Mercy Ships
Academy Teachers
Learn about our available positions, life on our ships, and testimonials from past & present Academy teachers.
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Testimonials
The best way to find out if teaching on a Mercy Ship is right for you, is by hearing from other professionals who have experienced life at the Academy firsthand. Listen, learn, and get excited!
“Having only four students helps me to really focus.”
“Teaching in the Academy is a truly unique experience. I love having a classroom of four students from four different continents. Having only four students helps me to really focus on the gifts and needs of each of my kids, and having students from all over the world allows us to learn so much from each other and grow in incredible ways together.”
– Beth Kirchner (U.S.A.), kindergarten and Grade 1 teacher
“The best thing was watching students engage with different cultures.”
“The best thing about teaching onboard was watching the students engage with not only the culture of the ship but also the culture of the places we were. They showed a grit and compassion for others that I haven't seen replicated anywhere else. The tightness of the school community was also beneficial to my growth as a teacher.
It’s important to have school on a ship because it allows families to pursue ministry according to their call, in a safe and loving environment. The students also brought a deep joy in the ways that they explored and engaged with their world. Their adaptability was inspiring and their worldviews, as well as mine, were challenged.
My favorite memory, among so many, was preparing for the plays and events on the ship. Also, partnering with some of the local schools.”
– Rebekah Ekekwe (U.S.A.), Grade 3 teacher, 2011 to 2013
“One of the best things is the COMMUNITY!”
“Teaching on a ship was an experience I will never forget and will have an everlasting impact! I love the small class sizes for one.
One of the best things about teaching onboard that’s completely unique to Mercy Ships is the COMMUNITY! I think it would be very hard to become a part of a community as tight knit as you would on Mercy Ships. Building friendships with people all over the world is one of the best things. You do all of life together. The teachers do so much together you get to know each other super fast and become very close.
Another thing that is totally unique to Mercy Ships is the mission. It is AMAZING to see your students have such love and compassion for the people we serve. Hearing them pray for the patients (in general and specific), visits to the HOPE Center (Hospital Outpatient Extension Center) and any other interactions are so sweet. These kids get such a well-rounded education. They get to learn about different cultures firsthand from the host country, classmates, teachers, and other people in the community.
It’s important to have a school on a ship so that more and more people are able come and volunteer their talents. Having children on the ship also brings joy to so many! It’s so cool to see them build relationships with older couples, young couples, singles, and other kids.
One of my favourite memories on the ship was taking the kids to the HOPE Center to sing songs, play, and make crafts with the patients.”
– Alyssa Kln (Canada), Grade 1 teacher, 2017 to 2018