An Interview with Stephanie Hopkins

With gratitude and love, we celebrate Mrs. Hopkins as she retires after 27 years of faithful service to Faith Christian School. In this special interview, she reflects on her journey, the heart of classical Christian education, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Reflection on Your Teaching Journey

Over the years I have increasingly adopted the “multum, non multa” philosophy of classical education. The phrase means “much, not many,” and I have found that a focus on studying a few things well helps students apply the skills learned in future lessons. What has remained constant is keeping expectations high while helping students along the way.

A focus on discussion and asking open-ended questions has helped me because this type of inquiry both helps students think more deeply and helps me know where their gaps in learning may lie.

I was hired as the administrative assistant in 1998 and was responsible for accounting, development, and office tasks, including developing the class schedule each year. When the 2002-2003 year started, the schedule was unable to accommodate two students who were off-track in Latin. I told the current Head of School, Sam Cox, that I had taken Latin and could teach that level. I did not have a college degree at that time, but since we were not yet accredited, Mr. Cox allowed me to teach this class. I felt a clear calling from the Lord to become a teacher and began taking classes toward a degree in Classical Studies. I have remained at FCS because of the community of fellow teachers, a supportive administration, and great students. They are like family to me.

Faith and Teaching

Faith integration is both planned and spontaneous. Although much of the literature I teach is overtly pagan, it provides ample fodder for comparison to biblical principles and the grace, mercy, and love of God. Many times, class discussion leads to an opportunity to share God’s working in my own life.

Each student I teach is on his or her own faith journey, which includes joys, sorrows, fears, doubts, and everything in between. As the Lord leads, I hope to meet them where they are and speak His Word into their lives, showing them that He is more than enough to meet every need.

Senior Thesis is the culmination of a Faith Christian School education, and over the years, I have witnessed students applying theological, reading, writing, speaking, and reasoning skills to the entire thesis process. One student in particular wrote a thesis on “An Evaluation of Quantum Indeterminacy from a Christian Perspective.” He was able to explain quantum indeterminacy to an audience (no simple task!) and then use that explanation to “provide insight into the mystery of God’s interaction with his creation,” ultimately glorifying the sovereignty of God. Acting as his advisor was an honor and a humbling experience.

Classical Christian Education

The Trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric provides a time-tested method for learning. The grammar of any discipline lays a foundation that will eventually lead to questioning that knowledge critically. That questioning includes not only head knowledge of the topic but understanding of God’s sovereign role as creator and sustainer. Using the skills of grammar and logic, students learn to communicate their views in speaking and writing, making them more mature believers and winsome defenders of their faith.

Integration is one of our Basic Understandings at FCS, and I have had to work hard to integrate subjects in my teaching. The more I teach and learn from teachers of other disciplines, however, the more natural this integration becomes.

Within my discipline, I would say that Dante’s Divine Comedy ultimately resonates the most with my students. They journey with Dante through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven to discover the separating nature of sin, the value of community, and the harmony of aligning oneself in God’s love and will.

Student and School Impact

Over the years I have witnessed many students grow in virtue, character, and strength. Sometimes a student is transformed by a mission trip, sometimes by unspeakable tragedy, or sometimes by friendships with other students. Most, however, mature naturally as they grow.

The mission and vision of the school are strongly communicated to teachers and students, and over time, the community “catches” that vision. I see a more cohesive student body that works to sincerely interact with students of all grade levels. There is a strong message of loving inclusion in our culture.

As I answered earlier, training in the Trivium equips students with the tools to engage their culture. Training in the Word of God – not just its content, but its meaning – equips them to see others as fellow image-bearers who deserve grace. Finally, students experience many opportunities in their time at FCS to both see the gospel in action and to practice their faith.

Advice for Future Teachers

Stay with it! Talk to other teachers; you will not only learn about teaching skills from them, but you will grow in your own faith as you learn what Christian classical education is all about. I would also recommend reading extensively within your discipline and taking advantage of professional development opportunities.

Prayer, love, humility, patience, determination, consistency

Working at Faith Christian School has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. Teachers and staff constantly observe the gospel in action, explore the deeper questions of life, learn others’ perspectives, and hone their skills, whatever they may be.

School Involvement and Support

Administration and other teachers are the best support. They often know about resources and programs that could be helpful. Classical U is a program sponsored by Classical Academic Press that provides videos of many aspects of classical education. Circe Institute also offers resources committed to our model. Finally, FCS also offers the Mulder Scholarship for teachers to seek out their own professional development opportunities.

The board and administration are doing a wonderful job of listening to and working with teachers. Keep praying for us!

Final Thoughts

Stay the Course!

The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Thank you for your dedication to Faith Christian School and for taking the time to share your experiences. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to cultivate a strong and faithful learning environment for both students and teachers.