Meet Mrs. Yolanda Jean-Pierre, a wonderful new addition to the TCS community. She will be teaching Bible for 9th and 10th grade. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Theology from Nyack College in 2013. She went on to receive her master’s in divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary in 2018. After this she worked for Nyack College with her husband until 2020 as one of the female Resident Directors in the dorm, while being an adjunct for the Spiritual Formation Department. When the college moved to the city she was there as the Small Group Coordinator until 2022, then became the Director or Residential Life from January 2022 until July 2023 when the school closed its doors. Mrs. Jean-Pierre has a son who will join us in K4 and younger daughter! Let’s hear from her why she is ready to start this new school year as a part of the TCS family!
What/Who inspired you to take up teaching?
All of the amazing faculty I experienced at Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary, have inspired me to teach. It was seeing their passion to teach scripture and theology with conviction and love. They challenged me and showed me authenticity and love in the process. I want to be able to give that back to the next generation.
Why did you choose to teach at TCS?
A former colleague of mine, Patricia Leslie, has been sharing about her experience being the guidance counselor here at TCS, and how she loved her experience and the impact that she’s able to make in students’ lives. She kept sending me open positions, but I never saw one that fit what I’ve been praying for. Then she sent me the information to this one and it seemed like something that fit me. My husband and I prayed about it and one of the young adults from our church also shared their experience attending Timothy as a student and hearing about the community aspect and the intentionality in supporting their students and families I realized it was the type of place where I wanted to minister and teach.
What do you love most about TCS?
I love the diversity of TCS, it’s a great representation of the Body of Christ in Central Jersey. There is racial diversity, diversity in denominational affiliation, and diversity in economic status.
What is one word that best describes the school? Why?
The word that comes to mind is Family. I know I’m new here, but the place feels like family. Everyone is very welcoming, kind, and supportive in a very authentic way.
How are faith and learning integrated at TCS?
Teachers are encouraged to share biblical worldview on what they are teaching. TCS is teaching what scripture has to offer for each area and encouraging teachers to pray in class.
In what ways are you preparing students for life beyond TCS?
I’m preparing students to formulate doctrinal positions based on biblical teaching, while teaching them a love of scripture that can help them in their walk with Christ, and to understand the world with a biblical worldview.
What would you tell families to encourage them to send their children to TCS?
TCS is a safe, biblically sound, diverse welcoming community waiting for you to join their family.
My son will be joining the TCS family with me in PreK4. He’s only done the tour and acceptance process, but he is so excited. He loved feeling welcomed by our elementary school principal Mrs. McInerney. She was so kind and patient with him, and I’m so grateful she took the time to help him feel comfortable and seen.