Providence Christian School welcomed a new history teacher this year, but one who already had a history with the School. Hannah Bires, new history teacher for Classes Seven and Eight, is a graduate of Providence and is also the daughter of veteran Class One teacher, Suzann Bires.
Suzann said, “What a blessing it is to have Hannah as a colleague at Providence. I am thrilled for her to experience such an amazing community of teachers, parents, and students. It is such a unique place, which she well knows, having graduated from the School.”
When the Bires were looking for a place for Hannah to attend preschool, they visited Providence. Suzann said, “We knew a handful of families whose children attended Providence, and had admired their children’s unique ability to easily and respectfully converse with adults. Plus, their manners were exceptional. After visiting, we attended a function where we heard Robin Lewis, the founder, speak for the first time, and were immediately sold!”
Hannah’s love of teaching began at home, as she played teacher with her dolls as students. When her younger brother, Micah, began preschool, Providence needed an additional teacher—an answer to prayer for Suzann. “For months, I had been asking the Lord to one day provide an opportunity for me to teach at Providence because I love this school: its mission, its curriculum, and its emphasis on character. But mostly, I loved how it made my husband and me better parents. I began teaching only those days when my youngest was in school. As he went more days, I taught more days. After 14 years of happily teaching preschool, the timing was perfect for me to move into full-time teaching.”
In addition to teaching history to Classes Seven and Eight, Hannah is also the yearbook editor, a role she held in high school. She credits her interest in history to her Class Seven Providence history teacher, Amber Marshall. “She challenged me and taught me to view history as a story.” Her interest was even more piqued when she went on an intensive World War I and II trip through Europe with Highland Park High School. “We were raised going to historical places, especially when we went on vacation or visited a new part of the country. In fact, we spent one summer in Washington, D.C. where we visited many museums and could spend an entire day exploring just one if we wanted, rather than rushing through several at a time.” Hannah is excited to teach Class Eight U.S. History and is looking forward to going with the students on the annual Washington, D.C. trip and sharing her love and passion for the same sites that inspired her career.
Hannah’s love of history led her to receive a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A & M University, graduating with honors. Last year, she did her student teaching in middle school history in the Katy ISD, and was a personal assistant to Providence founder, Robin Lewis. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher even when I attended Providence. In Class Two, the students draw a self-portrait of themselves at present and in the future, and my future self-portrait was me as a teacher!”
Hannah added, “I love the strong traditions at Providence that remain the same even to this day: Fine Arts Day, Grandparents’ Day, the songs. I even found a textbook with my name in it. Providence feels like home.”
Hannah also enjoys teaching with her mom because she can relate with her experiences in the classroom. “Even though we are teaching different ages, she’s helpful in sharing effective techniques, such as classroom management.”
Suzann adds, “What a blessing for Hannah to follow her calling and teach what she truly loves—history—in the school that not only inspired her passion for history but also helped her grow into a special young lady.”
Hannah said, “I feel like I was raised by the School. I never fully left.”