Teaching in America: Joel Salankat Finds Community through Teaching at ICS

Congratulations, Mr. Salankat, for being selected as the April Employee Spotlight!

Joel Salankat joined the faculty at ICS directly from Jakarta, Indonesia. While this school year is not his first year teaching, it is his first year teaching in the United States! Mr. Salankat was pleasantly surprised by the culture at ICS. The way the media portrays youth in the United States, he was not expecting his students to be so disciplined. He appreciates the attitudes of the students and that they come to class with a willingness to learn. Joel was impressed by the tight knit atmosphere among the faculty members and quickly assimilated as a valued part of the middle school team.

Joel teaches 6th and 7th grade social studies, and English for the entire middle school. He is well liked by his students. He is also the book club advisor for middle school. Mr. Salankat leads discussions, develops creative tasks, and organizes role-playing and other interactive activities to foster a love of reading and learning. At times, book club participants will compete in a spelling bee, a debate, or complete a writing assignment. The goal of book club is to expose the students to different cultures and to develop a habit of reading.

Mr. Salankat would want people to know certain things about his teaching style. He says that whatever he does should be done with excellence, be rooted in the scriptures, and be motivated by love. He wants to be known for teaching redemptively. He desires for his students to become avid readers. Reading grants the reader a chance to live a thousand lives and offers perspective and open mindedness.

When not in the classroom, Joel enjoys reading, running, hiking and also relaxing and watching TV shows. He also enjoys frequenting coffee shops. Joel attends Gospel Grace Church.

We are grateful to have him serving our students and community!