History & Social Studies

Our history teachers bring the past to life, helping students understand how historical events shape our present and future. From American history to world civilizations, they teach from a Christian worldview that recognizes God’s hand in human events.

Students learn to think critically about historical sources, understand different perspectives, and connect past events to current challenges—developing the informed citizenship essential in today’s world.

Mary Bell (Greenwood-Bell)

Teaches

Mary brings a wealth of experience from her 16.5 years as an Air Force nurse, where she reached the rank of Major and worked in nursing administration, along with her journey as a homeschool teacher since 1994.

When God called her to stay home with her children while expecting their third, Mary said “Goodbye” to her Air Force career and has not regretted it! She has been teaching her four children at home, as well as teaching at N-Tech for 15 years and THEO since its inception.

“Ensuring students are grounded in their faith and can articulate their worldview is a passion for me. I feel it is a paramount aspect of their education.” Mary has had the privilege of teaching Starting Points and assisting in other Worldview classes at THEO. She also teaches Japanese language courses and Saxon 6/5 math.

Education:

Experience:

Mary has been married since 1983 and has been blessed with four precious children. “The homeschooling adventure is an exciting one and it helps having others come along side at times to support one another in the endeavor. ‘Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.’ Prov. 27:17”

Debbie Oberste

Teaches

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps” (Proverbs 3:5-6) is one of Debbie’s favorite verses.

Teaching is one of Debbie’s passions, yet she did not realize the extent of this passion until the Lord directed her to homeschool their six children over 20 years ago. Three have graduated and she still has five more years until the youngest graduates.

Along with teaching her own children, the Lord has provided opportunities for Debbie to teach others:

Served at N-TECH in the startup years (board, nursery, teacher)
Teaching Sunday School for so long that children who were just starting school are now adults graduating college
Mentor to youth and leader in church youth group for 14+ years
Headed up church VBS program
Mentoring a small group of women from her church

In 2010, Debbie was blessed with the ongoing opportunity to travel to different Home School Book Fairs representing a curriculum she has used with her children. “It gives me great pleasure to encourage and help parents in their homeschooling journey.” She also gives presentations at conferences and weekly webinars during the off-season.

Education:

Associate in Applied Arts (2 years of college before having children)

“Once I started teaching my children, I started learning how to learn. My desire is to instill a love of learning in others.”

Vicki Musall

Vicki began teaching in private preschools during high school and college as she pursued her degree and dream of becoming a professional educator. She taught grades 4, 5, and 6 for ten years in public schools and holds teaching certificates in Texas and Virginia.

When her two sons had learning styles and challenges that needed environments and methods beyond what their public and private schools were providing, God called her to begin homeschooling them toward the end of their elementary years. “It has been a blessing to see God use THEO to impact our entire family.” Vicki began teaching at THEO once her youngest was a senior.

At THEO, Vicki strives for each student to embrace how he/she learns best and take ownership of that path, with parent and teacher support. She is privileged to work with students from Friday Adventures kindergarteners all the way up to seniors in Money Management God’s Way and Successful Student Strategies.

“My high school classes incorporate a variety of teaching methods selected to guide students to make mature choices in order to be intentional teens and later thriving adults. My junior high classes deep dive into World Literature, Study Skills, and Texas History at a level that moves students towards applying what they read, learn and discuss to their own lives.”

Education:

Everyone is respected as an individual COG (Child of God) as they strive to learn to be THEO servant leaders for Christ.

Craig Callon

Teaches

Craig has been an educator for twelve years at the high school and college level. His teaching subjects have included U.S. History, World & Church History, Systematic Theology, Biblical Books, and various Biblical topics for local churches.

Education:

Professional:

Craig’s full-time job is as a financial planner, for which he holds a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Craig’s passion is to help students better understand Scripture and the Christian faith. “The Bible richly rewards diligent study, and I hope to equip students to do their own Bible studies and to deepen their walk with Christ.”

Craig grew up Baptist and is now a part of the Anglican tradition at Christ Church in Plano. His wife Cheryl homeschools their daughter Vera Dei, who also attends THEO.

Susan Bryant

Teaches

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