Faculty

Jason Edwards, Headmaster

Was raised in Grand Junction, Colorado, and then served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four and a half years. During that time God brought me to himself and changed the course of my life dramatically. I ended up working at Camp Bighorn in Plains, Montana, which is where I met Jessica Murphy, who was soon to become my wife. My education has been varied with a BA in English, a certificate in Biblical Counseling through Christian Counseling and Education Foundation, and State certification to teach 7th - 12th grade English. I am working toward an MS in Education.

Kindergarten: Mrs. Holly Lapka

Kindergarten is an important foundational year for our students. I consider it a privilege to teach these little ones. I am praying each student will receive the instruction they need to ensure a good foundation for future years. Please pray with me that God will reveal Himself through the subjects taught here at MVCA.

1^st-2^nd Grade: Mrs. Heather Smith

I was born in Independence, Missouri and spent the next 33 years living in the Kansas City, Missouri area. I met my husband, Barnaby, in Lewistown, Montana and after being married for 6 years, we moved to Montana with our 2 children, Helen and Hailey, in the summer of 2007. We moved to Ronan, Montana last summer and we absolutely love living here! I love spending time with my family, reading, watching (or listening to) the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks games, drinking lattes, and eating the wonderful meals my husband prepares. I am looking forward to working with the students, parents, and staff of MVCA.

3^rd-4^th Grade: Mrs. Sally Brown

Welcome to 3^rd and 4^th Grade. I’m excited to teach your children this year. This is my 6th year teaching at MVCA, my fourth year teaching 3rd and 4th grades. Come prepared to have fun learning. God bless you.

5^th-6^th Grade: Mr. George Hart

I am looking forward to using the curriculum being introduced this year. I think the new history and grammar programs being used by the elementary school will really make a difference as students use them every year. Also, last year our class improved over 3 grade levels in spelling ability. After teaching Spell to Read and Write once, I believe I am ready to take that material to the next level. And, I still believe school should be as fun as we can make it while we’re still learning and not preventing others from learning.

Latin, 7^th Grade Science, and 7-8^th Grade Old Testament Bible: Mrs. Sue Dunn

I will be starting a new Latin course with grades 5 to 12, called Lingua Latina by Hans H. Orberg. The book we will be reading is called Familia Romana, in which we will get to know a typical Roman family's daily life and habits as well as learning about Roman civilization at the peak of their power. It will be more conversational Latin rather than just translations. We will all be learning together and getting to know Latin in a more interesting way.
I'm looking forward to working through Exploring Creation with General Science by Dr. Jay L Wile with the seventh grade. This is an easy book to read and the experiments actually work. We'll have lots of fun together doing science this year.
The section of the Bible we will be studying in grade 7 & 8 is Genesis chapters 1-11. The book "It all Begins with Genesis" will help us to understand and formulate a Biblical worldview which is critical in helping us stand against the secular and humanistic worldview we are surrounded with.

7^th-9^th Humanities (History, Literature, and Writing), Drama, and Elementary Music: Mrs. Dianne Gilliland

I formerly taught at MVCA from 1997-2003. I have since taken a break from teaching, although, I did teach in Austin, TX, the 2006-2007 school year. I, also, have directed the last two annual high school Drama productions. I look forward to working with the MVCA staff, families, and students!

10^th-12^th Humanities (History, Literature, and Writing), Writing Curriculum Development: Mr. Josh Hicks

This spring, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at MVCA. I found my students to be bright and engaging. This fall we will be reading some of the great books of history together, and I look forward to many fruitful discussions.

Upper School Algebra, Chemistry, Biology, and Advanced Math: Mr. Jack Dunn

Born & raised in NY's Adirondacks, quit college geology after 2 yrs due to radical environmentalism, and ended up in the Viet Nam era military as a medic, mostly in Montana. Got in much world travel (& spiritual trouble) while trying to escape God's call, but finally gave up the chase over in Spain. After ten years there getting discipled and growing up in the Lord a bit (while teaching, helping pastor new churches, principaling, marrying Sue, having girls, and many other things), we were sent back to Montana to start our next phase. 25 yrs later, homeschooling our girls has been our passion, & emergency room nursing our provision. Currently, God seems to be re-phasing us again, and I'm excited to be directed back into teaching.

P.E. and Chapel: Mr. Jerry Roylance

He is currently the pastor of Community Fellowship Church in Ronan. Mr. Roylance has been with the school since it started in 1993 and has a deep love and compassion for children.