“I feel like God is calling me to see students as He sees them.”
- Sarah Graninger, Latin, 6th-9th Grades

I'm Sarah Graninger. I grew up in Roanoke and attended Faith Christian School from 6th through 12th grade. I loved my time here as a student, and I'm excited to come back as the new middle school Latin teacher!

As God was leading me back into the schools this past year, I began questioning the purpose of education. As I was reflecting on what made my experience as a student worthwhile, I didn't remember so much the content of my studies as much as I remembered what teachers had spoken into my life as a person. So, now I'm back at my Faith Christian School roots, excited to teach in the way I was taught.

What post-secondary schools did you attend? Degrees held?

I have a B.S. in Human Development with a minor in Classical Languages from Virginia Tech

Have you taught or been involved in schools somewhere else prior to Faith Christian School? If so, where, and how long? 

• Special education assistant for Roanoke City Public Schools (2014- 2017)
• Therapeutic day treatment clinician, supporting students with emotional needs in the classroom (2017- 2018)
• ESL content writer (2018-2022)
• Teaching assistant for RCPS, leading reading groups and substitute teaching (2022-2023)

What are your hobbies or things you enjoy outside of the school?

I love gardening, trail running, and hanging out with my awesome nieces and nephew! I also love my church family and lead worship there once a month.

What or who inspired you to work in education?

As a young student, I struggled greatly with reading and attention. God used my teachers at Faith Christian School to heal my broken view of myself as a student and draw out the joys and passions God had put in my heart. I feel like God is calling me to do the same: to see students as He sees them.

What do you find most compelling or distinct about Christian classical education? 

Teaching with the "weight of glory" in mind.

What do you love about the idea of teaching at Faith Christian School or what do you anticipate appreciating most about Faith Christian School?

I'm excited for the community of staff and students.

What's a favorite book you've read?

Narnia Series, The Hiding Place, and The Cost of Discipleship

How many books do you have stacked on your bedside table or in your "To Read" pile?  

Current books: Romans and David's Tabernacle; current audiobook: The Secret Garden

If you have a personal life's mission statement, what is it?  

"I AM the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." -John 15:5

If you have a "life verse" or a verse that is ministering to you right now, what might it be?

My verse for this year is Isaiah 43:19: "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."