Ben Mathew

 Mr. Mathew graduated from Grand Valley State University. He began his teaching career in Texas in 2007, and he and his wife returned to Michigan in 2017. He has taught across multiple areas, including elementary math, science, and self-contained general education, K-5 PE, 6-8 Special Education, and, prior to joining the NPC staff, he was a K-12 Behavior Specialist. When he finds any free time, Mr. Mathew enjoys mountain biking, bowhunting, and fishing with his 3 kids. He enjoys adventures with his wife and family and spending time outdoors hiking and exploring new places…especially enjoying Lake Michigan in the summertime.

Jesus says in John 13:35, “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” As a child, I would sing, “…and they’ll know we are Christians by our love…” Throughout my career in education, Jesus’ words and those lyrics have become increasingly apparent in their importance and continue to become more meaningful as I grow as a Christian, husband, father, and educator.  

My hope is that my daily interactions with students and staff will demonstrate my love for God as I respond with patience and kindness. In the Love Mandate, I believe that God’s greatest gift is His love for us, especially as demonstrated through His unending grace. It is impossible to comprehend God’s love for me, but that simple realization makes the work of being a teacher that much more meaningful. I know that every day I get to embrace the challenge of offering a fresh start and new opportunities for students to embrace the gifts they have been given.   

The Mission Mandate resonates with me particularly for the challenge to live out Christ’s love as an example to all those we come into contact with on a daily basis. How we choose to interact and carry ourselves speaks loudly to all those who observe our daily walk. In my teaching, this is demonstrated by how I prepare for my work. This is evidenced by how I interact with others, especially when challenging sequences of events take place. It will grow beyond me in how our students accept their own challenges and work toward recognizing the gifts and skills that God has given them to move His Kingdom forward. 

The Image Mandate has become increasingly important in my work with students, and understanding how this small window of time is so meaningful as a building block of each and every student’s life. I will seek to help students reinforce and understand the truth that God does not make mistakes, that we are made in His image, and that He created each of us EXACTLY as he intended.