Ms. Julia Geiger
Phone: 419-946-5990
Email: julia.geiger@gileadchristianschool.education

Welcome to ELA & History!

I am Ms. Geiger, and I'm thrilled to be in my second year of teaching at GCS! I have been teaching English Language Arts and History for 14 years, and this year, all the 9th-12th grade students are with me for both subjects. I believe that studying History is how we bring the stories of past events and people "back to life," so I think the two subjects are intertwined! This year students will be exploring World History and World Literature, giving them both an important look into the past and a better understanding of how we came to our present world. It is my hope that this makes them more informed citizens and stronger communicators as they enter adulthood.

I am the child of two teachers, and I grew up knowing I wanted to be a teacher in some capacity. I remember visiting the medieval exhibits at the Cleveland Museum of Art when I was nine, and completely falling in love with history. I have always loved reading, and a love of literature was instilled in me by my mother, who had a background in teaching the subject. After attending college at Ohio Wesleyan University, where I majored in English, History, and Medieval Studies, I decided I wanted to become a professor of History. I attended The Ohio State University for my master's and doctoral work, but really felt called to teach despite being told I should spend my time doing research! I started as a long-term substitute and took education classes at Ashland University. I still love doing history and literary research, but now I get to share that love with my students!

I live outside Mount Vernon, with my mother, my dogs Nora and Grace, and my Siamese cat Princess Ruby. I coach cross country and track and field, and I like to run--slowly, these days! I am a professional genealogist, and love helping people explore their family tree! I love to watch movies and listen to just about any genre of music, though folk rock is my favorite. I also love hiking and geocaching when I have a chance.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be teaching at GCS! Although I had coached for the school before, it wasn't until this year that the perfect job position opened up, just as I was fervently in prayer about God's plans for me. I knew I was happiest at a Christian school, with smaller class sizes and a opportunity to integrate Christ into my job. I have felt such a peace in my decision to be here, a peace that had been sorely lacking in my life. Everyone in the GCS community has been gracious and welcoming, and I truly feel at home here!