knowledge on areas related to my teaching is satisfying and profitable because it enhances my teaching and benefits the students.Before coming to GCU, my family and I were in San Francisco for 5 years (where we both grew up), where I was a high school teacher for Bible, so I have teaching experience. I was also a church-planter/pastor at Vintage Grace Communities in the San Francisco Bay Area for those 5 years. The sister church was Redeeming Grace Communities in Redwood City. Even prior to San Francisco, my family lived in the Los Angeles area for over 10 years while I attended seminary. I also have a musical background in being trained in classical guitar and have taught and trained other students in classical guitar. I love Jazz music and studying its history and development as one of my personal interests. I love all things related to making pizza.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: teaching Biblical Worldview, Old Testamentand New Testament, as well as, other Biblical and Theological concepts to middle school and high school students, both Christians and non-Christians, local students and international; teaching the Latin language to high school; incorporating a Christian philosophy towards education into lesson plans; developing student assessment tests and quizzes; developing objectives in conjunction with curriculum; maintaining consistent classroom management; planning and implementing Bible curriculum for all teachers of elementary through high school; meeting with teachers to discuss objectives and goals; coordinating chapel times and speakers, speaking in chapel; communicating with students and parents; meeting parents for parent-teacher conferences; proctoring Iowa Assessment Achievement Tests for middle school and high school.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: providing a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourages their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development; designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans; maintaining positive relationships with families, children and colleagues; establishing and maintaining a primary caregiving relationship with individual children and their families and responding to their comments and their concerns; observing, assessing, and documenting children’s development, communicating with parents through Parent-Teacher Conferences and ensuring safety and supervision of children at all times.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: teaching children using a thematic approach that is developmentally appropriate to school age children; working in a team environment with teachers; when needed, meeting the evolving needs of the diverse range of developmentally challenged children; providing written progress reports and developing and organizing activities.

As a guitar teacher, I seek to develop the student’s skill in a systematic way, yet balanced and customized to the individual, and always to impart a love for music and guitar playing, whether for the casual learner or serious student. I have been teaching guitar for a total of 10 years. My students have varied in age range from 8 years old to adults, taking new students from the absolute beginner to intermediate/advanced. While my focus of teaching is Classical/Spanish, I have been known to teach and incorporate jazz, blues, and rock. I believe students should be exposed to various styles of music to help follow and develop their talent and passion. Various elements comprise my teaching: technique (left and right hand development, finger picking), music theory (chords, scales, harmony), tone production (quality of sound, dynamics), reading fluency, rhythm, ear training (solfege and interval recognition), building a solo repertoire, ensemble playing, and a strive for personal excellence. Private lessons offered are either 30 minutes or 60 minutes long and are held once a week. Please contact Joel Johnson for rates, openings, and availability.

Responsibilities included, but were not limited to: managing and supervising teachers during after-school child care; supervising and tutoring students ranging from elementary to junior high school; managing conflict resolution; development and organization of activities.

Responsibilities included using my knowledge and skill of music to assist customers in the sale of musical instruments; maintenance of instruments and store; ordering supplies.