Royal Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Kristin Tyler
Celebrating Creativity & Calling with Middle School Art & STEAM Teacher: Mrs. Kristin Tyler
When you walk into the Middle School art room at The First Academy, you find a space alive with imagination, curiosity, and the joyful chaos of creation. At the center of it all is Mrs. Kristin Tyler—an artist, photographer, educator, coach, and encourager whose path to TFA is as vibrant as the work she inspires in her students.
A Creative Journey Rooted in Calling
Her story begins at Florida State University, where she studied Studio Art and Art Education. After graduating, she stayed in Tallahassee and earned an additional certification in English to secure a teaching job. She spent her first year at a Christian classical K–8 school, where she taught every student on campus—an experience that shaped both her creativity and her classroom resilience.
A move to Orlando opened the door to new roles: teaching English, then transitioning to art in the public schools of Lake County. After several years in education, she took a strategic pause to pursue another passion: photography. Her love for photography started early—with a tiny Barbie film camera in elementary school. “Film photography was my first artistic love. It just kept developing—no pun intended.” She explored commercial work, brand photography, and even restaurant imaging before returning to teaching with renewed artistic energy.
In Fall 2022, she joined the TFA family. “I knew I needed a change if I wanted to stay in education long-term. Being in a Christian environment became a non-negotiable. I wanted my classroom and my calling to align.”
Falling in Love With Middle Schoolers—During an Unpaid Internship
When preparing for her college internship assignment, Mrs. Tyler was asked a bold question: “Are you brave enough to try middle school?” She saw it as a challenge.
“I figured if I could make it through 40 unpaid hours with middle schoolers, then I could survive anything,” she laughs. “But instead of just surviving, I fell in love with the age group. Their weird and crazy matches my weird and crazy. After that internship, I knew—this is where I’m meant to be. I don’t want to teach any other age.”
A Philosophy Where Faith and Art Intersect
Her philosophy of art education is deeply grounded in her faith.“As a Christian educator, I get to model what it means to ‘glorify God and enjoy Him forever.’ God is the ultimate Creator—the source of all beauty—and our artwork reflects Him. My classroom becomes a place where creativity becomes worship.”
She views her work as both instruction and ministry. “The students God has entrusted to me are reminders of His faithfulness. I’m responsible not only for their artistic growth, but for shaping the Christians of tomorrow.”
Why She Loves Teaching Art & STEAM at TFA
Mrs. Tyler says, “I love teaching the craft of art, the cultural context, the history—but especially the process of growth. Watching students make mistakes, try again, and push through challenges is why I do this.”
A standout part of her STEAM curriculum is the long-term project developed with the Guy Harvey Foundation. Kristin actually helped write the foundation’s curriculum earlier in her career. Students track shark migration using coordinate pairs, data mapping, scientific research, and environmental study—then translate their findings into original artwork. “Art isn’t isolated. We’re not isolated people. STEAM lets science, math, technology, and creativity work together in a way that’s both practical and beautiful.”
When asked what she wants her students to walk away from her class with, Mrs. Tyler said that she thinks it is so important for students to develop transferable life skills like creativity that carries into adulthood, critical and observational thinking, the ability to give and receive meaningful feedback, and creative problem-solving in a world where technology can’t replace human imagination. She said, “Being able to think uniquely is vital for future success.”
At TFA, the faith connection shines brightest. “Students naturally connect their work to their faith. They want to show God’s glory through their art—not because I ask them to, but because it’s who they are.” And the Middle School team? Kristin said they are “unmatched, supportive, hilarious, prayerful—we’re always there for each other. It’s a special atmosphere to be part of.”
A Family Rooted in TFA
Kristin met her husband, Trey, in 2015. Trey Tyler has served in TFA’s Athletics Department since 2010. She says, “We went on our first date on New Year’s Day, were engaged by May, and married in July. When you know, you know.” They’re approaching their 10-year anniversary and share life with their daughter, Kinzie, and two cats—Rico and Rosie. Their family loves walks and runs, working out in their garage gym, cooking and baking, and—of course—photography. Mrs. Tyler said, “Photography is still my creative outlet. It keeps me inspired.”
Trey and Kristin coach TFA Boys and Girls Weightlifting together, and Kristin also coaches Middle School Cross Country. “It’s amazing working on the same campus. We actually understand each other’s days because we know the same students. Coaching together has been such a blessing.” Their daughter Kinzie attends TFA’s Preschool, and Kristin said that having a child at TFA has deepened her appreciation for the school. “I never pick her up worried. She is loved, celebrated, and cared for. As a parent and teacher, that peace means everything.”
Living Curriculum Influencer
When asked which traits of a Living Curriculum Influencer she feels most connected to, Mrs. Tyler said that she embodies both a Relationship Builder and an Engaging Teacher.
“Middle school is a challenging time. I want every student to know they have someone in their corner. I want students excited to walk into my classroom. I want them thinking, What are we creating today? I want them growing artistically and as critical thinkers—all while knowing their creativity matters.”
Experience Middle School at The First Academy and schedule your tour today to see how your child can take the next step in their journey at TFA!