Although you likely know your teachers pretty well from phone calls, open office hours, and online classrooms, you might be curious to know what their lives are like when they aren't at school. Whether they teach from the ICA office in Rock Rapids, Iowa, or from their homes around the United States, they all share a love for working with students. To get to know them a little better, here's a brief summary and fun facts about each member of the English department. (Click on teacher name to see photo.)
Thadd Harrington (Iowa Office) – Mr. Harrington majored in English education and minored in theatre and communications. You might even recognize him from the orientation videos at the beginning of each of your classes. During his first year of college, he completed a triathlon, and during his last year at college, he wrote and directed a musical.
Kate Brauning (Iowa Office) – Mrs. Brauning graduated from college with a degree in English literature. She has taught at Ignite Christian Academy for about three years and loves helping students learn to love reading. Mrs. Brauning also works part-time for a publishing house, is a book blogger, and is currently writing her second novel.
Wendel Buys (Iowa Office) – Mr. Buys has taught at ICA for five years. In addition to his degree in English, he also has a master's degree in curriculum and development. Mr. Buys has taught at every grade level from kindergarten through 12th grade. When he's not teaching, he likes to do home improvement projects.
Mary Ellen Quint (Arizona) – Dr. Quint has taught at ICA since 1978. She has two children and six grandchildren, and when she's not teaching, she likes reading biographies and mysteries, hiking, cooking, listening to classical music, and creating art. She also volunteers at church and has been the stage manager for Creative Inspirations Dance Academy.
Linda Kraft (Iowa) – Mrs. Kraft teaches from her home not far from the Rock Rapids office. She and her husband just welcomed a new grandchild.
Elizabeth Michaud (Florida) – Mrs. Michaud has been teaching since 2009, but she just started at ICA after moving to Florida at the end of August. She is a graduate of Crown College in Tennessee and has a master's degree as well.
Rachel Peatross (North Carolina) – Mrs. Peatross is also new to ICA. In addition to teaching English, Ms. Peatross teaches piano. When asked why she loves to teach, Ms. Peatross said that it's who she is, and she loves the light bulb moment when students understand a concept.