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Pacifica hires Founding Latin Teacher

July 14th, 2015

Pacifica Christian High School-Orange County announces today the appointment of Mike Arldt as its founding Latin teacher. Mr. Arldt currently teaches English and Latin at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, CO.  During his teaching career, Mr. Arldt has founded two other thriving Latin programs. Mr. Arldt brings an expertise not only in teaching Latin, but also in founding Latin programs at like-minded schools across the country. Additionally, his passion for learning, care for students, and Godly character provide Pacifica students with a model for how to think and live well.– Dr. Roberson, Principal We encourage you to learn more about Mr. Arldt by reading his biography below.

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Mike Arldt is a native Texan who has loved Southern California since childhood.  Mr. Arldt attended Concordia University in Austin, where he studied in the pre-seminary program. It was at Concordia that he fell in love with Latin and Greek in his language courses. He studied both Latin and Greek history and literature in other courses and consults copies of the primary texts to this day. Mr. Arldt received his B.A. in Behavioral Sciences and moved to Southern California to earn his Director of Christian Education certificate at Concordia University in Irvine. During his years in California, Mr. Arldt worked in congregations in Long Beach and Huntington Beach as a youth minister. For ten years, Mr. Arldt served congregations in various states and enjoyed speaking nationally at youth conferences as well as training youth leaders. While serving in churches, Mr. Arldt earned his M.A. in Religion from Liberty Seminary.  After a wonderful ten years, Mr. Arldt felt called to the full-time teaching ministry. He began teaching at Prince of Peace Christian in Carrollton, Texas, where he taught theology and founded the Latin program.  Under his direction, Latin grew to multiple levels and included a Greece/Italy tour every other year. Mr. Arldt later moved to Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas, where he taught English and advised the Latin teachers. Mr. Arldt enjoyed sharing the great books of Western civilization and showing students how their world was shaped by Roman influence. While in Texas, Mr. Arldt received his Texas teaching credential. Mr. Arldt relocated to Denver, Colorado and began teaching at Valor Christian High School.  Besides teaching multiple levels of English, Mr. Arldt was given the opportunity to found the Latin program at Valor. His students competed in the National Latin Exam, with many receiving high scores.
Recently, Mr. Arldt’s wife accepted a position as a Principal in Orange. Mr. Arldt is passionate about the mission of Pacifica Christian, having been familiar with Pacifica-Santa Monica, and is ecstatic to be a part of the founding of Pacifica Christian-Orange County. He is already thinking about a trip to Italy. Mike recently celebrated his 17^th wedding anniversary with Meredith. They have two teen boys.  In his free time, Mike enjoys hiking, reading, and following Angels’ baseball.  He is involved with Special Olympics and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  His family attends Salem Lutheran Church in Orange, where he volunteers in student ministries. His secret dream is to be a commercial announcer, so listen for his voice at future Triton athletic events.