At the Missionary Kids (MK) Schools located at Nazarene General Hospital in Papua New Guinea, teachers play a vital role in sustaining the mission community. Their work extends far beyond the classroom. By creating a nurturing and personalized learning environment, they help students thrive academically while also supporting families serving in various mission roles, including pastor training, administration, medicine, engineering, Jesus Film ministry, hospitality, IT, and member care.
Elementary School (Grades 1-6)
The elementary school offers a solid foundation in subjects such as the Sunlight Curriculum, Saxon Math, and the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), as well as specials including art, Spanish, P.E., and Bible Quizzing.
Each school day begins with morning devotions, setting a spiritual tone for the lessons that follow. With small class sizes, teachers are able to foster meaningful connections with their students, placing a strong emphasis on relationship-building alongside academic growth.
Cherish Shinners, elementary school teacher, shares, “I love the small class sizes and the personal relationships I get to build with my students; they are my mission.”
Charity Shonamon, elementary teacher, reflects, “Being a third-culture kid comes with a lot of transition and identity challenges. At our MK Schools, we are discipling kids and coaching them through what it means to embrace their identity in Christ.”
High School (Grades 7-12)
As students move into high school, they transition to a more independent learning model. The curriculum spans a wide range of subjects, including history, science, math, and English. Students can work through workbooks, textbooks, and online programs, giving them the flexibility to choose the learning style that works best for them. The teachers serve not only as instructional coaches but also as trusted mentors, offering structure, answering questions, and guiding students in their studies. They foster a learning environment that encourages self-discipline, critical thinking, and personal responsibility—skills that are crucial for both academic success and personal growth.
High school students participate in a variety of electives, including debate, civics, SAT prep, study hall, art, and P.E. Teachers encourage students to explore their interests and talents, helping them identify their passions and prepare for future opportunities. The MK School community provides a unique environment where students grow spiritually, emotionally, and academically, supported every step of the way by teachers who are invested in their success.
A Community of Support
The teachers at MK Schools go above and beyond in their roles. They are dedicated to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and intellectual curiosity. By offering personalized support, they help students navigate the challenges of childhood through adolescence while fostering a love for lifelong learning. Teachers take the time to understand each student’s unique strengths, needs, and aspirations, guiding them not only through their coursework but also through their emotional and spiritual journeys.
Moreover, they play an essential role in supporting not only the students but also their missionary families. In this close-knit community, teachers offer more than just academic support—they create an environment where children can thrive, enabling parents to focus on their work. This partnership strengthens the entire community, as parents can rest assured that their children are receiving quality, faith-based education and spiritual guidance.
A high school student, shares, “Ever since I got here, the high school has just been an awesome place that I’ve got to go to not only learn but also to make lifelong friendships that are one of the most important parts of me living here.”
A Call to Serve
Those who feel called to serve and make a profound difference in children’s lives will find a unique opportunity in the MK Schools, where education and ministry go hand in hand. Teachers in this setting are not only educators but also mentors and guides, discipling students as they navigate their spiritual and personal growth. While the work can be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable, as they witness students grow in faith, wisdom, and character.
The MK Schools welcome teachers with a passion for both academics and ministry to be part of this mission. Their dedication to nurturing young hearts and minds has a lasting impact, shaping the future of the children and strengthening the entire community. In the heart of Papua New Guinea, they do more than teach—they serve in ways that transcend the classroom, making an eternal difference in the lives they encounter.
– Ella Slibeck, missionary in Papua New Guinea