:: Foothill Christian Schools ::

Linda Thompson
6th Grade Language Arts & Science Teacher

Linda Thompson is well known around campus for being one outstanding teacher! But less known is the fact that she had served as principal for seventeen years at Living Way Christian Academy in Pasadena before joining Foothill. When recession forced Living Way to close nearly three years ago, Miss Thompson contacted a longtime friend, Mr. Bo Gutzwiller (FCS Superintendent), about possible employment. Having served together over the years in various ASCI Accreditation activities, they had developed great professional respect for one another as both educators and administrators. So when a teaching position opened at Foothill, Miss Thompson accepted an offer to teach sixth grade Language Arts and Science. There was no question in Mr. Gutzwiller’s mind that he had hired one of the best in the field!

Her administrative background may be unknown to most, but what students readily acknowledge is that she is definitely skilled in the martial arts. Having earned a first degree black belt in 1997, she likes to show her students--during the first week of school---a video that demonstrates her ability to break bricks and boards with her bare hand. Laughingly she says, “It sure helps cut down on discipline problems in the classroom.”

Miss Thompson was only eight years old when she made a personal commitment to serve the Lord throughout her childhood. But not until she was 19 years old would that relationship solidify by surrendering “her will to God’s will.” This was a benchmark in her life.

A native Californian, she grew up in Whittier, attending Whittier Christian High School and later Living Word Bible College, where she received a B.Th. in Pastoral Studies. That was followed by a Masters Degree in Education from Hope International University.

Early in her journey, Miss Thompson said that there were two things she would never do. “I never wanted to be a waitress, and I never wanted to be a teacher.” She often toyed with the idea of becoming a deputy for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. But all that changed when she chose to put God’s purposes above her own. Her decision to finish college was followed by a distinct calling to teach. Ironically, it was also during those college years that she also became a waitress to earn extra dollars. “I learned to NEVER say never!”

The rewards of teaching are many, Miss Thompson explained, because she is able to incorporate God’s Word into every aspect of education from science lessons to discipline. “I love the days when you see a child’s face light up because they have grasped a new concept or the excitement they display during a learning activity… I feel proud of their success! When they succeed, I succeed!”

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