Faculty & Staff
Chris Taylor was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He currently serves as the FSCS Administrator. He has served as a teacher, specialist, and head administrator in grades K-8 for over twenty years in both public and private schools. He served several years in lay teaching and leadership positions before working almost fifteen years at Christ Community Church of Tucson in full time ministry including the roles of Children’s Ministries Director, Head Administrator of Family Life Academy and Director of Safety & Security. His education includes a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University, Master of Education in Special Education from Northern Arizona University, and a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
He holds multiple professional lifetime certifications in teaching and administration from the Association of Christian Schools International and State of Arizona teacher certification in multiple areas. He is excited to lead the FSCS Ministry and desires to share his passion for teaching children and sharing the love of Christ with them to each of the families and staff members at FSCS! His heart’s desire is to see children believe, follow and grow in their love of Jesus. He has been privileged to present at several conferences including the Ignite Tucson Children’s Ministry Conference, Children’s Ministry Connect, and the Association of Christian Schools International Western Regional Convention.
Adela Tarango is an Administrative Assistant at First Southern Christian School and has worked there for 15 years. She is married and has three children, Alec (25), Gabriela (20), and Noah (19), who all attended the school through 6th grade. 
Mrs. Carolyn Burger has been working in the education field since 1983 and has been working in the ministry here at First Southern for 28 years. The last 19 years she was blessed with the privilege of being the school administrator. Now as she nears retirement she is blessed to be teaching kindergarten. She loves the Lord with all her heart and feels blessed to be able to teach His little ones about His love and truth.
Hello everyone! My name is Faith Zanta and I teach first and second grade at FSCS. I have worked at First Southern for six years and this is my fourth year as a classroom teacher. I enjoy teaching at FSCS because I get to share the love of God with His children and the small class sizes allow for more individualized instruction.
Mrs. Betty Gilfoy
Third Grade
I’m Dave Hoffman and I teach fourth grade at First Southern Christian School. I’ve been teaching or administrating for over 40 years. I have 2 bachelor’s degrees and 3 master’s degrees from Cornerstone University, Calvin College, and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary.
I love all children, but especially 8-10 year olds. That age is special to me, because I began my relationship with Jesus at that age.
I think you will see your child grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Thanks for the opportunity to teach your little angel.
Derek Oliver has been a teacher at First Southern Christian School for more than thirty years. He is a member of First Southern Baptist Church, our sponsor. His original degree was in aerospace engineering, but God had other plans. He figured out that he would much rather spend his time helping children than sitting at a computer. Watching his students grow physically and spiritually is a blessing beyond compare.