The Reasons Behind the Teachers

Our teachers are the most important part of our ministry. They accepted the calling to work with hundreds of God's children on a daily basis.  Each teacher has unique reasons to why they chose this challenging mission as their career.  Hear from Mr. Rich Wendt on his "why", and why he is so passionate about his work.

Mr. Rich Wendt: 

Why do you teach?

I love kids and I love Jesus. I get to come and hang out with Jesus and kids all day long which is pretty cool. I get to witness to them, to fill their cup while they fill mine. To be able to teach the truth and integrate faith and life together along with learning reading and math. In the times I struggle with my role and not knowing if this is what I should be doing anymore, I reflect on our church and school campaign, “Bringing hope to the heart of the city.” What better way to bring hope than sharing the word of God in a city that has its own challenges. So if I love kids, I love my hometown city, and I love Jesus, then I feel like it’s my obligation to bring the best hope I can with the help of the Lord. To walk in His ways and be the beacon of light for any child coming in with difficulties. If I can be that one bright spot for them, then it helps me by helping them, and I keep filling those cups and come back full circle again.

Why Mount Calvary?

I didn’t actually choose to come to Mount Calvary. While in college, I was worried about my decision of where to go. My advisor, who was also the church president at Mount Calvary, said there was an opening at the school. Somehow this position chose me and it held onto me ever since, over 25 years now. It’s been a huge part of my life. My experience has brought me trust and support in the school, and this new staff has wonderful educators that are working towards developing that lifelong relationship too. The challenging part now is growing into that, because it takes a while for people to gel together. I’m excited to be working with them and building that extended family that I’ve enjoyed here for so many years. 

What is one challenge and one reward about teaching?

What is rewarding about this role is being able to develop relationships and to be a witness of my faith. Really what it is, is planting seeds. And that’s the challenging part too. In the summer, I do roofing work. So after a long day in the heat, I’m exhausted, drained, but I can look up and see my success in a completed roof. Some days at school, I can’t see the roof and still be just as tired. I don’t know when the seeds will grow or to what extent, but I have to trust that God is working in them and they will grow to their full potential. Then it’s rewarding again when I do see the development of seeds in the success of students in the years to come. And because I’ve been here so long, I’m now teaching my previous students’ kids! Those are good relationships. The true blessing of teaching comes from when I hear about former students’ successes. 

What was a moment of joy that happened this year?

I was so excited to work with students and families again after being virtual. We’re working hard on filling the gap from the opportunities and time that was lost from the past couple of years. This year, one of my kids who struggles a bit with academics and behavior looked at me one day, and out of the blue said, “You know what Mr. Wendt, when I hear and talk about Jesus, I think about you.” I was so happy to see that seed pop up and begin to grow. And it didn’t come from my honor roll kid, or the kid who’s toeing the line. It came from a student who struggles to find the commitment and importance of education. And it was awesome to hear that a child would think of me in those situations. Those little “fill-me-up” moments don’t happen often enough. I just need to continue to have confidence and trust that God is working through me every time I walk in the classroom.