We are incredibly blessed to welcome Joy Mitchell back to our TCS Staff! Not only was she previously here on staff, but Joy is also a TCS alumna! After graduating from Timothy in 1980, she attended The King’s College and obtained her B.S. in Elementary Education. She came back to teach at TCS in 1986. While working at Timothy she earned her M.A. as a Reading Specialist. After several years God led her into the public school system where she retired in 2025. God has now brought her full circle back to where she began! This year she will be working in our new Academic Recovery Program for Kindergarten to 5th grade. Let’s hear more from Joy about her TCS journey!
Describe one of your favorite memories of TCS.
One of my favorite memories of TCS was when I was a student singing in the TCS choir and learning to sing our parts, and visiting area churches to perform. We even did a couple weekend tours out to Shamokin, Pa. I loved hearing Margaret Alexandersen, our director, and Dave Gottshall singing duets.
From your own experience, why do you believe it was important for you to attend TCS?
One of the best decisions my parents made was to sacrifice and send me to TCS for high school. It was through the love and acceptance of the staff and the daily Bible classes and chapel that my faith started to become my own and not just something I grew up with. As a student I also learned to study and learned that if I worked at something I could succeed. I’ll never forget the first time I made the honor roll and later the National Honor Society.
What is one word that best describes the school? Why?
Loving: As believers this is the most important thing that should mark us as different from the rest of the world and TCS exhibits this in word and deed.
What/Who inspired you to be in your current profession?
I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and watching that moment when they are able to do independently what you’ve been teaching them. I developed a passion for helping kids who were struggling, particularly in Reading, while in my early days of teaching grade 3 and 4 at TCS. This also led me to get my master’s as a Reading Specialist.
Why did you choose to work at TCS?
Coming to teach at TCS the first time in 1986 was nothing short of God’s plan. I had been working at a Christian camp that summer unsure of what the fall held, when at the end of August, a TCS staff member said I should call TCS because an opening had just come up in 4th grade. I spent many happy years teaching at TCS before God led me into the public school to develop professionally, and grow spiritually and personally in that challenging environment. I retired from the public school in 2025, and I knew that more than anything I really wanted to return to TCS because of the loving Christ-centered atmosphere that exists here. I subbed and tutored last school year and after praying for something more permanent all year, God answered my prayer.
How does your role impact students at TCS?
This year I hope to use my years of experience and knowledge to reach students who need a boost academically to reach their God given potential.
How does your faith influence your role at TCS?
TCS is where I can live out my faith without having to be careful what I say and be able to talk about Christ as a natural part of conversation and be able to naturally bring Christ into the academics being taught.
What would you tell families to encourage them to send their children to TCS?
TCS is a place where students will become grounded in their faith, learning what they believe, why, and how to live it out while being challenged academically and grow into who God has called them to be.