Back to School

No, the summer is not over quite yet - but the end is coming very quickly!  But for me, I begin my "job" at ECA (Evangelical Christian Academy) today.

ECA

ECA is a small Christian school that is based on the American school system.  It is located outside of Madrid and serves about 90 students, with the majority being MKs (missionary kids).  Almost all the teachers are missionaries and do not receive a salary from the school, but instead live off of faith partnerships just like we do.  Without this school, many missionaries would not be able to remain in Spain.  The Spain school system has many positives, but it is very different from the US system.  Graduates who want to return to the states for college would have a very hard time without a lot of extra supplement in the home.  Plus, if you arrive in your teen days, there is the whole language problem.

Last year I ended up teaching one class (12th grade English) to help in an emergency situation (a teacher had to leave the field suddenly due to a family crisis).  I was invited back this year, but in a totally different role.

Our primary role here in Spain remains church planting, but I will devote about 20% of my time to the school.  I will not be in the classroom this year, but instead working with new teachers in a coaching/mentoring atmosphere as well as planning professional development for the whole staff.   I love the process of education and the excitement of watching teachers become better teachers.   I believe in the power of education and its ability to change the world.  I also remember those first years in the classroom when I wondered what in the world I was thinking when I decided to become a teacher.  

John F Kennedy said "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource."  I believe that quote.  I believe that education will be what transforms our nations and our world.  It is a great responsibility to teach, but it is also a fabulous privilege. 

My new role is excited because it is completely flexible.  I can come and go as I need and as things work around our primary ministry responsibilities.  I have no set schedule (I might drive the admin crazy at the school as they try to figure out when I will be there) and no deadlines.  This is beginning to feel like heaven!

The majority of my time will be with new teachers - teachers who are either new to teaching or new to teaching TCKs (Third Culture Kids - kids who have a home culture - for us America - living in another culture - for us Spanish - and create in reality a 3rd culture from the two - another blog post about this coming soon).  I get to serve as a coach/mentor to them.  I get to serve as a sounding board for questions, ideas, and frustrations.  I get to lead and direct conversations and discussions.  I get to encourage and comfort.  I get to celebrate and rejoice.  I get to have them all over to my house once a month.  Doesn't this job sound perfect for me?

Today is my first coaching session.  I can't wait!