Mrs. Renee DeJager
Personal Profile
I was born in Chicago and grew up in Hinsdale, IL and have lived in the western suburbs of Chicago my entire life. I attended Timothy Christian from 6-12th grade, starting out at the Western Springs school in the fall of 1978, graduating from the high school in 1985. While I had numerous outstanding teachers and experiences in my core academic classes, many great memories of my time at TCHS stem from choir and other performance related activities, such as musicals and plays from drama club, the fine arts committee and fine arts week…..and we can’t forget Octoberfest! It’s exciting for me to be back at Timothy and for my children to be a part of such a great school. My family consists of my husband, Mark, who is a native of Grand Rapids and a Calvin Christian High School graduate, and our three children: Michael, Christa and Andrew. We also have a very energetic golden retriever name Sandi, who we adopted from a shelter a few years ago. When I have a spare moment, I enjoy reading, traveling, cooking and spending time with my family.
Professional Profile
This year marks my 22ndst year as a music educator. Currently, I am working on a Masters of Arts in School Leadership at Concordia University and hope to complete that in 2013. I have a Masters of Science in Music Education from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor of Music Education and second major in German from Wheaton College. Thirteen years of my teaching experience are at the K-8 level, having taught General Music/Choral Music and Drama in Darien District #61 and Des Plaines District #62. Seven years of my experience are at the high school level at Wheaton Academy and more recently Township High School District 214. Additionally, I filled a one semester sabbatical leave for the assistant professor of Music Education at Wheaton College. I am a frequent adjudicator and clinician, along with accompanist for various events and organizations throughout Illinois and the surrounding states. I am an active member of the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) and both the Illinois and national chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).
Philosophical Profile
My philosophy of education is that every child can learn. Within the music classroom, my goal is to create literate young musicians who not only enjoy and appreciate a wide variety of music, but also read and understand music. God has blessed us with minds to embrace the many parts of his creation. I feel very strongly that each child not only understand music as a sole subject, but to see how all subjects are related to music and how music relates to all subjects, providing them with a whole picture of their world.
Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with many kinds of students at all ablility levels. With the proper support and guidance, each child can be successful. I take my calling to teach very seriously and give my students the best instruction possible to make sure that they are able to find success. Here at Timothy, I hope to contribute to raising up intelligent, curious life long learners who will be the light of Christ in our world.
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