New Faculty Interview: Tori Hickok

We are so excited to welcome Mrs. Tori Hickok to the Upper School faculty of Coram Deo Academy as Math and Science Instructor, beginning in the 2022-2023 school year!

Tori Hickok graduated from Maranatha Baptist University with a B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education. She has taught in a myriad of schooling contexts over the last 18 years, including public high school, private tutoring agencies, homeschooling, and private school. She most recently served as Upper School Math instructor at the Classical Academy.

Over the past decade, she has become dedicated to the classical model of education which has fueled a love for an integrated view of all disciplines. Math and science, however, hold a special place in her heart. Her teaching is filled with enthusiasm and curiosity as she shares the wonder and beauty of God’s creation while regularly pointing each student to Christ. She attends Pennington Park Church in Fishers.

We caught up with Mrs. Hickok for this interview to help the community get to know her better in advance of next year.

1. Are you married? Do you have kids? Pets?

My husband Ben and I have been married for 18 years and have six kiddos from 14 to 4 years old. We have lived in Maryland, Arizona, Michigan. God moved us to Indiana 10 years ago, so apparently, we are now Hoosiers. We currently live in Pendleton with one dog and 2 cats…. Perhaps some chickens are in our future.

2. Where did you go to school?

I studied secondary mathematics education at Maranatha Baptist University in Wisconsin which is where I met my husband. Those years were such a joy. I learned so much about God through the Bible classes, traveling music groups and education classes.

3. What gets you up in the morning?

A quiet house and hot coffee while I spend time reading my Bible before the crazy gets going.

4. What are your favorite hobbies?

I love growing flowers! God graciously granted us a property that has plenty of space to experiment with new plants and gardening techniques. Everything from soil composition & nitrogen levels to breed varieties & hardiness zones intrigues me. It is a giant puzzle for me to explore and learn about God’s world. I love the opportunity to create and share beauty. It is such a blessing to have a hobby that my kids can enjoy with me!

5. What influenced you to become a teacher?

I knew I wanted to be a teacher from early elementary school. I’m not entirely sure why that was so clear in my mind. Maybe it was that, being the oldest of 4 girls, I had lots of teaching moments. Maybe it was because my dad was a Christian school teacher for most of my school years. Or maybe it’s because I love learning so much myself. What I know for sure is that God has given me a love and enthusiasm for leading others to see truth, goodness and beauty.

6. What is your favorite book and why?

First and foremost, the Bible is my favorite book. Other than that, my affections seem to toggle. One fascinating book I’ve enjoyed is What Every Body is Saying. A former FBI agent gives his observations of body language and how understanding those tendencies can help us understand each other better.

For example, if someone seems eager to leave a conversation, look at their feet. If they’re pointed away, they want to leave. If they’re pointed toward you, they most likely want to stay. I love seeing how God made our brains and bodies work!

7. What meaningful event in your past significantly influenced your life?

God growing our family from a “normal” size to a “big” family has been a massive work of grace in my life. He has used our family to show me that my energy is not boundless, but it is fueled by the power He works in me. He has showed me that my identity is only found in Christ. I am so thankful for the many, many, many times of being at the end of my own strength with a house full of littles. These desperate moments gave me the front row seat to seeing God sustain and sanctify me.