Teacher Feature | Mrs. Henderson

Mrs. Julie Henderson joined Second Baptist School in January 2023 when she joined as a long-term substitute teacher. The following year, she officially became a member of the lower school team and is now in her second full year as a first-grade teacher. For Mrs. Henderson, teaching at SBS is more than a job; it is a calling to integrate her faith into her classroom. 

“I knew I wanted to teach at a school like SBS because I couldn't imagine not being able to point students to the Lord,” she says. “I love that about SBS; it isn't just encouraged, but it is expected that we teach everything through a biblical lens. I start every morning with prayer in my classroom, and we often stop in the middle of a lesson to talk about Jesus and his character.”

Mrs. Henderson’s first-grade classroom is a place where learning is engaging and exciting. “In my first-grade classroom, we love to make learning fun!” she exclaims. One of the unique ways she does this is by incorporating music into her lessons. Her students sing songs before they start each piece of the curriculum. “The students LOVE to sing these songs,” Mrs. Henderson shares, “and it gets them excited to see what we are going to learn that day.” Her classroom is also active, as she takes her students outside for reading breaks, snacks, or even a quick lesson. Encompassing music, movement and outdoor time keeps her students energized and ready to learn. 

One of the highlights of the year for Mrs. Henderson is the annual Dream Big program, where her first graders present what they want to be when they grow up. On Friday, October 18, her students showcased their dreams to an audience, showing their creativity and confidence. 

“My favorite thing about the Dream Big program is seeing a different side of my student's personalities emerge,” she says. “Every year, I have several students who shock me with the ability to captivate their audience. I love how Dream Big creates leaders out of children who are so young!” Mrs. Henderson played an integral role in this year’s Dream Big program as she was responsible for creating the rhymes that students chanted about their dream jobs.  

Mrs. Henderson is passionate about creating a positive and nurturing environment for her students, where learning is fun and faith is central. As her first-grade students performed on the Dream Big stage, it’s clear that Mrs. Henderson is inspiring and encouraging her students to dream big, all while pointing to Christ.

- Sarah Cela '26 | Communications Fellow

Sarah's Dream Big Photos