About the "Teacher Feature"
The Teacher Feature is designed to acquaint you with "another side" of our Academy teachers in addition to their professional lives. Each month, an interview and a few photo clips of a teacher will appear in the Teacher Feature. We have great people serving here at the Academy, and we want you to get to know and appreciate them. - Mr. Zimmerman
The following article was published on May 23, 2010.
Miss. Sue Stewart
What do you do for fun?
One of my greatest joys is READING. I especially enjoy Christian fiction such as books by Karen Kingsbury who writes about real situations. On occasion I like reading a biography. The last biography was a Martin Luther and I was impressed by his struggle with the church and his spiritual struggle with sin. Historical nonfiction is also a favorite. I recently finished a book about the Amish. I also enjoy card making and using calligraphy. I have had card making sessions twice during the last year with the ladies at Shiretown Baptist Church. It was a great time of fellowship. The calligraphy comes in handy when doing Kindergarten Diplomas.
What books or books have you recently read?
I have read several fictional books by Tamara Alexander who has written several historical series. The last one kept my full attention since there was a mystery. The husband was badly burned while on a trip. He was burned so badly that he was not recognizable. When he returned to his homestead, his wife did not even recognize him. Because he thought of himself as hideous, he did not tell her who he was. During this time they both had incredible spiritual experiences. If you want to know how it ends you will have to read it.
How did you spend the summer?
Since I live at a lake I spent a lot of time entertaining family and friends. We spend a great deal of time recalling old times, laughing, eating, enjoying the outdoors. I plant a flower garden, go canoeing, organize cookouts. I try to spend some time working on a project for the new school year.
Of what church are you a member and in what ministries do you participate?
I am a member of Shiretown Baptist Church. I am the church pianist for services as well as playing for the choir. I teach music to the Children's Program on Wednesday evenings. This program is similar to Awana.. We have three adults doing different phases during the evening. The first part is the music, the second is a Bible Lesson and Bible memory, while the third part is crafts and snack. What amazes me is that God has brought the three adults together to minister to children who have ties with the Academy. The first is June (Jacobs) Smarr who graduated from County Rd. Baptist School. The second is Mrs. Cindy Milton whose son graduated from the Academy and who ministers at the Academy.
Do you have a life verse? Why have you adopted it?
For a long time I used I Corinthians 10:13 because I needed to be reminded that I do not have to be drawn in by temptation - God is always there to help. However, as I grow older I have claimed Colossians 3:23. It is my desire to stand before God some day knowing I have done my best for His sake.
What have you done recently to better yourself professionally?
The recent trip to Concord, NH was a great refresher. I gained some ideas from visiting Concord Christian Academy that I can use in my classroom. At the Teachers' Convention I was reminded that each classroom has individuals that need one on one time. Sometimes I overlook this because I get so focused on the class goals. The staff that I traveled with were an encouragement as well. No matter how many times we would try to talk about other things than school guess what topic we always came back to. I also came back with a greater appreciation of our school and staff. We really do have an awesome situation here in Northern Maine. I have also been reorganizing my teaching material and editing some material to use in the classroom such as bulletin board visuals and chapel stories/lessons.
What makes you want to get up in the morning?
I tend to be a morning person. I love the sunrise at the cottage and as spring and summer arrive I enjoy the sounds of birds and woodpeckers. I love what I do! I love my students. I enjoy the staff at school. Every day that God allows me is precious.
What do you like about GHCA?
What's not to like? I have always wanted to come back to Maine to retire. Since He brought me back earlier than I anticipated, I cannot thank Him enough for placing me in His school. The elementary staff and administration are outstanding - professionally and personally. They have been a great encouragement to me. I wish I had more time to get to know the high school teachers. I also appreciate the parents. They have been a great help and blessing. The mutual love and caring is wonderful. I am pleased with the new accreditation. I can hardly wait to see what else God has in store for us. I LOVE the loft in our classroom.
If you could design your dream school, what would it look like?
A dream school? Hmmm. Like GHCA, I would want it to be Christ -centered. The teachers need to be there because that's where God wants them to be. The curriculum should be Bible based. As the students mature they need to display Godly character, integrity, and a desire to serve God. To me the facility is not as important as the people. However, if I'm going to dream, then a facility with a proper size gym, a library FULL of awesome books, and a large size playground with lots of equipment for exercise and imaginary play.