Ryan Watlington

Ryan is a devoted educator and theological student with a heart for forming young minds and hearts in the truth of Scripture. He is currently pursuing a seminary degree at Grimké Seminary and completed a year-long internship at Portico Cville, where he received focused training in theology, anthropology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Ryan continues his theological education with the aim of full-time vocational ministry, committed to faithfully teaching and applying God’s Word in both the life of the Church and the classroom.

At Aletheia United Academy, Ryan serves as the Biblical Worldview teacher for students in 5th–12th grade. In his classroom, he emphasizes clear thinking, careful reading of Scripture, and thoughtful engagement with the world, helping students build a solid foundation for lifelong faith and maturity. Before entering education, Ryan served in the United States Marine Corps and later worked as a government contractor. These experiences shaped his discipline, perseverance, and strong sense of responsibility, all of which now inform his approach to teaching, mentorship, and discipleship.

Ryan is deeply drawn to classical, Charlotte Mason–inspired education because of its focus on forming the whole person—mind, heart, and character—rather than merely transferring information. He believes that true knowledge rightly understood leads to the worship of God, as students grow in awe of who He is and how He has revealed Himself. Aletheia’s Christ-centered mission and commitment to discipleship align closely with Ryan’s desire to help students cultivate a thoughtful, faithful, and resilient Christian worldview rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty.

Outside the classroom, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and being outdoors. He loves golfing, camping, and playing soccer with his kids, and he has a special gift for bringing people together around food. One of his favorite ways to serve and build community is by barbecuing for others.

A verse that deeply shapes Ryan’s faith is Genesis 15:17, which reveals God alone passing through the covenant, demonstrating that He is the faithful keeper of His promises. This passage continually reminds him that our hope rests not in our own faithfulness, but in God’s steadfast grace, sovereignty, and unchanging character.