First grade teacher Mr. Ben Dragstrem greets students every morning with a song, which helps students feel comfortable and confident.

What could make first grade more fun than glitter backpacks, recess, and making new friends? How about a teacher who starts the day with a catchy song on his guitar. 

No, Mr. Ben Dragstrem isn’t a music teacher. But he starts his day at Timothy by strumming his guitar and making up songs on the fly for his students. “It’s a fun activity for them that starts their day on the right foot,” Mr. Dragstrem says. “The song could be about going to music or computer class, or maybe it’s about what we’re eating for lunch.” 

Sometimes he will even sing a question to a new tune to engage the students and create a seamless classroom activity. “Music is a beautiful thing to bring into a class,” he explains. “It helps them feel more comfortable in the classroom.”

Despite his love for teaching, Mr. Dragstrem majored in finance and started his career in the business world. “I wasn’t very happy in the position where I was at,” he says. “I felt the Lord pulling on my heart to become a teacher.”

So he enrolled in night school and pursued a degree in education. He has been teaching for eight years. He taught second grade for four years and fifth grade for three years. “Teaching in the primary grades has been fantastic,” says Mr. Dragstrem, “I get to teach them how to learn and to love learning, not just teaching them content.”

This was his first year teaching at a Christian school. And his favorite subject to teach was Bible class. “At age 5, I vividly remember becoming a Christian and thinking that this was my choice,” says Mr. Dragstrem. “It’s good to create that wonder at this young age for their faith.” 

Music is a beautiful thing to bring into class.

As you would expect, teaching first graders isn’t all seriousness. In fact, Mr. Dragstrem receives unending comedic entertainment from students’ personalities. 

“Their personalities, at this age, are just complete honesty,” Mr. Dragstrem laughs, “every single one of them has a story to tell. They’re always saying something hilarious!”

Mr. Dragstrem particularly appreciates the Timothy community. “Everyone goes out 

of their way for each other,” he says. “Parents will come in and help, the staff is supportive. And the kids and parents love the Lord.” 

Mr. Dragstrem knows teaching at Timothy is exactly where God intends him to be. “I feel blessed be here,” he says. “And to be a teacher in the primary grades has been fantastic.”