Joy Pruden, Teacher

My experience at King's was life giving during a very vulnerable time in my life. Although I did not have the terminology at the time, I arrived at King's when I was just beginning to discover the struggles of and begin dealing with the results of a high number of adverse childhood experiences. My professors were professional and had high standards, but they were also compassionate and supportive.

"I loved feeling like I was part of a family, exploring new ideas in a safe place, and feeling challenged to grow but also accepted for the place I was in."

When my past made me highly sensitive to even kindly given critique, my professors took the time to meet with me and a counsellor to help me understand their intentions and learn from feedback. When my major practicum placement was in a very challenging situation, they took the time to understand and to offer me support and options to complete the program. I loved feeling like I was part of a family, exploring new ideas in a safe place, and feeling challenged to grow but also accepted for the place I was in.

The philosophical grounding and emotional preparation I received from my professors gave me the tools I needed to continue learning throughout my career. I love integrating my faith into my classroom and I try to offer my students the same safe, supportive environment and rigorous academic preparation I received at King’s. I am passionate about seeing young people feel safe enough to explore their questions about faith, learn to examine ideas with a critical mind, but not a critical spirit, and find something they are passionate enough about to make a positive impact on their world.