Mondays with Mike: Exemplars of Excellence

Welcome back to another Mondays with Mike. In this edition, we dive into the heart of excellence at Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), and there’s no better place to start than with our teachers.

Click above to hear Mike’s 10-minute message on topics relevant for you and your family.


In the 10 minute podcast (linked above), I describe how we see excellence first through our teachers.

Excellence at PCA is more than just scores and awards; it’s about embodying a growth mindset, a commitment to continuous improvement as we look towards God and those around us. Today, let’s explore how PCA’s teachers exemplify this commitment to excellence in three crucial ways.

First and foremost, our teachers have answered God’s call to be at PCA. Coming from diverse backgrounds within the Christian faith and churches in the area, they undergo a rigorous assessment of their faith. We also ensuring new teachers are not just leaving from a previous situation but are genuinely called to PCA. We confirm their commitment is rooted in their desire to see your children grow in their faith and flourish, regardless of the subject or grade level they teach at PCA.

Jessi Graustein, our Science Department Head, inspires students in many ways, including her insatiable curiosity for herself as a scientist as she learns and grows, too.


The second mark of excellence lies in their dedication to being growing educators themselves. They are skilled and capable educators already; but their commitment to grow sets them apart. Each teacher, at different stages of their professional journey, brings strengths, weaknesses, and a sincere desire to improve. Their commitment to professional growth and development is evident, fostering an environment where they learn from each other and continually strive to enhance their teaching methods.

A group of people stand and sit, some holding papers, in a formal setting. A man in a suit speaks into a microphone while others look on.
Teachers praying over seniors at last year’s Baccalaureate: fully committed to your children’s growth in faith, character, and virtue

Lastly, PCA’s educators are dedicated to seeing students grow not only in knowledge but also in faith, character, and virtue. They go beyond imparting academic skills, planting and nurturing seeds of faith appropriate to each developmental stage. Their goal is to guide students in living in compassionate community with humility and joy, navigating the highs and lows with resilience.

Our nearly 60 teachers are exemplars of excellence at PCA. They love and inspire your children by answering God’s call, committing to their own growth, and fostering holistic development. Their stories echo the dedication found in committed educators who bring unique ideas and inspirations to the classroom.

In the weeks to come, we will continue to explore different facets of excellence at PCA. Next week, join us as we shine a light on another area that sets PCA apart. Until then, God bless you, and we look forward to welcoming you to the school.

In closing, Excellence–one of our core values–begins with your sons’ and daughters’ teachers. These are a truly laudable group of men and women, and they set us apart in our commitment to excellence through growth for your family.

Middle school teacher Tammy Treadwell in a classroom, smiling. A quote beside her praises relationships with students over her teaching career. Portsmouth Christian Academy logo at the bottom.

Thank you for listening to/reading this episode of Mondays with Mike. You can access past episodes through our website or through Podbean.

As a reminder, the State of the School address is next week on February 8th. I invite you to join us at 2:00 PM at the Upper School. This event will provide a deeper reflection on our journey so far and offer more specifics on where we’re heading.

Over the next several weeks I will continue to highlight exemplars of excellence over the 1st semester that you may not have seen. May God bless you and your families abundantly. See you on campus soon!