WEC is always looking for teachers for missionary kids.

What’s it like to teach them?

Cultural challenges 

The biggest challenges usually involve adjusting to new cultures. It may be the local culture around the school: new sights, sounds and smells, languages that are difficult to understand, unfamiliar ways of relating to others and much more.

Sometimes, though, the culture of the international school can require just as much adjustment. Teaching staff and administrators all bring their own ideas from different parts of the world. A teacher coming into this can add their contribution, but it may be necessary to put aside some cherished ideas about the 'best' ways to organise a school.

Climate challenges

Climate can be a challenge too: anything from the freezing winters of Central Asia to the sticky heat of the rainy season in Thailand or Senegal (although it isn’t so extreme all year round).

Creative challenges

Since many of our schools are small, a science specialist could be asked to teach geography or maths as well as science, and primary teachers could have several year groups in one class.

Adaptability and flexibility are essential! Some schools have more limited resources than one's 'home' countries, but on the other hand there are many local possibilities. It just requires creative thinking.

Despite these challenges, most teachers who have taught in our schools have no regrets and have been stretched, yet fulfilled. Why?

Quiet, attentive students in small classes!

Crowd control is seldom an issue. Forget the surly negativity that spoils so many lessons and relationships in most Western schools; forget the daily discipline battles with unruly classes; and forget the coping strategies designed just to maintain classroom order. Teachers can actually teach the children who want to learn. For any teacher this is a real pleasure!

Many of the classes are smaller than 'at home' because the schools are small. This means that, although a teacher may be out of their specialist area, they are working with smaller groups of very willing children.

Relationships are built that mean that the teachers and other school staff have a huge impact on the children’s emotional and spiritual growth. Our schools are far more than academic institutions (although academic achievement is high on our agenda); they are schools for discipleship and cultivating Christian character. Most former missionary kids, who have been through our schools, in adulthood go on to be active in their faith, and many are in leadership in churches, missions and other Christian organisations.

International perspectives 

New experiences can challenge, but can also be exciting. Working in international teams broadens the perspective and helps teachers see life from a different angle. Enjoying the good things in the local culture is as much a part of life as adapting to the unfamiliar. New friends, both local and international, enrich lives.

Keeping mission out there

Contributing to evangelism, church planting and other mission brings its own rewards. Support work of this type is vital to keep families in place. Without the back up of suitable schools, most families are forced to make an early return, whereas provision of schools can extend their mission service by many years.

It is an adventure of faith

If God has led someone to serve in this way, He will not only provide the resources and finance, but is also more than able to bring them through the challenges.

Maybe God is asking you to teach missionary kids. We have schools all over Africa, Asia and Europe and also have constant requests for tutors to support home education or children with special needs. We have vacancies for any type of teacher at all levels of experience, and in any one year we are asked to supply up to 100 teachers and other school staff. In some cases vital vacancies remain unfilled and families and schools struggle on or limit numbers.

Every teacher who joins us can make a vital difference.

Download the 2007/8 list of vacancies for teaching staff around the world.

Bourofaye Christian School is WEC's own school for missionaries' children in Senegal. Download a Bourofaye leaflet, or visit the BCS website.

Contact the UK Network office at headquarters for more details.

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