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SSCA Blog Posts » Meet Mrs. Atwater!

Meet Mrs. Atwater!

Mrs. Atwater, our High School english teacher, is a dedicated educator with a rich background in both the humanities and mathematics. A graduate of Gordon College with degrees in Math and English, she later earned her M.Ed. from Eastern Nazarene College. She was involved in the founding of SSCA in 1994 and has been teaching there ever since! From the very beginning, she was part of a passionate group of teachers, parents, and friends who worked tirelessly to prepare the school building. Their late-night efforts, fueled by pizza and impromptu praise services, were driven by a deep sense of gratitude for the incredible opportunity before them. Reflecting on those early days, Mrs. Atwater marvels at the miracles that unfolded as the school followed God's leading.

 

Over the years, Mrs. Atwater has taught a wide range of subjects, including English, Latin, Algebra, Study Skills, and Drama. One of her favorite ongoing projects pairs high school students with younger elementary students to create personalized storybooks, a project that has left a lasting impression on her own family. Her children, now in their 30s, still treasure the books written for them by older students. In addition to her teaching role, Mrs. Atwater has coached elementary soccer, middle school girls' basketball, run theater productions for seven years, and advised the National Honor Society. Some of her most cherished memories include trips to New York City with grades 9 and 10, as well as mission trips to Belize and New Mexico, which have deepened the bonds between students and faculty alike.

 

A passionate believer, Mrs. Atwater integrates her faith into every class she teaches. When reading literature, she encourages students to search for God's truth in every text, even in works where God may not be explicitly present. This approach helps students understand the emptiness of a life without God and deepens their appreciation for universal themes like truth and purpose. Her classes are known for being deeply reflective, where thoughtful responses to writing assignments help students grow both academically and spiritually.

 

In her teaching, Mrs. Atwater prioritizes engagement and inclusivity, using the Harkness table method to ensure every student is actively involved. With small class sizes and a close-knit community, she and her colleagues work to build strong, personal relationships with each student. This individualized approach extends to discipline, where correction is always handled with love and a desire to see students grow. Mrs. Atwater believes that the close-knit nature of SSCA, coupled with the many extracurricular opportunities, creates a unique environment where students are encouraged to thrive both academically and personally.

 

One of Mrs. Atwater’s greatest joys at SSCA is reconnecting with former students. Whether through alumni events like basketball games, graduations, or the annual We Believe dinners, she cherishes the opportunity to see former students continue to grow in their faith and life. Many of her former students now attend her church, send their children to SSCA, or even work at the school. For Mrs. Atwater, the privilege of seeing former students use their gifts to minister to others and impact the SSCA community is one of the greatest blessings of her career.

 

Thank you, Mrs. Atwater, for dedicating thirty years of your life to SSCA; you have had a positive impact on hundreds of students!