Why do you love teaching at AHS? — I love teaching at AHS because I can lay a foundation of truth in principles and methods; consequently, all lessons are grounded and accurate. We are not constrained by the philosophies of men. We are free to teach truth and its author. I also love the effect this has on the children. I teach 7th Grade and the most severe problem that I typically encounter is keeping uniform shirts tucked in. I love the culture that truth creates.
Why Teaching? — Teaching chose me from the time I was very young. I taught my brothers and sisters, my friends, my dolls and my dogs!
Legacy — I deeply desire that as scholars and parents remember Mrs. Updike, they will remember that she was a window to the Lord’s love and truths.
Curriculum Highlight — My history curriculum is Reformation to the Restoration. I have the privilege of teaching the remarkable heroes of the Reformation such as Wycliffe, Gutenberg, Luther, Wilberforce and many others. Then I have the privilege of teaching the exceptional heroes of the Founding of America and then the inspired heroes of the Restoration. It is a blessing to me to associate every year with the giants upon whose shoulders we all stand. They have become dear friends.
What do you love about the subjects you teach? — I love the study of History and Language because these prepare us to recognize God’s Hand in our lives and in the world around us that we might, in the end, become like Him.
Education — Bachelor of Arts, English, Brigham Young University
Family — I am the mother of seven uniquely distinct individuals. They keep me laughing and laboring! They are the parents of 15 remarkable grandchildren, two thirds boys and one third girls.
Hobbies/Interests — A good book and a plate of good chocolate chip cookies is a total favorite! I am a dangerous woman in a used bookstore! I also love to hike and especially enjoyed hiking through an African rainforest with friends from AHS recently. Traveling to visit historic spots where the Hand of God is abundantly evident is a joy that strengthens my love and enthusiasm for teaching.
“By nature, schools endeavor to teach verities. At AHS, we have the freedom to teach truth and to teach its author. Such teaching prepares young people to be ready, able and willing to go forth and change the world for the glory of God.”
— Mrs. Updike
What life experience prepared you to teach at AHS?
When I was a little girl, I knew I would grow up to be a mother and a teacher. Consequently, children have always been a focus. Rearing my own children laid the seedbed for loving others’ children. As I taught my children over the years, I constantly recorded in my mind and heart the feelings, thoughts and truths I would employ someday in teaching and loving other people’s children.
After my first baby, I worried that I could not possibly love another child as much. But then the next child was born and the love instantly flooded over me. I had the same concerns after my first year of teaching. How could I possibly love another class as much? And then the next year began the miracle happened again… and again and again.