|Tenkely|
In pulling together the staff of Anastasis Academy, we set out to create a dream team. A team where each individual had something unique and important to contribute. A team that recognized and utilized the strengths and passions available to help students better understand what it means to be a vital contributor to society and the body of Christ. This is our dream team.
Matthew Anderson: Founder/ Lead Teacher
Matthew was called to be a teacher shortly after God changed his life forever in college. Matthew and his beautiful wife Julia have been married for 7 and a half years. They are in the process of bringing home the orphan princess, Adele Mercy, who was brought into their lives in the spring of 2011. Matthew’s favorite thing to do is learn. He likes to read, study and learn about who God is and what he is like, he has a passion for Scripture, particularly the Old Testament. Mr. A also enjoys time outside with his wife, dog, horses and fishing pole. Mr. A counts it a blessing to spend his days at school with learners. He has a BS in Elementary Education, a minor in Animal Science, a MA in Christian Studies and completed the Principal Licensure Program through DU a few years ago.
“I spend my days at Anastasis Academy with some of the greatest people I know. God’s vision for our community is to teach children how to properly manage their freedom and help them see they are contributing citizens now, not at some point in the future. We want to start schools that start churches. A community gathered around learning together and serving together sounds like a good group of people to walk through life with.”
Online Me:
Michelle Baldwin: Primary teacher
“My name is Michelle Baldwin, and I am a learner, an educator, a self-proclaimed “techie,” presenter, and an advocate for teaching and learning WITH students!
I returned to the classroom in 2010, after coordinating technology professional/staff development for eight years in a suburban school district. Although I continue to assist teachers in the effective use of technology in the classroom, I have most recently been teaching and learning with K-5 vocal music students. I am thrilled to now be teaching and learning with students at Anastasis Academy! A parent of teenagers, I’m also well-versed in blogging, podcasting, digital literacy, online profiles, personal learning networks, and learning how much I have yet to learn.”
Online Me:
Lindsey Lauer: Intermediate teacher
“I’m so privileged to be a part of a school and community that embodies my beliefs about life and love and “why”. I’m fully confident that God has blessed Anastasis Academy, making it a reality through the hard work and vision of those involved. It’s encouraging to work with these Godly men and women in an environment where serving God and others are at the forefront. Being here is a testament to God’s work in my life. He has weaved together a beautiful plan for all of us, and I couldn’t be more excited to be where God wants me to be. I know He will use Anastasis in a big way!
My personal journey as an educator has God written all over it. I began in the giant city of Houston, TX, where I was born and raised and attended a public high school of 4,000 students, moved on to a tiny town in Arkansas, where I studied Physical Education and Graphic Design (an odd combo I’ve been told) at Ouachita Baptist University, headed back to Houston to teach and coach basketball at a private Christian school called Providence Classical School, and finally ended (or more likely just began) in beautiful Colorado, where I find myself incredibly happy with the man of my dreams and fully supported by a wonderful church in Littleton Bible Chapel. Since living in Denver, I’ve earned a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University, taught at Truth Christian Academy and Colorado Academy, where I most recently completed a Teaching Internship and earned a certification in K-12 Physical Education, and now find myself in the midst of an opportunity to truly serve at Anastasis Academy!
Aside from my obvious love for teaching, I crave anything that is physically challenging, adventurous, creative, or intellectually stimulating, often resulting in a shout from a mountaintop, a face full of powder or hardwood floor, a mess of charcoal and paint, an attempt at songwriting or drum beating, and my nose perpetually stuck in a book (or these days my eyes fixed on the iPad!). I absolutely enjoy showing young people how God is present in everything!”
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” Proverbs 1:7
Online Me:
Nancy Babbit: Primary Teacher
It is with deep thanks and enthusiasm that I join you on this Anastasis Journey. What an amazing, dynamic, learning environment God is orchestrating in this community! There is already an atmosphere of cooperation, respect, excitement, creativity, openness and lightheartedness that is stunning. I can’t wait to get this awesome classroom space set up and get rolling with these kids.
Originally from Iowa, I came to Colorado in May of 1993. I came to do ‘Ride-the-Rockies’…I just never left! I have lived in Colorado for 18 years, its home. After teaching at the Logan School for Creative Learning for ten years, my next adventure involved grad school. I had developed a thirst for deeper Biblical learning and I had always been interested in the counseling profession, so I attended Denver Seminary. After 6 years of school, I graduated with an MA in counseling with a certification in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Following graduation my job interests led me into the world of mental health in education, where I realized that my true love and calling was actually in education; I love children, teaching, and learning.
Finding Anastasis was and is a stunning surprise. ..a miracle. It is, educationally, all that I would hope for in a school (and I have had very high hopes and dreams!). I love teaching in an environment where community is far beyond a word in a handbook, and where children are encouraged to ask questions and explore those things they are curious or passionate about. The treasure is that Anastasis is faith-based; God is sought, welcome, and is powerfully moving. I can’t wait to see Him in action in the classroom and in all our minds and hearts for years to come.
My personal interests are many and varied. I love the outdoors and all it offers. It is where I do my best thinking, praying, discovering, and playing! This can involve walking, biking, hiking, painting, photography, snowshoeing, skiing, or simply sitting and soaking it all up. Other interests include, travel, music, good red wine, dark chocolate, coffee, movies, concerts at Red Rocks, painting, pottery, gardening, exploring, researching, and learning.
Kelly Tenkely: Founder/Curriculum and Instructional Designer
I have been teaching for 8 years. I spent the first year in a second grade classroom in a public school and then next 6 teaching students to use technology as a learning tool. In the last 4 years I have been actively connecting with educators around the world, discussing education reform, offering professional development and consulting with schools about how technology can transform the learning experience.
I wasn’t always the computer geek I am today…I kind of fell into the computer teacher roll and found out that I love it and that I have a passion for technology (particularly Apple!!) who knew? My goal has been to help teachers fall in love with technology the way that their students have. I believe that technology reaches students in a way that few other mediums can. It ignites a fire, a desire to learn, and gives them the ability to express themselves in meaningful ways.
The longer I teach, the more I reflect on exactly how school is being done. Somewhere along the line, the focus of education and schools shifted the wrong direction. Schools and policy makers have become obsessed with curriculum, and assessments, and data, and money, and the latest tool for the classroom. Where is the obsession and passion for creating rich learning environments for every student? We live in a society where everything is individualized and personalized. We can get a burger made just the way we want it. We can get computers built to our exact specifications. We can personalize our cell phones with ring tones, wallpapers, and skins. And yet, in this world of customization, one thing that we fail to customize and personalize is education. Kids enter the classroom and are taught the same way day in and day out. They sit in seats, in rows, filling out worksheet after worksheet and then, they take a test. The programs that do allow students to do something different are being systematically cut due to budget difficulties (P.E., Art, Library, Music). Is it any wonder that when kids are asked what their favorite part of school is, they answer “lunch and recess”? What does this say about the state of our schools?
What is the purpose of school? Why do we mandate that our kids be sent to school? I believe that our answers would be largely similar, to prepare students for the world that they are living in, that they will find themselves living in. If this is our purpose we must ask ourselves, are we meeting it with our current school structure? I submit that we are not. Our students are not being prepared for the world that they will find themselves in, our students are being prepared for the world that their great-grandparents lived in.
I have a dreams of education. I have dreams of the way that schools should look. I have dreams of kids who find their passions. I have dreams of schools as rich learning centers. Anastasis Academy is the fulfillment of that dream.
Online Me:
Websites: Tenkely.org
LinkedIn: Kelly Tenkely
Twitter: ktenkely
YouTube: ktenkely
Freelance articles:
Videos/Podcasts/Recognition
Initiatives/Conferences
Reform Symposium Virtual Conference (organizer 2010)
ACSI Conference Speaker (2008)
Colorado Podcast Summit (2008)
My name is Morgan Scott. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education and started my career in Mesquite ISD. I just celebrated my first year anniversary with my wonderful husband, Tyler. We have two adorable dogs named Max and Lucy. We recently moved here from Dallas, Texas where I have taught for the past three years. I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher. Growing up both my parents were teachers and I loved the way they were able to positively impact the world.
I have a passion for teaching and love learnings with students. I am thrilled to be a part of the amazing Anastasis Academy team that God has helped put together. I believe the learning the along with spiritual growth will help prepare our students to be Christian leaders of the world. I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for all of us.
Class Blog:
The Starry Knights
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