If you walk past the science laboratory on any weekday, you might hear a teacher walking between worktables with a microphone, turning a biology concept into a live, interactive discussion. Or you might step outside to find middle and high school students designing and launching physics rockets across the field, or studying earth science by measuring the loam ratio in soil.
That energetic, hands-on environment is the work of Ms. Cecilia Morales, Knoxville Christian School’s new Middle and High School Science Teacher.
Bringing a rich blend of hands-on learning, gentle encouragement, and a deeply rooted biblical worldview, Ms. Morales is passionate about helping KCS students discover both the wonder of the natural world and their unique value in the eyes of God.
“I want our community to know that my faith in God is at the center of who I am as a teacher. I am passionate about teaching and helping students grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually,” she says. “I teach science, and I love helping students explore God’s creation through hands-on learning and real-world connections.”
But long before she was launching rockets or starting class periods in prayer, her journey into science began thousands of miles away.
From Mountain Foraging in Mexico to the Science Lab
Ms. Morales’s passion for science didn’t begin in a sterile laboratory or behind a textbook—it began in the mountains of Mexico.Growing up in a small mountain town, her favorite childhood memory was heading into the outdoors with her grandfather, a local farmer. As they walked through the fields together, he taught her how crops grow, how to steward nature, and how to forage for wild mushrooms. Those morning treks ignited a lifelong fascination with botany and the intricate design of God’s creation.
When Ms. Morales first went to college, she planned to pursue a career in Genetic Engineering. But as her studies progressed, she faced difficult moral questions.”When I started college, I wanted to pursue a career in Genetic Engineering, but realized that my ethics and values were always being questioned,” explains Ms. Morales. Following God’s guidance, she pivoted from research labs to the classroom. After working in daycare, serving at a Christian Youth Camp in Texas, and teaching elementary grades, she felt a persistent spiritual calling to mentor older students.
“I knew that God wanted me to teach older kids,” she shares. “When I interviewed at KCS, I knew God was in control. Sometimes all we must do is trust in Him, and He will make sure that the opportunities meant for us will be ours.”
Grace, Language, and the Power of Encouragement
Ms. Morales knows firsthand what it feels like to struggle in a classroom. As a child, she navigated language barriers and academic frustration as an ESL student. “I had an ESL teacher who never gave up on me, from my outbursts in class to crying because I didn’t understand something,” Ms. Morales recalls. “She always made sure to encourage me. She has a heart of gold, and I am still able to call and talk to her when I need advice.”That experience instilled in her a deep empathy for students who learn differently. Today, she sees every student as an image-bearer of God who deserves patience, grace, and encouragement tailored to them.
“One of the biggest lessons my students have taught me over the years is that no matter how much content I know, the most important quality a teacher can have is kindness and being someone who can build strong relationships,” she says. Her core goal as an educator is simple: “Striving to create Christlikeness in the lives of my students.”
Science as an Act of Worship
In Ms. Morales’s classroom, science and faith never compete—they belong together. Every class opens with prayer, and every new chapter begins with a Scripture verse that ties directly into the scientific topic.Whether her students build solar system models, explore how simple machines work, or analyze biological processes like digestion, everything points back to the Creator. “We can teach from a biblical worldview and guide students using God’s word—we go to the Bible first,” says Ms. Morales.
When asked what keeps her energized through a busy school week of labs and lessons, her answer is as authentic as it gets: “Jesus, coffee, energy drinks, and when my students behave!” Looking ahead to the school year, Ms. Morales is excited to see her students flourish academically and spiritually.
“I am very excited about seeing how and where God will use me. I am excited to see how my students are going to grow in their lives! I hope that they will remember that God loves them, and that He has a greater plan. I also want them to remember our class projects and fun activities!”
Please join us in giving Ms. Cecilia Morales a warm Knight welcome!
Interested in Knoxville Christian School for Your Student?
At KCS, dedicated educators like Ms. Morales are committed to helping students grow in wisdom, stature, and faith. If you are looking for a caring, Christ-centered school community where your child will be known by name, encouraged in their faith, and challenged academically, we invite you to visit us!
Limited enrollment openings remain available for the current school year. Contact our Admissions Office to experience Knoxville Christian School firsthand!