Karlin Stutzman

Headmaster, Upper Primary Teacher

Karlin has had a long-time passion for education, and is excited to see the vision of a Classical Christian school in Linn County come to life. Growing up on an Iowa farm and in a private Christian school gave him a love for learning and God’s creation, and an appreciation of the value of Christian education. He began reading about classical education while in college, and was drawn to the disciplined approach, deep historical roots, and emphasis on character. This resonates with his own drive to understand and apply his faith better.

Karlin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa, and has worked in engineering for the last 10 years. He has also enjoyed helping his wife Megan homeschool their children, and teaching Latin at a weekly homeschool co-op. He is currently taking courses toward a Master of Studies in Classical Christian Education degree from New St. Andrews College.

When not reading for educational purposes, Karlin enjoys reading more books and blogs for fun, drinking good coffee, being outdoors with family and friends, and watching college football.

Lower Primary Teacher 

Sara’s dream growing up was to become a wife, mom, and teacher…and God has allowed her to be all three! She is thankful for the opportunities God has provided for her to teach in a variety of settings: Church ministries, homeschooling, Christian schools and colleges, and substitute teaching in Cedar Rapids Metro schools. Sara’s heart is to help Christian families educate their children well. She is excited to invest her God-given talents, experience, and love for Christ as a teacher at Paideia Christian Academy.

Sara holds a Bachelor of Science in Home and Family Management from Northland Baptist Bible College (1995) and a Master of Arts in Teaching History from Liberty University (2023).

Sara and her husband Tim enjoy living in Cedar Rapids and have been active members of Faith Baptist Church in Iowa City for over 20 years. Their sons, Caleb and Josh, attend Iowa State and Faith Baptist Bible College. Sara enjoys time with family and friends, piano, reading, art, baking, and her bunnies Gemma Lou and LeBunn James.

Primary Prep Teacher 

Rhonda has had a life-long love of education, as a natural way to fulfill her desire for helping others. She has taught in multiple contexts in private Christian school classrooms and individual tutoring of multiple subjects, with several periods of time away from teaching while raising her sons and caring for family members. In recent years she has enjoyed individual tutoring of early readers, and is thoroughly loved by all her students.

Rhonda was blessed with two sons with her husband Bill before he passed away in 2001, and another son through adoption. God's protection and provision has been made precious and real to her through the trials and the blessings he has allowed in her life.

Rhonda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, and an advanced Orton-Gillingham certification. She is excited to put her gifts to use in this role, and considers it a privilege to encourage and invest in each student God places in her classroom.

Rhonda enjoys spending time with her church family, singing a cappella, cheering on the Hawkeyes and the Fever, reading, and making memories with family and friends.

Art Teacher, Primary Prep Assistant Teacher 

Jennifer made the decision to follow Christ at an early age of 5 and has had a deep, God-given passion for pointing people to Him ever since. She has developed and demonstrated a gift for spiritual formation of young people in various ministry roles over the last decade, and is excited to put her gifts to use in a classroom setting at Paideia, to help students learn and explore who God created them to be.

In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, Jennifer discovered an interest and passion for art that she is excited to be sharing with others. She enjoys taking community art classes whenever the opportunity presents itself. While she's yet to find a medium she doesn't enjoy dabbling in, Jennifer finds herself returning to watercolor, charcoal, and fountain ink as her choice art supplies.

When she isn't in the classroom, Jennifer enjoys wrangling 3 of her own boys with her husband, Sam. As a family, they enjoy exploring new cities and parks, thrifting, reading, board games, and popcorn movie nights. Jennifer is an active member of her church and enjoys volunteering and building into her community.