Welcome to our class! I joined Inspire Academy for its second year of operation.
Transitioning to on-line teaching after 20+ years in a brick-mortar school was a learning
opportunity for me. As a life-long learner, I have enjoyed stretching and learning along with
my students. I love the opportunities that our students have, to meet and study with
students from many diverse places. We come together with the same purpose, to grow in
our understanding of God’s purpose in our lives as we learn about the world around us, and
the life skills we need to engage in going on God’s errands.
I am a graduate of Union College (Union Adventist University) with a bachelor’s degree in
education. Though I took a few years out of active employment while my children were
young, I have been engaged in Adventist education since graduation. You could say that I
have been engaged in Adventist education in some way nearly all my life- either as a child
tagging along with a parent volunteer, student, volunteer myself, or active employment. I
often tutored younger students while I was a student and was always told that I would
make a good teacher someday. Over the years, it has been clear to me that the decision to
pursue education was listening to God’s call in my life and I’ve been blessed with many
wonderful students through the years. I continue to grow along with my students as we
journey together.
My husband and I live just along the border of Wisconsin next to the Menominee River. We
have a beautiful bit of land that reminds me very much of the settings in the classic Sam
Campbell books that many have grown up reading. It’s not unusual to see deer, turkeys,
raccoons, ducks, geese, eagles, big fish of various types, and tons of birds, squirrels and
chipmunks. We have also had porcupine, turkeys, cranes, bear, foxes, mink, and many
other types of wildlife wander through our property. This is in addition to our guard dog,
Maggie, patrol cat, Jerry, and a free-ranging flock of chickens that help to keep the tick and
mosquito populations in check. We were blessed to raise our four children here. Now our
children are spread out with our oldest daughter married with two daughters of her own,
our son is finishing up his chemistry degree at Andrews University, and our youngest two
daughters are working on nursing and occupational therapy assistant degrees respectively

at Union Adventist University. Our family has long been active in the Lena SDA Church and
continues to serve in many capacities as the Lord leads.
I have several thoughts that guide my lessons as I plan for our classes that are helpful for
parents to know. First, the longer I teach, the more I am amazed at how wonderfully diverse
God has designed our minds, growth, and interests. We are all created to serve the Lord in
some way, with the special talents, skills, and interests that God has gifted us. Thus, each
child is capable of learning and growing, but it won’t always be in the same way, at the
same time, or on the same schedule as everyone else. Journeying together with each
student helping them develop their best personal potential at each stage is important as
we look for ways for them to demonstrate growth in a variety of ways that utilizes their
strengths. Second, learning is a life-long journey. Learning to learn, and to enjoy pursuing
knowledge, is just as important as retaining skills and information. I am mindful of this as I
look at the curriculum and outside interests that my students have. Third, we are partners
working together for the greater good of your child. We want to see each child’s heart
nurtured in the ways of the Lord. We want them to be equipped to go on God’s errands as
they grow, and to be equipped for the needs of service in our world. This is why we provide
Adventist education and why I teach in our school.
I am thankful for the opportunity to share your child’s journey. I look forward to another
great school year together!

My name is Bethany Mathews, and I am excited to be joining the InSpire team as the lower grades’ teacher for the upcoming school year. I am currently completing my first year of teaching at Adventist Christian Elementary, and I am grateful for the opportunity to become part of your school community.
My teaching philosophy is centered on meeting each child where they are and supporting their academic and personal growth across all subject areas. I am committed to creating a Christ-centered classroom environment where students feel supported, valued, and encouraged, and where they experience the love of Jesus each day.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family, as well as caring for our cat and two dogs. I look forward to getting to know each of you and building meaningful relationships with your children and your families.
I am truly excited for the year ahead!