Terri Suryn 

I received both my BA and MS from the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA. My Masters degree is in Speech and Language Development with Special Class Authorization. My minor is in Psychology. (I actually have more hours in Art, but was told you couldn’t earn a living in art, so I pursued a “real” job.) I worked shortly as a speech therapist, but found myself wanting to be more involved in the student’s lives. I was hired by San Juan Capistrano School District to develop and teach in their early intervention program for speech and language delayed preschoolers and kindergarteners. I loved every day of that job, but when my first child, Jessica (FRCS class of 2005), was born, I quit to be a full time mommy…I job I loved even more!

I got back into teaching when I decided to home school our two children, Jessica and Greg (FRCS class of 2007). At that time I also taught in home school co-ops and in the Home School Option Program in Jefferson County School District. I taught both Art and Anatomy and Physiology. When both of my kids were going to FRCS, I wanted to help out somehow and that’s when I started teaching Jr. High art at FRCS. When Ashley Cook moved out of state, I took over the high school art classes…And that’s where I am today.

Why do you teach?

I teach art because I really enjoy it. I think it is important for students to realize God has blessed them with creative talents that they need to develop in order to bring Him pleasure and glory. Many people feel they are not “artistic” and give up on art. However, there art so many different forms and mediums in art. Each person just needs to find the area God has gifted them in. We are not all Michelangelo’s, but we all have a creative spirit. I enjoy helping the students find their creative spirit.

When my own children started coming to FRCS, I wanted to be involved somehow and this was the way I could serve the school best. I also love the environment and can’t think of anywhere I’d rather teach.

Is this a trick question? Isn’t our passion to be Christ and becoming like Him? I think you want to know in general terms.My true love is my family. I have absolutely loved being a wife and mother. That role has recently changed the past few months as we are empty nesters now. So, presently I feel I need to develop new passions…but, Bob and I are struggling to know how to do that exactly since our whole life was wrapped up in our kids and their activities. I have a lot of areas of my life I’d like to explore and develop now that I have time on my hands. I know God will reveal it to us in time. I’ll keep you posted on how things unfold!

Well, of course, I love art of all kinds. I am excited now that I do have more time on my hands, to get back into creating art for pleasure and not just for an example for the kids next art project! I also love to dabble in all sorts of crafts. I need to always be creating things. It’s my therapy! I enjoy cooking and baking…and eating my creations. Yummy! I love to travel and to spend time with family and friends. I like all kinds of people. I find them fascinating.