Miss Lindsey DeJong is in her first year of teach-ing after graduating from North Central University with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She relocated to Mobile from St. Charles, MO, last sum-mer with her parents and was able to quickly secure a teaching position at Knollwood Christian Academy.
“I teach Kindergarten, and it has been super challenging but so enjoyable. I have always loved working with younger kids, and this is my favorite age group to teach,” Lindsey shared. “I love how excited they are about the small things and being able to teach them life skills they can use outside of the classroom. They are so eager to learn and love to try new things.”
Lindsey knew from an incredibly young age that working with children was the calling God gave her. Her parents, Tom & Sherri, both worked with children, and the passion naturally developed inside of her while watching and assisting them in their various positions.
“I just knew that I wanted to work with kids after seeing the joy that kids brought my parents,” said Lindsey. “Eventually, when I was old enough, I started to work at the daycare I grew up in. I was able to teach them about the things that God has done and would love being able to put my spin on lessons to make them fun and memorable.”
When it comes to teaching, Lindsey is intentional about what activities happen in her classroom. She believes hands-on and visual learning is best and strategizes her lesson plans to incorporate fun activities, crafts, dancing, and even group projects. You’ll often find her moving around the classroom or even taking her lessons outside to change up the learning environment.
“Keeping my students motivated is all about creating a positive, interactive, and fun learning environment,” Lindsey said. “Most importantly, when children see you excited, it helps them feel excited, too. Encouraging their curiosity motivates them to explore and learn more.”
As a first-year teacher, Lindsey is humbled her student’s parents nominated her for the Mobile Bay Parent’s Teacher of the Month Award.
“This award helps to keep me motivated to con-tinue to do what I’m doing as well as do more for any student that walks through the door to my classroom — along with their families,” she said. “I am so thank-ful for my students, families, and the people who continue to support the dreams I have in my life.”
Lindsey DeJong recently relocated to the Mobile area and is enjoying her first year of teaching. She loves going to the movies, hanging out with friends, playing sports, fishing, going to the beach, being outside, reading books, coaching soccer, and volunteering at her church. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree after she has a few years of teaching experience.
