New Teacher Interview: Jason Haines
Riverside Christian School is proud to welcome three new teachers this year! To help introduce them to our community I asked them to answer a few questions to help us get to know them better. Keep an eye out next week for the last installment in this series.
Riverside Christian School is proud to add Jason Haines to our quiver of talented teachers. Jason becoming a member of the RCS faculty is a perfect example of God answering prayer in ways that often surprise us. After advertising the position at a time of teacher shortages, Jason came to us after hearing about the job from another applicant who and had already been interviewed. Who does that? Only God, of course!
Tell us a little about your educational background.
I am a graduate of Central Washington University where I earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. Recently, I added an Endorsement in Middle School Mathematics.
Tell us about your family.
I come from a family that all works in the educational system. My mother was a paraprofessional for many years, my father was a head custodian, and my sister and I both teach. My wife is currently a third grade teacher. We have two children, ten and three, that continually bless us with their antics and triumphs.
What attracted you to work for Riverside Christian School?
Years ago I had wanted to apply to RCS but there were not any openings and I was frequently told how few and far between the openings were. Discouraged I stopped looking only to years later be recommended by a friend for this sixth grade position. My family and I feel God’s hand in his plan for us and I am so pleased to be here.
What have been your experiences in education?
My teaching experience has been middle school focused. I tried elementary early on but my dry sense of humor works much better with the older students. Over the years I have worked in all the Yakima middle schools as well as Selah Intermediate. My passion is teaching math because I love helping students find the part that they’re missing and then guiding them towards independent success. Getting to teach science and social studies along with math this year feels tailor made for me. Again, God knew what he was doing.
Why do you think a Christian education is important for families to consider?
Christian education is first of all a privilege that we are so fortunate to have available to us as a choice. Raising children to be in the world but not of the world is not easy and to have such a support system and network for students to see beyond their immediate family and church on Sunday is a great asset to them as they explore their faith and grow in Christ.
How do you hope to make a difference in the lives of students in your role at Riverside Christian School?
I desire to encourage spiritual, social, and academic growth in my students. I hope to challenge them to learn, to think, to question and to ultimately give back and serve others.
What do you love most about Riverside Christian School so far?
The family atmosphere at RCS is really special. I have seen the climate in many buildings and there are great things happening in many places but we are lucky to have our “family climate” truly be staff, students and their families.