This is part of an ongoing series introducing the leaders, teachers, and staff who make St. Paul a special place.
John Stallings teaches sixth grade at St. Paul School, where he’s spent the past five years sharing Jesus with students and watching them grow in their faith. With a background in ministry and music, he brings creativity and passion to upper elementary education while leading multiple student initiatives that develop leadership and service.
Born and raised in Merced, Mr. Stallings attended Chenoweth Elementary, Tenaya Middle School, and Golden Valley High School. He’s been married to his wife Brandi, who is from Atwater, for 19 years. They have three children: David, Phoebe, and Matthew.
Mr. Stallings holds a bachelor’s degree in history, a bachelor’s in social science, a minor in biblical studies, and a master’s in educational technology. His entire teaching career has been devoted to grades sixth through eighth. Before entering education, he served in ministry as a worship leader, working at churches in California and Iowa — a background that continues to shape his approach to teaching and chapel leadership.
“St. Paul’s greatest strengths lie in our people. We look out for one another. Our biggest goal is for people to know Jesus more.”
— John Stallings, Sixth Grade
His children started attending St. Paul during the 2020-2021 school year, and Mr. Stallings began teaching in Fall 2021. “I was drawn here by the focus on Christ and the family-centered atmosphere,” he shares.
Mr. Stallings also oversees our leadership students, who are responsible for the ROAR podcast, snack cart, Finding Leo, chapel jobs, and other responsibilities. He also takes students to Hume Lake Christian Camps for outdoor education each year and serves as co-leader of our chapel program. What he enjoys most is simple and profound: “Being able to share Jesus with students and watch them grow in their faith.”
When asked about St. Paul’s greatest strengths, Mr. Stallings points to the people. “St. Paul’s greatest strengths lie in our people. We look out for one another. Our biggest goal is for people to know Jesus more.”
Among his favorite St. Paul memories are teaching two of his own children, the yearly trip to Hume Lake, and recording the very first ROAR podcast — a student-led initiative that showcases the leadership and creativity he helps develop in sixth graders.
Outside of school and church, Mr. Stallings enjoys playing guitar, making music, listening to music, painting, and skateboarding. His creative pursuits reflect the same passion and authenticity he brings to the classroom and chapel.
