Before she even knew how to read, Elizabeth Brendle would toddle around with a book in her hand, babbling as if the words were her own. That early love for language has now come full circle, as she joins Trinity Prep, as the new 6th and 7th grade English teacher. 

Brendle attended Otterbein University, a small liberal arts college, where she received her  bachelor’s degree in English. Since then, she has pursued her passion for teaching, teaching at a public school and a Catholic private school in Ohio for many years until she decided to retire in Florida with her family.

“We like the sunshine,” Brendle said. “So far, I’ve only moved here about a month ago, but there’s so much to do down here.”

Despite her retirement, Brendle stumbled upon Trinity Preparatory School and decided to come out of retirement and pursue teaching there. Brendle is thrilled to start the new school year and teach the 6th and 7th grades.

“I find it rewarding to teach my students things that they’ve never heard of before,” Brendle said. “Just exposing them to things that they’re going to learn later, that’s really fun and exciting to be the first person to tell them about something.”

Beyond her interests in literature and teaching, Brendle enjoys the serenity of being outdoors in nature.

“I do like just taking walks, I love letting my head clear out in nature,” Brendle said. “ That’s one of the reasons we came to Florida. It’s just so many beautiful and natural places, (like) the palm tree in my yard.”

For Brendle, this year is a fresh page waiting to be filled with new memories, lessons and laughter. She hopes to share her love of learning and literature with her students.

“It impacts me just knowing the power of language, and then trying to help my kids see that they can have power in their language as well,” Brendle said.