Name: Mr. Jeff Powers
Grades: 4-5
Education: Bachelor of Elementary Education (1993) Dr. Martin Luther College
Hobbies and Interests: Bucks! Brewers! Badgers! Packers!
What you like most about being a teacher: What I love most about being a teacher is the privilege I have each day to talk about Jesus with my students while we learn and have fun together. There’s something truly special about weaving faith into our daily conversations, whether we’re exploring a new concept, working through a challenge, or simply sharing stories, and watching how the gospel comes alive in those moments. The classroom becomes more than just a place for academic growth. It’s a community where we can laugh, learn, and grow closer to Christ side by side. Every day brings new opportunities to point my students toward Him, and seeing their faith deepen as we journey together is the greatest reward I could ask for. As Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
Your teaching philosophy: As a teacher at St. Paul’s, I view education as a sacred partnership with families that stewards each child’s academic, personal, and spiritual growth. I believe all knowledge is tied to God’s Word, with every subject revealing His character. Mathematics displays His order and precision, science unveils His creation, language arts reflects the Great Communicator, and social studies demonstrates His sovereignty throughout history. This foundation ensures that my classroom continually points students toward the Creator rather than dividing learning into separate categories. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
I meet each student exactly where they are through differentiated instruction that honors diverse learning styles and abilities. Flexible grouping allows for targeted intervention or enrichment, tiered assignments provide appropriate challenge, and varied modalities ensure every child can access the curriculum. Through regular one on one conferencing, I personalize pacing and support, ensuring no student is left behind or held back from reaching their full God given potential.
The Gospel is woven into the fabric of each school day through daily prayer routines, scripture integration applied to subject content, service projects that put faith into action, and character development rooted in the fruits of the Spirit. I prioritize social emotional learning through morning meetings, emotion check ins, restorative conflict resolution, and personal goal setting, all within a positive classroom community where students feel safe to take risks and grow. My ultimate mission is to prepare students not just academically, but as confident, compassionate followers of Christ who reflect His light in all they do.