Jessie Jankowsky graduated from TCS in 2005. After graduating she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University. She taught fourth grade here at Timothy for five years, and then left to have her first child. While teaching fourth grade she earned her Master of Education as a Reading Specialist, as well as received training in the Wilson Reading System. After being home with her kids, she is now returning to work at TCS as a fifth grade teacher. We are so excited to have Jessie back with us and we look forward to seeing how the Lord blesses her and the students in her class this year!
Let’s hear what Mrs. Jankowsky’s favorite things about TCS are and how she feels she was well prepared her for her future.
What do you love most about TCS?
I love how TCS prepares students for all aspects of life. Its rigid academics more than prepare a student for whatever profession or higher education they seek. Its love of biblical application equips students to become independent in their faith.
What is one word that best describes the school? Why?
Faithful. Teachers at TCS truly care for their students. They are there for their students, and because it is a K-12 school many are able to maintain relationships with students far beyond the years they are in class together. The school itself has been present in the community for so long that multiple generations have been impacted for Christ.
Describe one of your favorite memories of TCS.
I have many fond memories from TCS. I attended from second grade through graduating, so it’s hard to narrow it down. I loved performing on stage, particularly in the TCS plays and in band. Mrs. Nelson was my drama director. She brought out a love of performing in me and encouraged the freedom to write original works we ended up performing. Mr. Carroll taught band class, and his ability to seamlessly transition from a deep spiritual conversation to lecturing musical theory was incredible. This is a skill that I have tried to replicate in my own teaching. I always pushed myself to excel in academic subjects, but drama and band were wonderful creative outlets. It was hard to believe I could be having so much fun earning a grade!
From your own experience, why do you believe it was important for you to attend TCS?
It was important for me to attend TCS because I was encouraged to live a godly life – through my friends, teachers, and the curriculum itself. I was able to learn what those outside of Christianity believe in an environment that allowed me to ask questions and see how the Bible might differ from those beliefs.
How are faith and learning integrated at TCS?
Faith and learning overlap frequently. We devote each day to God. He has created everything we study during the day. We can marvel at His works as we learn. God’s love for us can be reflected in how we treat each other. We can work diligently at our studies because we do it as an act of worship to Him. When we struggle, those around us pray and care for us as the body of Christ.
In what ways did TCS prepare you for college and beyond?
I felt prepared to enter into my college classes, not to mention that due to AP tests and CLEP tests (a suggestion of my HS guidance counselor, Miss Storberg) I was able to graduate a semester early because of all the credits I transferred over. I also tested out of a few prerequisite courses. Many of my difficult high school courses taught me the value of hard work so that by the time I had challenging classes in college, I had already experienced failure and determination, so it didn’t overwhelm me. Additionally, since I knew in high school that I wanted to become a teacher, I was able to be an elementary teacher’s assistant during the study halls. This helped to confirm that it was what I wanted to pursue as a career.
What would you tell a friend to encourage them to send their child to TCS?
TCS will work with you to train your child in Christ. You can trust that your child will be taught well, loved well, and discipled well.
What has been the most challenging part of your career?
Being a teacher can be difficult at times when outside circumstances affect learning. Sometimes this is just the limitations in my schedule. A child might have an illness, anxiety, or a poor night’s sleep that negatively impacts their attention. Each child is unique, and therefore has their specific struggles. A good teacher will discover these challenges and help the student work through them. I am so thankful to work in a Christian school where I can openly pray with my students, but any Christian teacher in any school can shine Jesus’s light as they support their students in their trials.
What do you like best about your career?
I love how every day is different, and how I am able to see children grow in their academic understanding and maturity. I love teaching Bible and Reading! I was deeply honored to receive the David W. Gottshall Award while teaching fourth grade. Mr. Gottshall was the head of school when I was a student, so that added to the significance of the award for me.