JESSICA ADAMS
Music and Drama Teacher
Masters in Teaching: St. Martin’s University
Washington State Teaching Certificate
Began Teaching: 2005
Joined ECS: 2016
Originally from Orange County, I relocated to Olympia, Washington, where I developed a theatre program for Community Christian Academy in Lacey and Cascade Christian High School in Puyallup. After graduating from St. Martin’s University in Lacey in May of 2016, I completed a double Masters in Theatre and Literature, as well as my Washington State Teaching Credential. My interests include watching movies and plays, travel (Mexico, France, England, Italy, Germany, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco), and spending time with my family, friends and dogs! I also enjoy hiking, swimming, motorcycle riding, shooting, and shopping! Teaching kids to sing, dance, act, and love the stage and theatre, as well as showing them how to build spiritual faith and character on and off the stage, takes me to my happy place! I consider it my life’s mission and testimony. Ever since I came to Jesus at their same age, He has grown my love for theatre and kids and Him together. Sticking with Godly messages for our shows and actors means everything to me, and my heart’s desire is that is does for the kids too! I feel I am beyond blessed to get to be a part of the ECS community, and I am looking forward to seeing how incredibly talented all of these amazing kiddos are at performing.
CLAY AUWARTER
PE Teacher, Athletic Director
Bachelor of Science: Cedarville University, Ohio
Master of Science: K-12 Physical Ed, Health & Athletic Administration, Summit University, Pennsylvania
Certifications: WA State Teaching Certificate; Lifetime ACSI Professional Certification
Joined ECS: 2019
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1
I am thankful to all for the wonderful start to my time here at ECS. Everyone has been an encouragement to me every day during my transition here from the south. I have felt at home in this community from day one.
Originally from the State of New York, I have served the Lord in the states of Michigan, New York, Georgia, Virginia, and now back to Washington for my second tour of duty.
My career experiences include classroom teaching, curriculum development, coaching, and athletic program administration. Each experience has presented me with opportunities to expand the scope of my knowledge and sharpen my skills as an instructor. I have helped design a PE program with learning experiences that are highly engaging and focused on progressively building lifetime fitness, sport skills, and Biblical character attributes for every ability and age level from K-12. Middle school is an ideal time to support students in their physical and athletic development, as their individual interests, strengths, and desires emerge. As an outcome, they should be prepared to develop the lifetime fitness habits and goals necessary to construct an individual fitness program by the conclusion of their senior year in high school. Whether students wish to continue participating in sports and athletics at the secondary school level, or simply possess the basic desire to be fit and healthy, I strive to create a coaching relationship with all my students that will provide the challenges for growth through trust and safety. It is my desire that my students leave my classroom excited and prepared to take on the responsibility for their own lifelong physical fitness, and I draw on my work with experiential education, curriculum development, coaching, and leadership training to promote these outcomes. In conclusion, I believe physical education programs also correlate positively with a student’s overall academic achievement and play an important role in their character development through biblical integration in the classroom and in their athletic endeavors.
Two of my favorite sayings related to Christian School education are:
“God strikes straight blows with crooked sticks.” – Old Gaelic saying
and
“Changed lives, changing lives.” – Dr. Ruth Haycock
KATHERINE HWANG
MS Band Teacher
Bachelor of Arts: Princeton University
Began Teaching: 2014
Joined ECS: 2018
I was born and raised in Lolo, MT (outside of Missoula). I attended Princeton University in New Jersey (Music Composition and Performance, Medieval Studies); after graduation, Mr. Hwang and I stayed for a year to work in college ministry. We then moved back to Missoula, and I taught 5th grade at Valley Christian School, where my parents work. The next year, we moved to Valencia, Spain, so Mr. Hwang could study for his Master’s. Since I didn’t have a “real job,” I asked God each morning what He wanted me to do, and I (and Mr. Hwang) ended up doing some pretty crazy things! In September 2018, we moved here to Bellevue, and I started doing after-school Enrichment and subbing—I’ve subbed for every grade at ECS! I jumped in as the Middle School band teacher, which I’m continuing this school year, as well as being “Burgundy,” aka the front desk person. If I could have any job I wanted, I’m not sure what it would be, as I enjoy many different things. Of course, I love music–I sing, play violin, and compose, among other things. I also love drawing and painting, studying and writing about history, learning about natural history (have recently been into mushrooms), cooking and baking, reading children’s books, and studying and talking about the Bible.
BOB KRAJCI
IT Coordinator, Computer Teacher
bkrajci@ecswa.org
Bachelor of Arts: Computer Science, Sonoma State University
Began Teaching: 2019
Joined ECS: 2019
After a career in Software Development with Microsoft and other software companies, I’ve come to ECS to teach youth and help with Information Technology. I live in Issaquah with my wife. We have 1 daughter who went to ECS back in 2003. My wife also teaches Preschool at ECS, so we have a lot of history with the school. I desire to teach students not only computer skills, but how to love and serve the Lord in life.
BRETT WEATHERS
Spanish, Computer, Art, Drama Tech Teacher
Bachelor of Arts: Seattle Pacific University
Master of Arts: University of Florida (Art Education)
Washington State Teaching Certificate
Began Teaching: 1996
Joined ECS: 1998
I live with my wife and two children in Seattle, where we are part of Elim Baptist Church. I gained my fluency in Spanish living in Costa Rica for a semester of college and working for two years as a teacher in an international mission school in Cochabamba, Bolivia. As well as teaching Spanish, art and computer, I love playing guitar and percussion instruments, making my own art, and competing in triathlons.