Today, at 10 AM, I officially finished my first year as a teacher. Okay, sure, I still have to do a little tidying up in my classroom, and a little book counting, and a little reflective writing (in a formal setting, not on the old faithful blog), but I am done with the actual teaching parts. You know- grading, lecturing, telling my students lame jokes.
So today, I am here to tell you a few things, with the not-so-hidden agenda of convincing some wonderful person in the world to come and help me teach next year! So here's my list on why you should come be a teacher in Malawi, Africa at African Bible College Christian Academy. (Also can be read as things I've learned this year.)
1. You'd be serving Jesus as a missionary, fulfilling the Great Commission, stepping out on faith, answering the Call. Yep, I'm pulling that one out first thing. The God Card. But seriously- I can think of no better way to increase your faith, deepen your relationship with Christ, lessen your attachment to "stuff", and live radically. Not to mention the opportunity you'd have to impact students from all over the world. And that's just in the classroom and on campus. Getting outside the walls of ABC multiplies those opportunities for growth and impact exponentially.
2. You'd be teaching under the most awesome headmaster I know. Brian Carlisle is an incredible man of God whose judgment and wisdom I deeply admire and respect. And he's fun! I've learned from him and been encouraged by him in a number of ways, and look forward to spending more time with the Carlisle family next year. (Especially with the upcoming addition of baby Nathan!)
3. ABC has the greatest students ever. Seriously have never been around a group of more incredible teens. If I'm honest with you, I'll say that teaching is probably not my life-long calling. I didn't always look forward to getting up and going to school. But I ALWAYS am glad to see my students. Sure there are times it's less exciting than others- (i.e. a Sunday afternoon surprise visit to the Quad..."Miss O, why are you wearing pajamas?) but even then my kids bring a smile to my face. They're incredible people who are willing to learn. They don't think their teachers are the least cool people on the planet. They are willing to be seen with me in public settings. They willingly give me hugs on the last day before a break. They rarely, if ever, talk back to me. And they've even improved their courtesy laughs when you tell cheesy teacher jokes.
4. Malawi is beautiful. I've learned as much from this country and culture and people as I have from the "missions" experience. The country is gorgeous and the weather is practically perfect 90% of the year. The people are gracious and love to laugh and dance and sing and share their culture with us azungus. The language is quick and fun, the lifestyle is relaxed and free. It's an experience you (and I) can never forget. As much as I'm looking forward to being in the States for a visit, I know every night I'll long for the African sunset. I'll miss the cool breeze that blows even on the hottest days. I'll cry for the smiles and hugs and handshakes I'm leaving behind (because emotions are nothing to be scared of).
5. Obviously, the reason that I know will win you ALL over: You'll get to work alongside ME! Okay, okay...I realize that's not really that big of a deal. But I will tell you that there would be a whole community of people here who would be thrilled to see you come. Scott Borders, our history teacher, is looking at teaching 5 classes, as well as being head teacher for the upper school next year. I, Allison, who has not a teaching degree and twitches a little bit at the awkwardness of 12 and 13 year olds, am also at this point planning to teach 5 classes (7th through 11th grade) of English/Literature/Language Arts. Though the possibility of combining a couple classes is being talked of, it's not a favorable option when I consider the students' best interest.
I'll soon be posting a blog list of things I've experienced this year that I never thought I would. It'll be great. It might convince you even more.
So whoever you are out there...say yes. And if God's not calling you to ABC, but you're realizing right about now that you need to say "yes" to something else He's asking of you- please do so. And if you KNOW someone who might read this and even think about saying yes, will you please please please please please send this to them? Please? Or if you even just want a little more information on this place or the positions available next year... Email me! Facebook me! Leave a comment! I'll find you.
So today, I am here to tell you a few things, with the not-so-hidden agenda of convincing some wonderful person in the world to come and help me teach next year! So here's my list on why you should come be a teacher in Malawi, Africa at African Bible College Christian Academy. (Also can be read as things I've learned this year.)
1. You'd be serving Jesus as a missionary, fulfilling the Great Commission, stepping out on faith, answering the Call. Yep, I'm pulling that one out first thing. The God Card. But seriously- I can think of no better way to increase your faith, deepen your relationship with Christ, lessen your attachment to "stuff", and live radically. Not to mention the opportunity you'd have to impact students from all over the world. And that's just in the classroom and on campus. Getting outside the walls of ABC multiplies those opportunities for growth and impact exponentially.
2. You'd be teaching under the most awesome headmaster I know. Brian Carlisle is an incredible man of God whose judgment and wisdom I deeply admire and respect. And he's fun! I've learned from him and been encouraged by him in a number of ways, and look forward to spending more time with the Carlisle family next year. (Especially with the upcoming addition of baby Nathan!)
3. ABC has the greatest students ever. Seriously have never been around a group of more incredible teens. If I'm honest with you, I'll say that teaching is probably not my life-long calling. I didn't always look forward to getting up and going to school. But I ALWAYS am glad to see my students. Sure there are times it's less exciting than others- (i.e. a Sunday afternoon surprise visit to the Quad..."Miss O, why are you wearing pajamas?) but even then my kids bring a smile to my face. They're incredible people who are willing to learn. They don't think their teachers are the least cool people on the planet. They are willing to be seen with me in public settings. They willingly give me hugs on the last day before a break. They rarely, if ever, talk back to me. And they've even improved their courtesy laughs when you tell cheesy teacher jokes.
4. Malawi is beautiful. I've learned as much from this country and culture and people as I have from the "missions" experience. The country is gorgeous and the weather is practically perfect 90% of the year. The people are gracious and love to laugh and dance and sing and share their culture with us azungus. The language is quick and fun, the lifestyle is relaxed and free. It's an experience you (and I) can never forget. As much as I'm looking forward to being in the States for a visit, I know every night I'll long for the African sunset. I'll miss the cool breeze that blows even on the hottest days. I'll cry for the smiles and hugs and handshakes I'm leaving behind (because emotions are nothing to be scared of).
5. Obviously, the reason that I know will win you ALL over: You'll get to work alongside ME! Okay, okay...I realize that's not really that big of a deal. But I will tell you that there would be a whole community of people here who would be thrilled to see you come. Scott Borders, our history teacher, is looking at teaching 5 classes, as well as being head teacher for the upper school next year. I, Allison, who has not a teaching degree and twitches a little bit at the awkwardness of 12 and 13 year olds, am also at this point planning to teach 5 classes (7th through 11th grade) of English/Literature/Language Arts. Though the possibility of combining a couple classes is being talked of, it's not a favorable option when I consider the students' best interest.
I'll soon be posting a blog list of things I've experienced this year that I never thought I would. It'll be great. It might convince you even more.
So whoever you are out there...say yes. And if God's not calling you to ABC, but you're realizing right about now that you need to say "yes" to something else He's asking of you- please do so. And if you KNOW someone who might read this and even think about saying yes, will you please please please please please send this to them? Please? Or if you even just want a little more information on this place or the positions available next year... Email me! Facebook me! Leave a comment! I'll find you.
