This Teacher "Adds Up" to Greatness!

Introducing Mrs. Chris Petterle, Math Instructor at RSCA
By Cecilia Gibbs, Assistant Principal Rock Solid Christian Academy

Being thankful comes easy for us when we think about our amazing teachers. Anyone who has attended our school knows Rock Solid teachers do much more than teach: they mentor, encourage, inspire and model Christ to our kids. One teacher worthy of introduction is our very own Mrs. Chris Petterle. Mrs. Petterle has been teaching math at Rock Solid since 2014. She loves her students and enjoys challenging them to think. She is passionate about her family, math, teaching, and most importantly, Jesus.

Born to immigrant parents, Chris Petterle is the oldest of three children. From an early age her parents instilled the importance of independence and perseverance. Education was important to her mom and dad, and even as a child she enjoyed practicing math facts with her father.

In high school Chris remembers feeling inspired by a geometry instructor who clearly loved teaching and always seemed to find time for his students. He was passionate about learning and encouraged his students to wrestle with ideas, thinking carefully through solutions. Thanks to the dedication of this teacher, Chris developed a joy for math and a determination to succeed in school. This determination would serve her well in life.

In her senior year she applied to the U. S. Air Force Academy in Colorado and was accepted. Upon arrival, Chris found herself to be one of only five woman cadets in a class of thirty-five. While life at the AFA was generally good, Chris was continually searching for answers. Reflecting back on those years, she recognizes how God was preparing her heart during that time. After graduation, Chris embarked on a career as a pilot, but even with “the appearance of success,” she was keenly aware of an emptiness in her life. Thanks to the prayers and persistence of her brother and friends who were Believers, Chris eventually accepted the Lord into her life.

In the Academy and as a pilot, Chris learned that most anything could be accomplished through hard work and determination. But as a Believer, she learned that without Christ at the center, life has no meaning. As a wife and mother of three sons, she understands more than ever the providence of God. Chris believes, "By God’s grace, nothing just happens in life. Christ cares about who we are and is continually moving us to a God-ordained destiny.”

Chris strives to instill these truths into every aspect of her teaching. She is passionate about math and loves all of her students. She recognizes the potential in each of them and believes in their ability to do great things.

We are thankful to have wonderful teachers like Chris Petterle at Rock Solid. Much like the high school geometry teacher she had long ago, Chris is patient, encouraging, and believes in each student’s ability to succeed. She works tirelessly and her steadfast spirit shines as she shares her passion for teaching and her love for the Lord. Rock Solid is blessed to have Mrs. Chris Petterle on staff!

Psalm 106: 1 "Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!"