“I love seeing the spark in the eyes of students who really begin to get the concept or who became passionate to learn more about the subject I am teaching.”
- Wendy Steele, Middle School Humanities

My husband and I were born and raised in Florida, then relocated to Asheville, NC, after getting married in 1996. We have been in Chattanooga, TN, for the past 22 years. We have three daughters, ages 22, 20, and 18, whom we homeschooled throughout all their years of education. I enjoyed teaching in our church co-op and later in a classical hybrid homeschool program for the past eight years. 

We were relocated to Roanoke with my husband's company, and I immediately began to search for teaching opportunities. I "happened upon" the Faith Christian School website as I was searching for classical Christian schools in the area.  As I read through the history and mission statement for FCS, my heart was pricked by the Lord. It was exciting to see a school doing the same things as the hybrid school I had been teaching in. I grew excited at the possibility of working with students full-time to instill a hunger for what is true, beautiful, and good. When I came in for a visit, I was impressed with the depth of discussion in the classrooms I visited, the obvious love of learning, and a heart of worship among the faculty and student body.

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

I earned a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Leo University. I have taught humanities as well as science for Veritas Classical School for the past eight years.

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

I love gardening, birding, and hiking in my free time.

What or who inspired you to work in education?

I began my early career in medical practice management but when my oldest daughter was two, our church asked me to prayerfully consider working with her two-year-old class. As I began to prepare lessons and see the impact of my investment, I was bitten by the "bug." Then as I approached the time for her to begin kindergarten, I felt the burden and calling to homeschool. At the same time, I became involved in our children's ministry by helping with VBS, writing teaching materials for kids’ camps, and teaching in our homeschool co-op. As my other daughters joined us in schooling, I continued to teach, lead kids’ worship, and be involved in AWANA, VBS, and other teaching opportunities. I loved building relationships with students as I taught them and began to see the impact I could have. Most of all, I loved seeing the spark in the eyes of students who really began to get the concept, or who became passionate to learn more about the subject I was teaching.

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

Christian classical education is unique in its ability to ignite a passion for pursuing Christ across all subjects. It seeks to equip students to clearly identify and long for what is right, good, and beautiful according to God's word. It also seeks to provide the necessary tools to develop strong critical thinking skills so that students know how to think rather than simply being told what to think. At its heart, Christian classical education disciples students in their individual walk with Christ, so that they are prepared to impact the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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 am most looking forward to building relationships with the students at FCS and coming alongside them in their faith journey with Christ. I am also looking forward to having great conversations about rich literature, HIStory, and where each student fits into it.

What's a favorite book you've read?

Recently, I have revisited several C.S. Lewis classics, so I would have to say Abolition of Man and Mere Christianity. I have also enjoyed a few historical fiction novels this summer.

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

I have several, but Heaven Rules by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth, and Forgive by Timothy Keller are on the top to read.

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

I have adopted Paul’s words from Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

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

Psalm 73:25-26:  Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my life.