“I like that Christian Classical education allows the student to do the learning. They aren't forced to learn things just for the sake of a test. I love that inquiry is the driving force in all of the subjects and that the subjects can be so easily integrated.” - Brynn Sowder

Please briefly describe your journey to Faith Christian School and what attracted you to the school.

I am close to a family who sent their oldest here when he started Kindergarten. I was still in grad school at the time but I got to learn about the school through that family. When I decided to move back to Roanoke from Ashburn, I applied at FCS in 2015. I really liked that the classical model seemed to fit so well with the inquiry-based instruction I received in graduate school. I liked the idea of working in a community and getting to show students how God's fingerprint is on everything.

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

I spent my first year teaching at Virginia Academy in Ashburn, Virginia. I taught Kindergarten. I returned to Roanoke after that school year.

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

Christopher Newport University, BA Psychology, Mary Baldwin College MAT Elementary Education

What or who inspired you to work in education?

I've always been drawn to younger kids. Even as a pretty young child, I wanted to play school and be the teacher. I could often be found reading to my younger cousins. When I started Kindergarten, I think I decided that's what I wanted to teach.

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

I have been a volunteer Young Life leader at Patrick Henry High School since 2011. I practice calligraphy and watercolor illustration when I have free time. I love to go on hikes or trails around the Roanoke area. I am in the process of completing volunteer work to become a Virginia Master Naturalist after having completed the course this past Spring.

What's a favorite book you've read?

Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller

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

I have been a volunteer Young Life leader at Patrick Henry High School since 2011. I practice calligraphy and watercolor illustration when I have free time. I love to go on hikes or trails around the Roanoke area. I am in the process of completing volunteer work to become a Virginia Master Naturalist after having completed the course this past Spring.

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

I have 7(?) plus tons more on my bookshelf! The Naturalist, by Darrin Lunde, The God of the Garden, by Andrew Peterson, and Our Wild Calling by Richard Louv.

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

Psalm 34:18  - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

If you have a personal life's mission statement, what is it? If not, how might you describe what you feel called to as a believer?

I feel called to love and pursue God every day and to share the Good News. I'm passionate about teaching others how to live out their faith.

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

I like that Christian Classical education allows the student to do the learning. They aren't forced to learn things just for the sake of a test. I love that inquiry is the driving force in all of the subjects and that the subjects can be so easily integrated.

Why do you love Faith Christian School or what do you appreciate most about Faith Christian School?

I love our community. I love getting to see students grow up and walking alongside families as they do.