Our Teachers

The Living Curriculum Influencer

Every TFA employee is called to be a Living Curriculum Influencer.

Our primary purpose at The First Academy is to connect students and their families to Jesus, to others, and to God’s Truth – our mission is to make disciples who make disciples. Biblical Worldview Integration is an essential part of the curriculum. We teach there is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ and that those who reject the Gospel will face suffering for all eternity (Mt. 25:46). We believe that TFA employees all have influence and are called to be Living Curriculum Influencers (2 Cor. 3:3).

We encourage one another and spur one another on to good works (Heb. 10:24) because we share a passion to live out seven characteristics every day. We want our lives to be a living testimony to the grace of God (Eph. 2:8) and the joy that comes through walking with Jesus every day (Ps. 34:1).

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Who we are called to be

7 Characteristics of a Living Curriculum Influencer

Every TFA employee is called to live these out every day, so our students see God’s truth lived out in front of them (2 Corinthians 3:3).

  1. Live as a

    Christ Follower

    Our growing relationship with Jesus shapes our worldview, our decisions, and our purpose. We serve in our local churches and live out our faith on campus and off, relying on God’s grace.

    Matthew 16:24

  2. Model the life of a

    Prayer Warrior

    We pray with and for our students, open Scripture together, and bring our burdens to Jesus. A biblical worldview runs through every subject we teach.

    James 5:16

  3. Embrace the walk of a

    Servant Leader

    We serve others as an expression of Christ’s love and faithfully steward all God has entrusted to us. Our classroom discipline builds self-discipline, character, and spiritual growth.

    Matthew 20:26

  4. Be a strong

    Relationship Builder

    We partner with parents in humility and love, and we guide every student with compassion. When conflict comes, we work it out by biblical principles.

    Hebrews 10:24–25

  5. Bless others as a

    Faithful Encourager

    We steward our words carefully, using them to affirm, uplift, and call out the God-given potential in students and colleagues alike.

    1 Thessalonians 5:11

  6. Practice being a

    Grateful Communicator

    Gratitude rooted in trust in God’s sovereignty shapes how we speak and work. We communicate openly and consistently with families, and we show up for the whole school community.

    Colossians 3:16–17

  7. Utilize the skills of an

    Engaging Instructor

    We plan dynamic, student-centered lessons and build classrooms where students collaborate and connect. We care for the whole child (mind, body, and spirit) and equip students to own their learning.

    Proverbs 9:9

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Preschool Through 12th Grade

Meet Our Teachers

Faculty & Staff Directory →
Mrs. Sarah Rosario

Lower School

Mrs. Sarah Rosario

“Teaching in the Lower School Science and Innovation Lab has been a powerful, faith-affirming experience for me. Every day I have the privilege of guiding students as they explore the flawless engineering of God’s creation. The lab is a unique space where faith and intellect meet through hands-on exploration, investigation, and creative challenges... and we just have fun in here! When students see that the world operates with such perfect order and beauty, they don’t just learn science – they learn that a loving Creator made it all on purpose.”

Mrs. Laura Durnil

Middle School

Mrs. Laura Durnil

“Teaching middle school Pre-Algebra at The First Academy allows me to fulfill our mission of providing academics to excel and to inspire students every single day. I love watching my students build both mathematical confidence and strong character as they prepare to become the next generation of leaders. It is a true blessing to teach in a school community where faith, learning, and student success go hand in hand.”

Mr. David Blackwell

Upper School

Mr. David Blackwell

“When I was 17, I felt the Lord calling me to Christian education. TFA has allowed me to live out this calling. It has been a blessing to teach Bible classes and other subjects from a Biblical worldview. The students at TFA are some of the best in the world. It is a joy to be their teacher. I am thankful that my own children are here at TFA receiving a Christ-centered education. We are grateful for all of the support and encouragement our family has received from the TFA family.”

Hear it from them

In Their Students’ Words

Our students share what it means to learn from teachers who know them, believe in them, and point them to Jesus.

From Our Annual Report

Royal Faculty Spotlights

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Meet Our Teachers in Person

The best way to see Living Curriculum Influencers at work is to visit a classroom.

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