“Order, beauty, and critical thinking are what I find most compelling about Christian classical education.” - Maria McKeown (Lower School Physical Education)
I celebrated 30 years of marriage with a trip to Maine in late May. Ed and I both spend a lot of time hiking and cycling. We have 2 children, Connor, 27, and Jenna, 24. Both of our kids attended Faith Christian School in elementary school. Although we were transferred to Roanoke in 2004, western North Carolina is “home,” and both of our extended families still live in NC.
I began my teaching career at FCS in 2004, when the Lower School was established. I taught PE here for 11 years, then taught elementary PE in Roanoke County for 9 years. I am starting my third year as the Executive Director for Virginia AHPERD (Association for Health, PE, Recreation & Dance). Virginia AHPERD is a nonprofit, professional organization for Health and Physical Educators. Our mission is to provide teachers with quality professional development and resources that strengthen their classrooms, and we advocate at the state level for our profession. I am also on the national training team for School Health Physical Education and often travel to provide curriculum training for other school districts.
What are your hobbies or things you enjoy outside of the school?
I love to be outside—hiking, riding my bike, walking in a park, sitting on my deck with a good book. I also am an avid scrapbooker and enjoy a lot of crafts.
What post-secondary schools did you attend? Degrees held?
I graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 1991. Since then, I’ve taken postgraduate classes at UVA (Wise and Charlottesville), as well as a great deal of professional development in Motor Sensory Learning, adapted physical education, and leadership training.
Have you taught or been involved in schools somewhere else prior to FCS? If so, where, and how long?
9 years in Roanoke County: Fort Lewis Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, and Clearbrook Elementary
What or who inspired you to work in education?
I started my career with the YMCA as a youth sports and family program director. While I was teaching kids, I was fascinated by how they moved. I discovered I was more interested in their growth and development than I was in their recreational pursuits. Sadly, I burned out in that career within 5 years due to the workload and decided to move into physical education. I went back to school to pursue a teaching certification in PK-12 Health and PE.
What's your favorite book you've read?
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction and leadership books this summer. The one I’m reading now is “Never Hire Your Friends: Leading Your Workplace Through Genuine Connection.” I am enjoying that one a lot because it prioritizes relationships.
How many books do you have stacked on your bedside table or in your "To Read" pile?
Four
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What do you find most compelling or distinct about Christian classical education?
Order, beauty, and critical thinking
If you have a "life verse" or a verse that is ministering to you right now, what might it be?
Jeremiah 29:11 is always my favorite and the one I gain hope from, regardless of my circumstances.
