BROOKE LIPSHIE walks through the double doors, ready for a day of teaching fourth grade math and Bible at Friendship Christian School. But she does not arrive alone; her husband, Adam, heads to the high school classrooms where he teaches U.S. Wars, personal finance, and government. Their daughter, Wynnsley, skips into the first grade classroom, ready to see her friends. Brooke drops off their youngest daughter, Wells, at the pre-K-3 classroom before heading to her desk to prepare for the day. The Lipshie family has the rare opportunity to share each day together at the private Christian school where they work, learn, and play.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to me to be at Friendship Christian with my family,” she said. “It is the sweetest, most beautiful time. It is the utmost privilege.”
This is Brooke’s first year at Friendship Christian, but she has taught elementary school for 15 years. She taught for eight years at Smyrna Elementary in Rutherford County, then for six years at Castle Heights Elementary before moving to join her husband at Friendship Christian School.
“The community here is so strong. I am constantly blown away with the sense of family,” she said. “It is a village that grows me professionally and spiritually, and to be able to experience that with my family is the greatest gift.”
Brooke knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age, and she felt drawn to helping others throughout her life.
“Children have always inspired me. I admire their innocent hope,” she said. “As a young adult, it became apparent to me that God had called me to love others, be a vessel of His love, and teach. Being a teacher allows me to do all three.”
Brooke chose to teach elementary math because of the subject’s logical structure.
“I love math because there is always an answer. There are steps, and it is organized. If you work hard enough, you will find the solution, and isn’t that life?” she said.
At Friendship Christian, Brooke has found the freedom to teach in ways that align with her educational philosophy and her faith. Without the pressure of standardized testing like the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, she can focus on hands-on projects, activate various learning styles, and provide individualized instruction. She delights in the eagerness of elementary students, describing them as sponges who soak up everything.
“Elementary students are fun and silly, like me!” she said.
The school also supports its teachers well. She said Principal Veronica Bender creates an atmosphere where teachers feel cared for and heard. She added that it is not uncommon for Mrs. Bender to simply call and chat about a teacher’s day.
Brooke began working at the school with fourth grade team members, Tori Newman and Brooke Taylor, who helped make her transition smooth and welcoming.
“It truly feels like family here,” she said.
For Brooke, the reward of teaching is in those ah-ha moments, when a struggling student finally grasps a concept. Many students arrive in her classroom with negative feelings about math, finding it challenging or simply preferring other subjects. But it touches her heart when a child discovers success in mathematics, especially when she hears them say, “I finally get it,” or “This is fun!”
“These are the specific moments that exemplify why I love teaching — when a child finds confidence in their ability,” she said.
Brooke said there are even deeper lessons to learn than math concepts, and she
makes sure her students know the value of
compassion and grace.
“Above everything, be kind and love one another. You never know what challenges someone is facing,” she said.
In November 2025, Brooke had the opportunity to show this message to her students in a tactile way. Friendship Christian School took a group of fourth graders and their families to Sneedville, one of the poorest counties in Tennessee. The children partnered up with high school students to provide Thanksgiving meals and to deliver water to families in need. Serving is a beautiful experience, but Brooke said that sitting and talking with Sneedville residents was impactful, reminding the students and volunteers of their own privileges and blessings.
“To be able to experience such a sweet and spiritual opportunity with my family, students, and colleagues was priceless,” she said.
Brooke encourages those who are considering education as a career to strive to build close relationships with every student, to know them and love them, and to have fun and be silly. She added that these are the things that carry teachers through on the good days and the most difficult ones.
“I have to remind myself that this is a ministry, [and] this is what God has called me to do, because otherwise the job could feel too overwhelming,” she said.
When she’s not teaching, Brooke enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on hikes, and being near the water. These activities help ground her in nature and in community, and draw her closer to God. She said she is grateful that at this point in her career, her work and family life intertwine at Friendship in ways more beautiful than she could have imagined. GN
