Teacher Spotlight: Nehiel Rivera

Nehiel Rivera has a spirit for adventure in all forms, from entertainment media to moments in nature with family and friends. The Chronicles of Narnia books, Stargate shows, video games and Disney movies are just a few of the places he likes to escape to in his spare time. Rivera also enjoys being outdoors, especially if he can set up his hammock and spend time with family and friends in nature. One of his family members is a fun-loving cocker spaniel/poodle mix named Naty. 

Rivera’s adventures sometimes take him to faraway lands. Of the many places he’s had the blessing of traveling to, one of his favorites is Botswana. Before starting at NTCA, Rivera attended Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Some day, he would like to visit and explore Brazil.

This love of adventure has always been part of Rivera’s life. As a child, he wanted to be a lot of things. He found himself trying to decide whether he was meant to be a ninja, a teacher, a lawyer or an architect. He even considered becoming a youth pastor. Ultimately, he ended up pursuing the teaching path as a substitute teacher at NTCA, which led to his current role as a teacher’s aide. This position gives him the opportunity to help students thrive in many ways.

“The most rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to help a student learn something new, and also seeing the joy a student expresses after I help them understand something they were confused or unsure about,” Rivera said.

While helping children learn academic skills gives Rivera a sense of accomplishment, the opportunity he values most is being able to teach them about Jesus and His love for them. When he interacts with students in the classroom, he hopes that they leave with respect for others around them and the knowledge that Jesus loves them.

Given the chance to have dinner with any three people, Rivera would choose Jesus, as well as Samson from the Bible and his grandfather, who passed away the year before he was born. Since he only heard about his grandfather in stories, he’d love to get to know the awesome person he really was. He’d like to hear Samson’s perspective on the events that took place in his life. His inspiration for wanting a dinner with Jesus came from episodes of The Chosen. Rivera would love to laugh and talk with Jesus, ask him questions and learn from him face-to-face like characters do in the show. 

Faith helps Rivera navigate life by being the anchor he needs. Several Bible passages and verses inspire him, but he has two favorites that stick with him the most: Isaiah 43: 1-4 and Psalm 46:1. These verses remind him that God is with him and will never leave or abandon him. The Bible gives Rivera a sense of clarity, especially when he reads Psalm 46:1, which states that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Get to know Nihiel Rivera

Where are you from? He was born in New York and has lived in the Tampa area most of his life.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Pizza or arroz con habichuelas y pasteles (rice and beans with pasteles)

If you won the lottery, how would you spend your prize? One of the first things would be eliminating all of my student debt. 

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? The power of flight.

At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

How Faith-Based Education Helps Children Thrive

Education creates opportunities for children, but not all schools are created equal. For some, public school education gives them plenty of opportunity. Others find that faith-based schools, with smaller class sizes and faith-integrated instruction, give them a better chance at success. These schools offer a level of structure, community and hope that children may not find elsewhere. Here’s how private faith-based education can help students become the best version of themselves. 

Emphasis on Character

Students who attend faith-based schools have a built-in foundation for morals and ethics. In the case of Christian schools, that foundation is the Bible. Students share values with their teachers and one another based on Biblical principles. This allows them to develop a strong sense for character while they learn about the world around them. When students have questions about the rules, there will always be a strong reference for teachers to cite.

Community Atmosphere

Children at faith-based schools attend classes with like minded students, teachers and staff. Smaller class sizes give students the opportunity to know each other and their teachers on a personal level. Extracurricular activities tend to be more focused in private schools, where clubs, teams and other organizations have fewer students than those in public schools. Community is a priority at these schools, and the sense of community is strong because of a shared set of core beliefs.

Stable Environment

Private education allows for more individualized attention, which creates a stable learning environment for children. This makes learning easier, especially when children have questions about the material. Each child has the opportunity to ask questions, which encourages deeper learning. Adding in an element of faith creates even more stability for some. With faith as a guide, students can make difficult decisions about their personal lives based on what they learned in school. 

Exploration of Faith

In public schools, education and faith are kept largely separate. Faith-based schools allow children to dive deeper into their religions. Christian schools integrate Bible lessons into everyday classes. This gives students the opportunity to understand their faith better and see each subject from various perspectives. This extends outside the classroom. Christian school students feel valued because each one is treated as a unique child of God. 

Children who attend faith-based schools learn about the world and their faith at the same time, which helps them prosper in life. At our Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Teacher Spotlight: Devin Anavitarte

Devin Anavitarte’s main goal as an educator to be the teacher he never had. Anavitarte currently teaches English and theatre classes at North Tampa Christian Academy. Rather than just seeing him as a teacher, he wants students to view him as a trusted advocate. Anavitarte has been teaching for nine years, and in that time, he has tried to form a relationship with every student who steps into his classroom. 

“Learning is all about relationships. My philosophy is that learning thrives the more a relationship is fostered,” Anavitarte said.

Building relationships with students enhances the teaching experience and the learning experience, especially when it comes to subjects like theatre that have a performance aspect. As passionate as he is about his career now, teaching wasn’t always Anavitarte’s dream. As a child growing up in Keene, Texas, he was sure he would someday be a gameshow host. 

In his hometown, Anavitarte attended Southwestern Adventist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English. He then went on to Andrews University in southwest Michigan, where he graduated with a master’s in divinity. Soon after graduation, Anavitarte discovered his love of teaching and started on his current career path.

The most rewarding part of teaching for Anavitarte is watching nervous, insecure students blossom and thrive on stage after months of working hard to put together a theatrical production. While he watches these students grow, he encourages them by letting them know he’s someone they can come to when they need him. Anavitarte hopes that all the students who attend his English and theatre classes see the love of Jesus in him. 

While teaching is Anavitarte’s passion, he also finds joy in writing, swimming, playing tennis and reading. His favorite book he’s read so far is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. When he has time off, Anavitarte likes to travel, and his favorite place he’s been to is Athens, Greece. The Mediterranean would be a great place for him to travel because if he had to choose one food to eat for the rest of his life, his choice would be hummus and falafel.

Get to Know Devin Anavitarte

What’s your favorite Bible verse? Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you choose? Lucille Ball; Jesus; and Joseph, son of Jacob.

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do? Pay off all my debt. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Flying 

“Learning is all about relationships. My philosophy is that learning thrives the more a relationship is fostered.”

— Devin Anavitarte

At our Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Ways to Discover Your Child’s Genius

Children are the future, whether or not they realize it. Every child has many different potential paths to becoming who they will someday be. But parents, you can only do so much. In some ways, children need your help. In other ways, you’re just along for the ride. At North Tampa, we believe that finding the balance between the two is the best way to nurture your child’s genius. Here are five ways you can help your child discover what makes them great.

Focus on Existing Talents

Every child is unique, and not every child needs to aspire to be a doctor or lawyer to be considered “successful” in life. It may not be obvious from the start, but children can use who they are to create and pursue their goals. Define your child’s success as reaching their unique potential, rather than tailoring it to society’s goals or your own. Avoid comparing your child to other children or yourself at your child’s age. This will help you see who they are and boost their self-esteem.

Observe Without Judgment

See what your child does when left to their own devices. You’ll start to notice patterns. Maybe your child is always humming or literally can’t put down a good book. Listen to what they can’t stop talking about, and ask what you can do to help further their interests. Help them find resources to explore their interests and talents so they can reach the next level.

Embrace Change

Your child may have one dream for a few years, then grow out of it as they discover other interests. It’s natural for interests to change as children find new things that capture their attention. When they give up on something, dig deeper. See if you can figure out why. If they’re still interested but discouraged about the pursuit, see what you can do to help them love it again.

Be Their Biggest Fan

Whether they show it or not, your child wants your approval. Encourage them in whatever they choose to do, even if it’s not something that you’re passionate about. Attend as many baseball games, piano recitals, video game tournaments or art competitions as possible, and cheer your child on as they go. Show appreciation for what they do, and help them develop their talents by encouraging them to practice and finding resources that allow them to grow.

Let Them Explore

One way your child can find their genius is by seeing everything that’s out there. Give them plenty of opportunities to explore different interests. Encourage them to do extracurricular activities and sign up for classes that will help them meet their goals. Some schools, like North Tampa Christian Academy, offer a wide range of classes and activities that allow children to create their own educational experiences. The more room a child has to explore, the easier it will be for them to discover and fully develop their genius.

At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Teacher Spotlight: Manouchka Louine

Manouchka Louine discovered her love of teaching while working as a substitute teacher in college. Watching children become engaged and grow over time, she started to learn that she could make a difference in their lives. Children now love coming to her class every day, and she enjoys teaching them just as much. 

Before finding a place at North Tampa Christian Academy, Louine aspired to be a healthcare provider. However, she fell in love with teaching — and the NTCA community. Now, in her 11th year of teaching, the Fort Lauderdale native is a 2nd grade teacher at North Tampa Christian Academy.

During her free time, Louine enjoys being active and spending time with her family. Given the choice of any superpower, she would choose the ability to teleport so she could be near family and close friends anywhere around the world at any time. Some of her favorite activities include traveling, bike riding, snorkeling, walking and camping. She also loves trying new foods, though if she had to choose just one type of food to eat forever, she’d be happy eating tacos. 

Louine doesn’t just love teaching (and tacos); she also loves learning. This love of learning extends beyond the classroom. When she finds the time, she reads biography books in order to learn about real people and their lives. When it comes to movies and television shows, she prefers documentaries, and her favorite ones being Discovery Channel shows and 60 Minutes. 

The best part of teaching at North Tampa Christian Academy for Louine is that children have choice, space and flexibility to learn in among a diverse student body. She also loves interacting with passionate parents and students. At the school, she has a unique opportunity to help students apply their lessons to real life situations, making it a personal experience for every child. This experience has been a culmination of the lessons she’s learned through her years of teaching.

“With patience and compassion, I’ve learned that you can learn about each child’s individuality and hence cater to their needs,” Louine said.

When students take Louine’s 2nd grade class, she hopes that they walk away with confidence in everything they do and that they truly know that the greatest gift they have is Jesus.

Get to Know Manouchka Louine

Do you have any pets? No, but I would like to have a dog. 

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you choose? My grandmother (my dad’s mother), Oprah (I love to watch and learn from the people she  interviews), my next door neighbor MiMi (elderly woman). 

What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Italy

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do? I’ll put it in my bank account  for about 6 months to give me time to plan out how to go about spending the money. 

What is your favorite Bible verse? Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

At our Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.