Mondays with Mike: The Strength of a School — Our Teachers
Good Afternoon PCA Families,
Most of us can remember a teacher who shaped our lives.
In this week’s Mondays with Mike, I reflect on the role teachers play at PCA and why investing in them is one of the most important things we can do for our students.
▶ Listen to this week’s 13-minute episode (Tap the player below or open it in your favorite podcast app.)
Key Takeaways
- The strength of a school is its teachers.
- Programs, facilities, and schedules matter, but the daily experience of students is shaped most directly by the teachers who know them, challenge them, and invest in their growth.
- Great teachers do more than deliver curriculum.
- They pay attention to students as people, challenge them to think deeply, and help them grow academically and personally.
- Christian teachers shape both minds and hearts.
- At PCA, teachers help students connect faith, learning, character, and calling. Faith is not something added to the school day—it shapes how teachers approach truth, relationships, and responsibility.
- Classrooms are learning communities.
- Each student is both a learner and a contributor. PCA teachers cultivate classrooms where students learn from one another and grow together.
- Investing in teachers strengthens the entire school.
- As teachers grow in their craft and serve together over time, students benefit from stronger instruction, deeper relationships, and a more stable learning environment.
In this season of maple sap running, thawing (and cooling), and as we approach Easter, may you be encouraged in mind, body, and spirit.
I am deeply grateful to God for each teacher and each family at PCA, and I take great joy in seeing your children grow in mind, body, and spirit as unto the Lord.
Grace and peace,
Mike Runey
Head of School
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Episode Timestamps
00:00 — Opening Question: Remember Your Teacher
Mike opens by asking listeners if they remember their third-grade teacher and reflects on why teachers leave lasting impressions.
00:59 — Why the Strength of a School Is Its Teachers
He frames the episode’s central idea: programs and facilities matter, but teachers are the true strength of a school.
01:08 — A Teacher Who Noticed a Student
A story illustrating how teachers notice when students are struggling and care for them personally.
02:07 — When Teachers Challenge Students to Grow
Mike transitions to the importance of teachers pushing students academically and setting high expectations.
02:55 — What Research Says About Teacher Impact
Explanation of how the quality of a teacher is the most important in-school factor affecting student growth.
03:38 — The Christian Distinctive in Teaching
How Christian teachers shape both how students think and who they become.
04:03 — Faith, Learning, Character, and Calling
Mike explains that faith is not an add-on but shapes how teachers approach truth, relationships, and responsibility.
05:32 — Teachers Shepherd Learning Communities
Teachers cultivate classrooms where students are both learners and contributors.
07:02 — Investing in Teacher Growth at PCA
Discussion of intentional teacher development and professional growth.
08:08 — Faculty Stability and Teacher Tenure
Mike shares the increase in average teacher tenure from six to eight years.
09:02 — Teachers as the Strategic Center of Gravity
Explanation of why teachers are the most important investment in the school.
10:30 — Community Partnership and Mission
Parents and community support help sustain teachers who sustain the mission.
11:02 — Gratitude for PCA Teachers (By Name)
Mike thanks teachers across career stages and names several faculty members.
12:06 — Final Reflection and Next 1,000 Graduates Vision
Closing gratitude and encouragement for teachers and families.
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