Cecilia Coetsee

Professional Biography:
I completed a four year degree BA(Ed)Mus in South Africa in 1979, majoring in Education and Music and minoring in mathematics. After teaching high school math for 1 year in Zimbabwe, I returned to college and completed a BS in Computer Science. I worked for some years in the computer field. When my youngest started 1st grade in 1996 here at SJCS, I joined the SJCS staff—first as an aide and later as a full time teacher. During that time I attained my California Teacher’s Credential in Mathematics. I have taught math at SJCS since then, supplementing math with Bible, Ancient History, and computer skills over the years. I took a break from Middle School and taught math at Valley Christian High School for 3 years.  Back at SJCS, I am currently the Algebra1 and Math 8/7 teacher. In addition, I will teach 7th grade Bible, 6th grade History and 4th grade math this year.

Personal Biography:
I was born and spent my childhood in South Africa, where I also met my husband, Josef. We moved to the US in 1983 when Josef started graduate studies at MIT in Boston.  Two of our three kids were born in South Africa. All three kids spent their elementary years here at SJCS, and I am very pleased to say that they received an excellent education. They had no trouble getting into the high schools and colleges of their choice. We are members of San Jose Christian Reformed Church where you will often see me singing in the praise team or playing the piano.

Christian Philosophy of Education:
All teachers have an awesome role to play in young people’s lives. This is even more powerful for Christian teachers. We not only encourage and lead our students, but also have the opportunity to nurture their Christian worldview. My aim is to train young people for Christian life and service. There are many facts we will be sharing with our students, but the most important facts will be that each one of them is a child of God and of great value as a person.