WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME?

The other morning, I saw something precious that most people rarely get to see. As I was leaving the lower school library, I heard a little voice calling out excitedly, and I turned to see one of our students running into the building. Before her teacher could even react, the little girl had crossed the lobby and thrown her arms around her teacher’s waist. “Good Morning!” she squealed in delight. Her teacher returned the side-hug and matched the little girl’s enthusiasm, “Good morning to you, too! How was your weekend?” As the two began to walk down the hallway, their joyful “interview” continued: “Are you ready to learn today?” Wow, I like your stuffed bear!” and so on.
 
When was the last time you saw a student excited to be at school, excited to see their teacher, or excited to learn?

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We are so blessed here at WCS—not just by our campus and programs but most powerfully by the faculty and staff who serve with us. Our teachers are outstanding professional educators who not only inspire the mind but shepherd the whole child: academically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally (Luke 2:52). They strive to make learning joyful and effective. And they do!
 
Don’t get me wrong; not every student enters the building this way, and not every morning is like this. The upper school students indeed tend to be a bit more “reserved” (sleepy?), but give them a few minutes to wake up (or a coffee from the Café), and even they can surprise you with their positivity about their teachers. We always hear feedback from our students and graduates about the powerful impact our teachers have had on their lives. 
 
Our teachers are what we call the “living curriculum.” They are the individuals who take the raw content to be learned and make it come alive through their pedagogy and their personal modeling of joyful enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, a biblical worldview, and expectations of excellence.
 
WCS parents know the reality of what Jesus (the Master Teacher) taught:
“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:39–40).
 
WCS parents realize the importance of choosing carefully who will shape the worldview and learning of their children. Because inevitably, students will become like their teachers. Because of educators who lead with integrity and excellence, WCS parents reap the blessings alongside their children. Ours is the echoing of the apostle John’s testimony: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
 
What a blessing to serve with such a team!
Educating for Eternity,
Jonathan Nazigian
WCS Headmaster