Sarah Gutheil

Professional Biography

I have been working with kids in some capacity for the last 14 years in both a sports setting and in the education setting. I received my bachelor's degree in Applied Exercise Science at Azusa Pacific University from 2008-2012 and my master's degree in Sports Management at Cal Baptist University from 2012-2013. I was able to apply what I learned with my passion for sports & working with kids as a PE teacher from 2014-2017. It was during these years that I discovered a deeper passion for lower elementary in the classroom. Starting in 2017 I began my teacher career as a 1st grade classroom aid and became a 1st grade teacher in 2018.

Personal Biography

I was born and raised in San Jose and completed my undergraduate at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. After completing my undergraduate degree in Applied Exercise Science and my masters in Sports Management, my husband and I lived abroad in Malawi for 3 years. I was blessed to be an Elementary PE teacher for those 3 years and helped manage the Sport Department. During these years I fell in love with working for a school and more specifically lower elementary students. I began pursuing my passion for teaching in the classroom soon after returning back to the Bay Area as a classroom aide. God opened up an opportunity for me to be a 1st grade teacher and for the last 5 years I have grown, been challenged and loved every school year as a teacher. I have been married to my husband Ethan for the past 8 years and we have a 7 month old son named Levi. Ministry is a huge part of our lives as he is the music director at the church we attend. Besides loving the local church, I love spending quality time with my friends and family. A few other loves that I have include coffee, donuts, having a slow Saturday, and more coffee.

Christian Philosophy of Education

It has been immensely rewarding teaching lower elementary over the last 6 years in Christian Education. I believe that as a Christian educator it is a privilege to teach students about the gospel and help strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. I believe as a teacher I am called to not just focus on academics with students, but to also help equip students to have a Christ-like foundation for when they leave the classroom. As a Christian educator I believe I have the responsibility to not separate faith and academia with my students, but to teach and show how our God created everything in His intricate design for the world. My passion is to remind students who they are in Christ in a safe and loving classroom environment. I believe that with a combination of a daily Christ-centered perspective and encouragement for students to achieve their potential in all subjects, students are one step closer in establishing a strong foundation for when they leave the classroom.