Mrs. Heidi Caasi:

Title: English as a Second Language Teacher (K5 – 12th grade)

It is my great joy to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) at Fourth Baptist Christian School. My interest in second language and culture began as an undergraduate student. After an introductory course in teaching English, I taught English as a Foreign Language abroad in 1997 and subsequently participated in three summers of training at the Summer Institute of Linguistics, University of North Dakota. I also enjoyed involvement with the local Russian community during this time and am indebted for the insight, friendship, and food that was shared with me as I grew in my understanding of cross-cultural relationships. I eventually graduated from Thomas Edison State University in 2000 with a B.A. in Humanities. After teaching for several years, I completed a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language at Hamline University and then pursued a Master’s degree in ESL, graduating in 2006.

From 2006-2016, I had the privilege of living in Southeast Asia to serve a minority Christian community alongside my husband. Though most of my role at this time was home-based, I can see that the Lord never wastes any experience.  My home became my classroom rounding out my educational background with real life experience in language learning and cross-cultural adaptation. Again, I owe so much to the wonderful people who opened their lives to me and shared their language and way of life.

In 2018, the Lord placed me at FBCS. I am honored to be part of the team here and to be entrusted with the progress of our second language learners. I truly value the unique contribution these students bring to FBCS, and I thoroughly enjoy coming alongside them to bridge communication gaps in both conversational and academic English. I also understand the stresses that come to my students (and their parents) as they strive for high levels of academic competence in multiple languages.

In addition to full-time teaching, I have the privilege of mothering five sons, four of whom are current students at FBCS, and a daughter. I also love sacred and classical music, quilting, and catching quiet moments of meditation. In real life, I make dinner, do laundry, and check homework.

Mrs. Jessica Farish

Title: Special Education/Resource Teacher

I grew up in a Christian home that valued relationships and giving to others. Those two things were so ingrained in me that I thought it was just how everyone lived. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized what a treasure I had been given by witnessing that kind of daily example. It is not a big surprise that relationships take a high priority in my life today. The most important relationship I have is with my Savior, Jesus, and hopefully that is evidenced by the way I live.

I have been blessed with five children. The four boys are adults and the only girl is in 11^th grade at FBCS. In this unique time in our lives, my husband and I are dating again, finding new hobbies, and learning how to navigate life as people instead of only parents.

When my kids were young, I began working in their school as a paraprofessional and found that I love working with students that have special needs. It only took 40 years to figure out what I wanted to be when I grow up! I have worked in Special Ed. for 9 years and went back to college two years ago to get a dual degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. I am thrilled to be at Fourth and have this opportunity to combine my faith and my career passion.