What brought you to AHS? — The Spirit of the Mission Statement brought me and my family to AHS. What a priceless gift we have: education centered on the development of both the heart and the mind, to prepare children to be useful in the hands of the Lord to help build His Kingdom.
Curriculum Highlight — I am grateful we can search for principles of truth in every curricular subject. Christ is the way, the truth, and the light. As we discover and testify of truth, we testify of Him.
Favorite Student Interaction — I enjoy having “unity” time with my scholars (playing ultimate frisbee, soccer, or some other activity outside). It is so helpful to see them in a different light, away from the classroom. “Unity” time allows me to connect with my students on another level and gives us a place where we can work together to apply the principles we discover in class. It makes me happy when I see students sincerely care about helping others look good on the playing field, rather than focusing on themselves. Spending time outside together really does unify us. I also find that my scholars are much more ready to learn after they have had a chance to move around a little.
Why teaching? — I chose the teaching profession because I love to learn, and I love to teach truth.
Education — Master of Science in Architecture, University of Idaho; Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Brigham Young University
Why do you love working at AHS? — I cherish the privilege and opportunity to explore all truth—especially the freedom to openly teach about the author of truth, Jesus Christ. I love our Mission Statement. I am grateful to be united with mission-centered people: students, parents, faculty, and administration.
Hobbies — One of our dreams is to participate in the Nauvoo Pageant together as a family again! We loved our experience there in the summer of 2023. We also enjoy reading together as a family. We are a competitive and strong-willed bunch! We love to play soccer and ultimate Frisbee. Several members of our family regularly perform. We love music and we love to share our music with others.
“I want to help children to know how to personally access the enabling power of the Atonement so that they may accomplish the impossible. I want each student to feel confident approaching the Lord for help to accomplish his/her righteous desires. I want to help each student know the voice of the Holy Ghost and know how He speaks to him/her. I want each student to leave my class feeling that he/she is loved unconditionally. I want each student to know how to cope with failure and disappointment in the Savior’s way. I yearn for each student to develop a love and a passion for learning.”
– Mr. Crossley
Family
I am married to the beautiful and talented Lisa Andersen. She has blessed our family with eight wonderful children. There is little, if anything, that compares to the joy that comes from family. We are far from perfect, but we are striving to become a Zion family. Each day has its moments that are worth remembering. For example, the other day (it has now been a few years), as I was leaving for school, my then 2-year-old son was somewhat distraught about my departure. With tears in his eyes and a quiver in his voice, he ran to the door and cried, “Bye, Daddy! I love you too much!” –One of those moments that melted my heart.
