Living in Herndon, Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C, Mrs. Angela Wolf-Ramnanan has been teaching English for fourteen years, and at the Potter’s School for three. She can often be found doing outdoor activities with her family, such as biking, kayaking, and football, or exploring museums and theater performances in the DC area.
Abby: What are some challenges to teaching English?
Mrs. Wolf: Some challenges to teaching English are having enough time to dive deep into all the dimensions of the complex characters and stories we read. I wish we could meet more than once a week!
Abby: That makes sense– there are so many important and fascinating aspects of English. What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
Mrs. Wolf: The most rewarding aspect of teaching in general is meeting amazing students from all over the world. The best part of teaching literature is discovering God’s truth through the experiences of the characters we read about and having discussions about how to apply these life-changing principles to our daily lives.
Abby: Can you tell us about your family? Do you have any pets?
Mrs. Wolf: I’ve been married for 18 years to my wonderful husband, Naveen. I have a boisterous, football-playing 9th grader (Liam); sweet, chess-thinking 5th grader (Lance); and peace-loving, ballerina 2nd grader (Lydia).
Abby: Your family sounds amazing! Of all of Jesus’ parables, which one do you enjoy reading the most? Why do you like that one specifically?
Mrs. Wolf: The parable of the lost sheep is one that is dear to my heart. I remember hearing an audio tape version of “Blister the Lamb” many times as a child, which is based on this parable. Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep and goes after the one lost sheep is such a beautiful picture of God’s love and pursuit of each one of us.
Abby: Yes, that is so true! Why do you think church is important? What is your favorite aspect of church?
Mrs. Wolf: There is no other time like the gathering of the Body of Christ to minister to each other, strengthen our faith in the Word of God, and join in worship to our Lord. Hearing the voices of my brothers and sisters in Christ raised in worship together with mine is the most strengthening part of my week.
Abby: If you could live in any time period, when would you want to live and why?
Mrs. Wolf: I’m good with this time because I was made for such a time as this!
Abby: Yes, that is a great reminder. When you think of your days at school as a kid, what is one thing that you vividly remember?
Mrs. Wolf: I’m grateful to have fond memories of my school days overall. A funny/not funny moment was in 4th grade when I made it to the school-wide spelling bee only to spell “fuzzy” wrong (I said f-u-s-s-y ) on the first round. I had studied for months to prepare and the nerves got to me. So began my life-long struggle of brain scramble when spelling out loud or on a whiteboard under pressure. Yes, I’m an English teacher, and I really DO know how to spell! I can also see the faces of every teacher I had, so I never take for granted the impact a teacher can make.
Abby: That’s funny! We all make silly mistakes like that sometimes.What are your favorite toppings on an ice cream sundae? Do you prefer a different dessert?
Mrs. Wolf: I love all the crunchy toppings like nuts and cookie pieces, plus hot fudge. But my favorite dessert is chunky, walnut carrot cake.
Abby: Mmm, yes, that sounds delicious. Do you have any random talents or talents that most people don’t know?
Mrs. Wolf: I can do lots of different accents and impersonations. My students get a taste of it every now and then.
Abby: What country fascinates you the most?
Mrs. Wolf: I really can’t pick one. I find new cultures fascinating and especially meeting members of the Body of Christ from around the world and the unity we have in Christ. Thanks to one of my students this year, I just found out where Mauritania is, look it up!
Abby: I think that a lot of students can be nervous or feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a new school year. Do you ever find yourself stressing over this as well?
Mrs. Wolf: It can be stressful for everyone starting a new schedule and facing the demands of a new school year. I try to remind myself and my students that only ONE thing is needed (Luke 10:42). Like the story of Mary and Martha, the activity and worry of school can try to take over. God is faithful as we seek Him and will help us all find balance.
Abby: That’s a great point. If you could share one life lesson that you have learned with the students here today, what would you tell them?
Mrs. Wolf: Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else in life will fall into place (Matthew 6:33). You will never regret the time you spend seeking God and building your life on the Word of God. There is no wasted time or experience when God is leading your life.
We are so blessed to have amazing teachers on The Potter’s School! This week, try showing your appreciation for your teacher by telling them a joke or something funny you learned recently. Have a wonderful week and God bless!
“Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.” – James Hudson Taylor
Photo credit: Angela Wolf-Ramnanan