MA, Holistic Education and BS, Bible and Interdisciplinary Studies, Johnson Bible College; Endorsement in English as a Second Language. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“My husband Jerry and I have two lovely daughters. I taught in public schools for ten years in Knox County, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, and Raleigh, NC, as well as a year in a private school in China. After I had my first child, I took time off from formal teaching, but continued teaching preschool-aged kids at Bible Study Fellowship for several years. I have also enjoyed being a substitute teacher and room mom at Paideia. I am so excited and privileged to be able to teach the youngest learners here. I pray God would use me to plant and water seeds of His truth in little hearts and watch them continue to grow. ‘Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water…not bothered by the heat or drought…they never stop producing fruit’ (Jeremiah 17:7-8).”

AS, Marketing. Serving Paideia Academy since 2017.

“For almost 10 years, I homeschooled our 4 sweet daughters. Through these years I have loved learning about different educational models, attending workshops, thumbing through and choosing curriculum, modifying lesson plans, volunteering and working in different co-ops, reading countless books to my children, teaching daily lessons, and most of all raising up our children in the love and nurture of our Good Lord. Recently, I was involved in teaching in a local classical Christian co-op. The learning curve on classical Christian education has been eye opening and enriching for my entire family. Unexpectedly, the Lord changed our course and moved us to Paideia. Paideia has lined up wonderfully with our educational values and love for the Lord. The family atmosphere and Christ-centered lives are apparent throughout. Each one of my girls has grown and thrived here.”

BM, Wesleyan College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2005.

“It is a joy for me to be teaching at Paideia. I consider it a honor and privilege to be able to teach these young children the ways of the Lord. They seem to teach me something new every year as well. I have been teaching for over 35 years. God put a call in my heart to teach when I was in first grade. He has blessed and given me many great experiences. I look forward to the coming years and what I can instill, through Christ, into these children and what they can teach me. I joined the Paideia staff in the school’s second year, and after a year away as an administrator in another classical Christian school, I’m excited to be back in the classroom. It is a blessing to be at Paideia where the staff and board have the same vision to reach the children and help them become faithful men and women of God.”

MA, Teaching: Elementary Education and BS, Bible, Intercultural Studies, Columbia International University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“Prior to joining the Paideia family, I had the privilege of teaching second grade in public schools for 3 years, followed by teaching first, second, and fifth grades in Christian schools for 10 and a half years. After my husband and I adopted our son, Stephen, we prayerfully decided for me to stay home for a season. When the Lord began calling me back into the classroom, He also made it clear that I was to transition into a classical approach to education. I was thrilled when He opened the door for me to teach at Paideia! My prayer for my students is that they would learn to love the Lord and desire to serve Him as they grow. ‘Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth.’ I John 3:18”

MS, Special Education, and Teaching Credential, Cal State University Fullerton; BA, Liberal Studies, Chapman University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“It is such a blessing to teach at Paideia. I have over 17 years of teaching experience in grades K-8. My husband Trevor and I have been married for 14 years and have three children; Leah, Emilie, and Bradley, who also attend Paideia. The Lord recently led us across the country to this amazing school. I am so excited to be able to teach children in a Christ-centered environment. My prayer for my students is for them to grow in the love and knowledge of our savior, Jesus. When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family in the beautiful outdoors of East Tennessee.”

MARE, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; BS, Religion, Hiram College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2004.

“I am delighted to be back at Paideia! I began with Paideia in its founding year and served here for 11 years before relocating to Nashville for a few years with my husband’s job. I have had the privilege of serving at several different classical schools and have been blessed with numerous godly and gifted mentors who have provided me with unique educational opportunities. I believe that God has given me two specific verses to guide my teaching: ‘I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Psalm 139:14) and ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for God and not for men.’ (Colossians 3:23) My goal is to encourage and challenge each child to do their very best, recognizing that all that they do should be to the glory of God.”

MS, Special Education: Deaf Education, University of Tennessee; BS, Special Education: Deaf Education, University of Tennessee; Mental Disabilities Special Education Certificate, University of North Carolina. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“It is a joy and privilege to join the staff of Paideia. I’ve had the honor of teaching in a variety of settings, but to be able to teach at a school that pursues what is good, true, and beautiful brings me such joy. My passion is to encourage life-long learners who love to learn and carry that love of learning on with them throughout their lives. I long for students to see how God is woven in and out of every aspect of His creation. I am a mother to two children, Will and Mallory, and a wife to Larry. Our son Will is in college and our daughter Mallory is in the Upper School here at Paideia. When I am not teaching, you can find me enjoying a cup of tea, reading, quilting, weaving, or going on walks outside.”

MEd, emphasis on Teacher Leadership, Grand Canyon University; BS, Early Childhood and Elementary Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Serving Paideia Academy since 2015.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Paideia family. My teaching background includes six years as 4th grade teacher at Evangel Classical Christian School in Birmingham, Alabama, where I received a lot of classical training. I also worked at Providence Classical Academy in Shreveport, LA, where I taught 5th grade and had the privilege to be a lead teacher and serve other teachers as well as students. Through God’s sovereignty and graciousness, He moved us here where I am excited to continue my ministry in classical education. I look forward to many wonderful years!”

BS, Elementary Education, Tennessee Tech University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2021.

“My family has been blessed to be a part of the Paideia community for several years, so is a joy and an honor to step into teaching here. I have 8 years of elementary teaching experience. Most recently, I served as the director of children’s ministry at my church. My heart’s desire is to partner with parents in helping their children to know and serve Christ as they grow in their knowledge of Him. My husband,JJ, and I have been married 21 years and have three children, Carter, Isaac, and Evelyn. We are originally from middle TN, but we have called Knoxville home since 2006 (our blood runs orange!) We love taking full advantage of living in beautiful East Tennessee. Our family enjoys camping, biking, and hiking. When not in the classroom, I enjoy reading a good book, watching football, and cheering for my kids in their various sports activities.”

BS, Business and Marketing, University of Phoenix. Serving Paideia since 2018.

“I started my career in the insurance field. As my husband and I began having a family, I felt God giving me a desire to work with children. I taught at a preschool program for three years, volunteered at a homeschool co-op, taught children’s Sunday school classes, and substituted at my boys’ schools regularly. I thought I understood ‘classical education,’ until I found Paideia Academy. I was impressed at the level of the students’ knowledge and by their passion for learning how history, literature, and science are connected to the Bible. I wished that I had the privilege of this type of classical education in my life! Teaching at Paideia has been both a blessing and privilege to me. I love the relationships I get to build with the students and their families. My desire is to help foster a love for learning and a greater appreciation of the God who is woven through each of our lessons. My husband Jeff and I have three boys who all attend Paideia Academy as well: Peyton, Brayden, and Dawson.”

BS, Secondary Education, Crown College of the Bible. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“Lover and disciple of the lovely Lord Jesus, married to LeGrand Lamb, mother to five beautiful children, Lydia, Miriam, Jack, Evelyn, and Suzanne. I count myself very privileged to work with such an amazing staff, both here at Paideia and previously at Glen Iris Baptist School in Birmingham, AL where I had the opportunity to teach in both elementary and upper school classes. Teaching is my calling as is womanhood, wife, and mother. ‘Has thou not seen how thy desires all have been granted in what He ordaineth,’ to quote the hymn Praise to the Lord the Almighty. What a joy it is to serve you and teach our children. To God alone be the glory!”

Masters, Mass Communication and BA, Journalism, University of South Carolina. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“As the son of a teacher and, for the past 17 years, the husband of one (Laura, 1st grade), I have always been a lifelong learner and passionate about teaching and learning many subjects, particularly history. After Laura began at Paideia, I saw the tremendous difference a Christian classical education makes for teachers and students. My son Stephen, who is a kindergartener, often comes home singing a hymn or Bible verse that he’s learned. My love of teaching stems from years of teaching Bible studies and Sunday School classes, knowing that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’ (Proverbs 1:7). I am thrilled that I am now able to apply that passion to Paideia students so that they may grow in the knowledge of our Lord and trust in Him always.”

MS, Agriculture in Food Science, University of Tennessee; BS, Agriculture, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2015.

“I am privileged to support the teachers who will educate each child in this classroom through the exemplification of Christ’s love. It is my purpose to seek God and to be a resource in His provision, and I am honored to serve His children. I worked as a food scientist overseeing the research and development of new food products for 17 years and worked as a substitute teacher before coming to Paideia. My husband Max and I have three boys – Josh, Alex and Magnus.”

Serving Paideia Academy since 2021.

MEd, Lincoln Memorial University; BA, Early Childhood and Elementary Education, University of Tennessee. Talented and Gifted Teaching Endorsement. Serving Paideia Academy since 2020.

“My husband and I have two children, Gracie and Luke, who have attended Paideia Academy the past several years. We are grateful for the teachers and school community that have richly invested in our children’s education thus far. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve on staff as a teacher and learn alongside wonderful Classical Christian Educators. Before children, I taught for three years in the Talented and Gifted program in the Knox County School System. I also taught as a 4th grade classroom teacher for two years at Farragut Intermediate. One of the most exciting parts of teaching at Paideia is that I can integrate God’s Word into every lesson. I consider it a joy and an honor to partner with the Holy Spirit and parents in the process of educating and discipling children with a Biblical worldview.”

Serving Paideia Academy since 2011.

“During our family’s homeschooling years our goal was to provide a Christ-centered education for our daughter. In 2008, we were ready to seek the aid of a school with the same aim, and in His kindness the Lord directed us to Paideia Academy. Its emphasis on a Christ-centered, covenantal, and classical education appealed to us immediately, and our family enthusiastically joined this precious community. Over the next three years I served frequently as a substitute teacher and experienced the unique blessing of having an inside glimpse of the environment in which our daughter was growing academically and spiritually in knowledge and grace. Since joining the staff I have tremendously enjoyed the privilege of shepherding, teaching, and learning along with our students for the ever-increasing glory of our Savior Jesus Christ!”

BA, Sociology and Psychology, Eastern Kentucky University. Serving Paideia since 2020.

“I’m married to Paul and our son, Andrew, has attended Paideia since Kindergarten.  We believe wholly in a Christ-centered education.  It’s truly my joy to have served as a volunteer mom at first, then as a substitute teacher, and then to become a Latin teacher here.  My journey at Paideia is truly a testimony of never knowing or expecting where God will take a person, but enjoying the ride. Praise be to God!”

BMusEd, minor in Sign Language Interpreting, East Carolina University. Currently a student of the Great Books Master’s Program at Memoria College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2021.

“I began learning about classical education in 2004 as I educated my children at home. One thing I have learned through classical education is that God glorifies Himself through words. I seek to guide my students in this love of words and reading and learning, and all the wonderful ways God shows Himself to us through the order and beauty of His world. ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).’ Some of the good works God has enabled me to do include roles as a band director, sign language interpreter, Latin teacher at a classical school, and a homeschool teacher. I’m so thankful to now find my place serving your children here at Paideia Academy.”

MS, Information Science, University of Tennessee, Magna Cum Laude; BA, History, University of Tennessee, Summa Cum Laude. Serving Paideia Academy since 2017.

“I am beyond excited and honored to have the opportunity to teach 5th grade at Paideia. My oldest daughter, Lilly, started in Kindergarten and is in the Class of 2024. My youngest daughter, Piper, is following her in the Class of 2027. History is one of my passions, and I quickly became passionate about classical Christian education. Seeing students grasp a concept they’d struggled with or watching that ‘lightbulb’ moment when a connection was made was rewarding, but I always felt the greatest reward was watching even the youngest students see, feel, and hear God’s Word breathed into every subject and discussion. I am deeply blessed and honored to have the opportunity guide the 5th grade students towards not only those moments of connection, but also towards a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His creation.”

M. Ed. Guidance Counseling & Curriculum Instruction, Lincoln Memorial University, BA, English, University of South Carolina, Serving Paideia since 2023.

“I’ve gotten to spend the past twelve years working with students in Christian education, most recently as a Career Advisor. I really enjoy getting to help students figure out who they are and why that matters. My Biblical worldview fundamentally shapes and distinguishes my perspective on this, and I love exploring these ideas with students. My goal is to help them see their work as their ministry and to encourage them to rise to the challenge of doing all things to honor God and bless others (Colossians 3:17). I feel similarly excited about how classical education uniquely equips students to accomplish this goal. I’ve observed firsthand how students at Paideia are truly set apart in their ability to think for themselves, their capacity to put their knowledge, thoughts, and ideas into practice, and their ability to connect with the people around them in deeply meaningful ways. I’m so excited to get to be part of this important process in their lives.”

MS Curriculum and Instruction Major, University of Tennessee; BA, English major, Elementary Education minor, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia since 2016.

“God put a calling in my heart for teaching when I was a child, and it has been a blessing to teach over the past twenty years in the classroom and as a homeschool mom. My husband and I have three children: Luke, Molly, and Maddie. After graduating from college, I taught Kindergarten and first grade before coming home to teach my own children. I fell in love with classical education during our homeschool years when we became involved in Classical Conversations. I could truly see the benefits of classical education unfolding. One stage naturally built upon another as they were learning how to become independent, critical thinkers. God has graciously transitioned us into Paideia Academy where my children are fed spiritually in the truth of God’s word as a foundation for all they do academically. I am so thankful for our educational community that is unified in their vision to raise up students who love the Lord and want to put Him first in all they do! It is a joy to be a part of the Paideia staff.”

MA, Christian Education and MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary; BA, Humanities, Belhaven University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2020.

“I have been teaching in classical Christian education for the past 17 years, and I am very excited to be teaching at Paideia. I have a passion for helping students understand the importance of ideas and worldview. My goal is to have all of my students express with C.S. Lewis, ‘I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.’ I can think of no greater calling than helping to prepare the next generation to live as faithful believers, modeling Christ-like behavior with confidence and winsomeness. The fact that I get to do all of this in the scenery of East Tennessee with my wife and two kids is just a bonus!”

BA, Psychology, with teaching certification in secondary Mathematics, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“Lover of Jesus, husband to Melanie and father to Caleb and Aidan (Paideia Academy class of 2016). I have spent the last 24 years mentoring and teaching children and young adults in various capacities including church and camp ministry and classroom teaching. Seeing young people step into their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God is one of my deepest desires. In light of that, I am excited that the integrated approach of classical education flows with my own style of teaching which centers on making connections from any subject to how our creator has shown His love for us through order, beauty and creativity. I love adventures of all kinds, and when not at school you might find me paddling, rock climbing, leading worship or roasting my own coffee.”

MS, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee; BS, Geological Sciences, San Diego State University. Serving Paideia since 2022.

“For the past nine years, I’ve been obtaining degrees in geology. I have a significant passion for the Earth and the blessings that God has given us here; it rocks! I originally intended to pursue a career in that field but found during graduate school that wasn’t my calling. I felt the need to teach, and specifically to be a mentor, for the next generations to come. While finishing my degree, I was a substitute teacher and was looking for a school where community and passion were displayed among the students and families. God blessed me with the opportunity to teach science at Paideia Academy, which provided exactly what I felt was missing from my career, namely Christ. I feel so blessed to be here and am delighted to help guide the next generations of Kingdom builders. My husband, Damian, stepson Draven, and I are ready to immerse ourselves into the Paideia family fully.”

M. Ed. Guidance Counseling & Curriculum Instruction, Lincoln Memorial University, BA, English, University of South Carolina, Serving Paideia since 2023.

“I’ve gotten to spend the past twelve years working with students in Christian education, most recently as a Career Advisor. I really enjoy getting to help students figure out who they are and why that matters. My Biblical worldview fundamentally shapes and distinguishes my perspective on this, and I love exploring these ideas with students. My goal is to help them see their work as their ministry and to encourage them to rise to the challenge of doing all things to honor God and bless others (Colossians 3:17). I feel similarly excited about how classical education uniquely equips students to accomplish this goal. I’ve observed firsthand how students at Paideia are truly set apart in their ability to think for themselves, their capacity to put their knowledge, thoughts, and ideas into practice, and their ability to connect with the people around them in deeply meaningful ways. I’m so excited to get to be part of this important process in their lives.”

BA, Mathematics, Oklahoma Baptist University; Educational Certification (K-12), California State University, MA, Biblical Studies (in process), Reformed Theological Seminary. Serving Paideia Academy since 2014.

“I have taught high school mathematics in some capacity for over twenty years but have been on break from full-time classroom teaching in order to home educate our own children. Those days are ending this year as our youngest leaves for college (Lord willing!). God’s opening up a mathematics position at Paideia is providential as I phase out of home education and enter a new phase of life. I am very excited about the opportunities to show God’s love, beauty, and creativity through math. My theological interests are biblical inerrancy, hermeneutics, and apologetics – all things concerning Truth.”

MA, Classics, University of Kansas; BA, University Scholars-Classics, Baylor University. Serving Paideia since 2016.

“I came to Paideia for the first time fresh out of graduate school in 2016 and taught for two years before moving overseas to Romania. After returning to the states and spending a year in Texas (my home state), God made it abundantly clear that my husband and I should return to Knoxville for me to teach again at this incredible school. I am honored to be a part of such a vibrant classical Christian school that values not just the education of the mind, but the nurture of the soul in Christ Jesus through our learning. I am thrilled to be back teaching Latin and Omnibus and to have the opportunity to be a part of this community once again. I am a mother to two boys, Jay and Irving, and I am wife to Trent. When I’m not teaching I’m spending time with my boys, playing violin or piano, painting, or spending time outdoors.”

BS, Biblical Studies, Moody Bible Institute; AS, Biblical Studies, New Tribes Bible Institute; Diplom in Evangelische Theologie, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“Having followed Christ for many years now, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Gospel and the next generation at Paideia Academy. My lovely wife Cathrin and I are thankful to have been blessed with our three children: Clara, Caleb, and Samuel. I began my Biblical training many years ago, but my classical training was rounded out most recently as we studied abroad in Germany. I love students; languages: German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, English; and the Word of God. We are thankful to have been brought into the Paideia community and look forward to serving all those who God brings our way.”

DMin (ABD), Gateway Seminary; MDiv, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary; MA, Intercultural Studies, Union University; BS, Biology, California Baptist University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“I was trained in ministry at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m passionate about the people of God growing in their relationship with God and maturing as followers of Jesus. I long for students to be able to discern God’s voice in order for them to know Him deeply and join Him in what He is doing in the world. I am married to Stacey and we have two children: Olivia and Isaiah. When I’m not teaching I love to work out with my buddies at F3 and travel with my family.”

MS, Information Science, University of Tennessee, Magna Cum Laude; BA, History, University of Tennessee, Summa Cum Laude. Serving Paideia Academy since 2017.

“I am beyond excited and honored to have the opportunity to teach 5th grade at Paideia. My oldest daughter, Lilly, started in Kindergarten and is in the Class of 2024. My youngest daughter, Piper, is following her in the Class of 2027. History is one of my passions, and I quickly became passionate about classical Christian education. Seeing students grasp a concept they’d struggled with or watching that ‘lightbulb’ moment when a connection was made was rewarding, but I always felt the greatest reward was watching even the youngest students see, feel, and hear God’s Word breathed into every subject and discussion. I am deeply blessed and honored to have the opportunity guide the 5th grade students towards not only those moments of connection, but also towards a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His creation.”

BS, Environmental and Soil Sciences, University of Tennessee; MDiv, Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary (in process). Serving Paideia since 2021.

“I am a recipient of sovereign grace and a grateful disciple of Jesus Christ. Apart from Christ,
my wife Maria is the greatest gift in my life. We have one son, Theodore, and another one
named Augustine who is on the way. Lord willing, the halls of Paideia will be swarming with
Williams children before long! For the past few years, I have served as a full-time campus
minister, doing evangelism and discipleship at the University of Tennessee. I am thrilled to join the Paideia team and help mold students who think biblically and live passionately for the glory of God in our world. Whether in the great books, or in science lab, or on the court, my desire is to show students how Christ is Lord over all and the greatest treasure in the universe. My hobbies include reading, pickup basketball, gardening, grilling, and being disappointed by the Atlanta Braves. I serve as a pastoral resident at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville, and we love worshipping with our church family.”

BA, Communications, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2013.

“I am delighted to shepherd the growing Upper School theatre program at Paideia Academy. My heart is to teach our students to be effective storytellers and use their creative gifts to God’s glory.”

Art Academy of Cincinnati and Cleveland Institute of Art, Ohio. Serving Paideia Academy since 2015.

“I’ve been teaching art in a Christian school, homeschooling co-op, private lessons or in an after-school program at public schools for more than 30 years. My first passion is investing in each student’s walk in their relationship with Jesus Christ. My second passion is to teach the ‘how to’s’ of creating beautiful art. I’m very excited and thankful to be a part of the Paideia school family.”

MSc, Spiritual Guidance and Care/Mental Behavioral Health, Carson-Newman University; BM, Music and Religion, Carson-Newman University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“What a joy to be part of the Paideia family! I feel blessed to be able to share my love of music with students of all ages through private lessons and in the general classroom. My heart’s desire is to see God glorified in all that we do as children of God and to instill a love of music in the next generation. We read so much from the Scriptures about praising God with instrument and song; this will come to life as we experience and learn about music in our world during the school year. My husband and I reside in Knoxville and are both leaders in various music ministries in the area.”

BM, Music Education, Grove City College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“I have had the privilege of starting Paideia’s band program, a program that is focused on discipleship, musical excellence and music ministry.  As a high school and college musician, I was deeply inspired by my high school band director and consequently pursued a degree in Music Education. As a high school and college musician, the Lord providentially opened doors of opportunity for me to work under some of the country’s top band conductors at state and national honors bands. I view all of these experiences as a deposit that was entrusted to me by the Lord to be invested into my students. After teaching band and general music from 2001-2009, I took a break from teaching to become a mother to George, Lily, Charlie and Rosie, and now I am following the Lord’s leading as I return to my passion of teaching band. My goal is to develop kingdom musicians who are fully equipped as both classically-trained musicians and also as artists who are capable of creating their own music as they play by ear. My other passions are for women’s ministry, tennis, and healthy living.”