Teachers
Mineral Christian School's Mission
To provide an excellent education, rooted in a biblical worldview;
Deuteronomy 6:5, 11:19; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6
To nurture the formation of each person’s identity as God’s creation, in a secure and loving Christian environment;
Luke 10:27, Psalm 139:13-14
To equip students with knowledge and understanding of that which is true and excellent, and the tools to share their gifts, talents, and knowledge with others;
Proverbs 1:7, 2:6-7, 2:10-12, 9:10; Philippians 4:8
To challenge students to live purposefully, with wisdom and discernment, according to Biblical principles and values, for the glory of God and in service to others.
Colossians 3:23, II Timothy 3:16-17, Titus 3:5-8, Matthew 21:19-22
Meet our Teachers
Meet our Teachers
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26
Mrs. Sumner
Lead Teacher, Director, Kindergarten TeacherApril Sumner has spent decades teaching both children and adults. She has lived in Australia, Haiti, and Italy. Her heart overflows as she mothers souls toward loving God and enjoying Him, both in Who He Is and how He has made the world. She enjoys coffee and good books. Mrs. Sumner is a Certified Classical Christian Teacher. She launched MCS in 2017 out of the faithful prayers and dedication of many in the Mineral community.
Ms. Vaughan
Latin, Institute for Excellence in Writing and Language ArtsLalage Vaughan enjoys the opportunity to guide a new generation of God’s children to a life and education centered around Him. She has studied foreign languages, chorus and theater, and has a Liberal Arts background. She is active in the ministries of her church, including Vacation Bible School and choir. She is a mother of five, loves to read, and to spend time with family and friends. This is her fourth year teaching at MCS.
Mrs. Loudin
Math Teacher for Saxon Math in 1st-6th GradesChrista Loudin loves seeing how Classical Christian Education directs people towards wisdom, truth, goodness, and beauty. She especially sees those echoed in math. She enjoys cooking, reading, taking care of her goats, and raising her three children. Mrs. Loudin is the Math Department Head. Her love for math overflows as she makes math interesting and fun. She teaches 2nd - 6th grade students through the use of Saxon Math curriculum.
Mrs. Badertscher
Grammar, Bible, and Music TeacherMarsha Badertscher opens the world of music, grammar, and Scripture to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Mrs. Badertscher loves celebrating the wonder our students share as they learn. She has spent her life loving children through teaching and being on the administrative teams of Christian schools. She cherishes her two daughters and is over-the-moon for her grandchildren.
Mrs. de la Cruz
AssistantGrace de la Cruz found Mineral Christian School as she looked for an option for her own child. She values the commitment to Christ and the pursuit of wisdom, worship, and wonder. Mrs. de la Cruz, a native Virginian, has lived for over a decade in Mexico. She has spent years teaching English and loves studying languages. She enjoys classical literature (especially Augustine), and raising her three children.
Mrs. Brown
English andl Science TeacherVanessa Brown has homeschooled two older children and has two younger children enrolled in Mineral Christian School. She has a Masters in Youth and Family Ministry. Mrs. Brown's family has a menagerie of pets including two pigs.
Mrs. Brown also leads the Upper Grammar School's Physical Education Program Coached by Volunteer, Mrs. Williams.
Mrs. Gibson
Administrative Assistant and 1st Grade TeacherNatalie Gibson, serves in the school's office, helping with tuition, attendance, dress code, and parent communication. Mrs. Gibson has one child in college and homeschools her other three. She and her husband farm full-time. Mrs. Gibson enjoys music, reading, and serving the Church and the community in many steadfast and creative ways.
Mrs. Baber
2nd Grade TeacherJennifer Baber, teaches 2nd grade in the morning and is with the older students during Science and PE in the afternoons. She diligently prepares lessons using The Primary Arts of Language curriculum. With her aid, 2nd grade begins their journey of memorizing Colossians. She and her family love camping as well as anything to do with being outdoors.
Volunteers
Our school's fruitfulness is also due to the prayers, time, energy, and joy our volunteers bring... from our School Board lead by Mrs. Duren, to our faithful guest teachers, cleaners and greeters, and tutors, we are so grateful for the God-given gifts shared with us.