Staff Qualifications
Details & Qualifications for Academy Staff
International Support Center (ISC)
| Position | Details & Qualifications |
| Director | The Director oversees the development and organization of the Mercy Ships Academy by intentionally implementing a Biblical philosophy of education that meets the spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of students, teachers, and parents. The Director is responsible for the Educational Board as well as the overall leadership, accreditation, and finances of the Academy. They are also responsible for recruiting and retaining school staff (with the assistance of the recruiting department) and maintaining and developing the school vision, policies, and procedures. |
| Support Specialist | The Mercy Ships Academy Administrative Assistant provides administrative and project management support to the Academy Director and Assistant Director. |
| Data and Systems Manager | The Mercy Ships Academy Data and Systems Manager is responsible for managing all data and digital administrative systems within the Academy, as well as providing project management support to the Academy Director and Assistant Director. |
The Africa Mercy
| Position | Details & Qualifications |
| Principal | The Academy Principal is responsible for the daily operations of the nursery to Grade 12 levels of education of the ship school onboard a Mercy Ship. They lead the team by managing the teaching staff and implementing and coordinating the academic program and student services, including administrative duties, parent relationships, and supporting auxiliary activities. • International education experience is preferred • A current teaching certificate is required • A minimum commitment of three school years is preferred |
| Administrative Assistant | The Administrative Assistant works under the direction of the Principal. They coordinate, organize, oversee, and perform everyday clerical and administrative duties associated with school operations. They also provide secretarial assistance to the Principal and serve as a liaison between students, staff, and parents. |
| Preschool Teacher | The Preschool Teacher develops and maintains an age-appropriate environment and instructs children aged three and four in activities designed to promote spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth. The Preschool teacher is also responsible for providing proper communication with parents. • Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate/license required |
| Kindergarten Teacher | The Kindergarten Class Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged five to six. As a flexible individual, the Kindergarten Class Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on a vast array of subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to plan adventurous outings with students! • Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| Grade 1 Teacher | The Grade 1 Class Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged six to seven. As a flexible individual, the Grade 1 Class Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on a vast array of subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to plan adventurous outings with students! • Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| Grade 2 Teacher | The Grade 2 Class Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged seven to eight. As a flexible individual, the Grade 2 Class Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on a vast array of subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to plan adventurous outings with students! • Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| Grade 3 Teacher | The Grade 3 Class Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged eight to nine. As a flexible individual, the Grade 3 Class Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on a vast array of subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to plan adventurous outings with students! • Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| Grades 4 & 5 Teacher | The Grades 4 & 5 Class Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged 9 to 11. As a flexible individual, the Grades 4 & 5 Class Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on a vast array of subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to plan adventurous outings with students! • Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| English Teacher - Junior High & High School (Grades 6-12) | The English Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged 11 to 18. As a flexible individual, the English Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on an array of English-related subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to incorporate creative ideas using the diverse setting of the ship! • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| Social Studies Teacher - Junior High & High School (Grades 6-12) | The Social Studies Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged 11 to 18. As a flexible individual, the Social Studies Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on an array of history-related subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to incorporate creative ideas using the diverse setting of the ship! • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in History or a related field is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| Science Teacher - Junior High & High School (Grades 6-12) | The Science Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged 11 to 18. As a flexible individual, the Science Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on an array of science-related subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to incorporate creative ideas using the diverse setting of the ship! • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in History or a related field is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| Math Teacher - Junior High & High School (Grades 6-12) | The Math Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged 11 to 18. As a flexible individual, the Math Teacher provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on an array of math-related subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to incorporate creative ideas using the diverse setting of the ship! • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in History or a related field is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| K-12 French Specialist | The French Language Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged 5 to 18. • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in French or a related field is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
| K-12 PE & Computer Specialist | The Physical Education and Technology Teacher provides an engaging classroom within a multicultural and community-centered environment for learning and growing with children aged 5 to 18. As a flexible individual, the Physical Education Specialist provides instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview to students on a vast array of subjects. In addition, as an autonomous teacher, there is room to plan creative lessons around the ship! • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in French or a related field is required • Two years classroom teaching experience is preferred • Current teaching certificate is required |
The Global Mercy
| TRACKS | MSA CORE CURRICULUM | U.S. COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY | U.K. & EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY | ELECTIVE BASED | ||||
| BIBLE | 0.5 | Old Testament Survey: Journey with God | 0.5 | Old Testament Survey: Journey with God | 0.5 | Old Testament Survey: Journey with God | 0.5 | Old Testament Survey: Journey with God |
| 0.5 | Timeless Truth | 0.5 | Timeless Truth | 0.5 | Timeless Truth | 0.5 | Timeless Truth | |
| 0.5 | New Testament Survey: Connecting with God | 0.5 | New Testament Survey: Connecting with God | 0.5 | New Testament Survey: Connecting with God | 0.5 | New Testament Survey: Connecting with God |
|
| 0.5 | Life Shaping Decisions | 0.5 | Life Shaping Decisions | 0.5 | Life Shaping Decisions | 0.5 | Life Shaping Decisions |
|
| 1 | Understanding the Times | 1 | Understanding the Times | 1 | Understanding the Times | 1 | Understanding the Times |
|
| 1 | Missio Dei | 1 | Missio Dei | 1 | Missio Dei | 1 | Missio Dei | |
| ENGLISH | 1 | Fundamentals of Literature I | 1 | Fundamentals of Literature I | 1 | Fundamentals of Literature I | 1 | Fundamentals of Literature I |
| 1 | Fundamentals of Literature II | 1 | Fundamentals of Literature II | 1 | Fundamentals of Literature II | 1 | Fundamentals of Literature II |
|
| 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing I | 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing I | 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing I | 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing I |
|
| 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing II | 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing II | 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing II | 1 | Advanced Literature and Writing II |
|
| MATHEMATICS All students are required to take a minimum of 4 Credits, with Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II as compulsory courses. There is the potential to earn 5 credits for Mathematics. | 1 | Algebra I (Completed in Grade 8) | 1 | Algebra I (Completed in Grade 8) | 1 | Algebra I (Completed in Grade 8) | 1 | Algebra I (Completed in Grade 8) |
| 1 | Geometry | 1 | Geometry | 1 | Geometry | 1 | Geometry | |
| 1 | Algebra II | 1 | Algebra II | 1 | Algebra II | 1 | Algebra II | |
| 1 | Pre-Calculus | 1 | Pre - Calculus/Online Alternative | 1 | Pre - Calculus/Online Alternative # | 1 | Pre - Calculus/Online Alternative |
|
| 1 | Calculus | 1 | Calculus/Online Alternative | 1 | Calculus/Online Alternative # | |||
| SCIENCE All students are required to take Biology, Physics and Chemistry. | 1 | Biology | 1 | Biology | 1 | Biology # | 1 | Biology |
| 1 | Physics | 1 | Physics | 1 | Physics # | 1 | Physics | |
| 1 | Chemistry | 1 | Chemistry | 1 | Chemistry # | 1 | Chemistry | |
| 1 | On Line Science Option | 1 | On Line Science Option | 1 | On Line Science Option # | |||
| SOCIAL STUDIES Students pursuing the Elective Track only need to complete 3 of 4 credit options. | 1 | Advanced World Geography | 1 | Advanced World Geography | 1 | Advanced World Geography | 1 | Advanced World Geography |
| 1 | Advanced Ancient History | 1 | Advanced Ancient History | 1 | Advanced Ancient History | 1 | Advanced Ancient History | |
| 1 | Modern World History | 1 | Modern World History | 1 | Modern World History # | 1 | Modern World History OR | |
| 0.5 | Economics | 0.5 | Economics | 0.5 | Economics # | 0.5 | Economics | |
| 0.5 | Comparative Government | 0.5 | Comparative Government | 0.5 | Comparative Government # | 0.5 | Comparative Government | |
| FRENCH Students are required to complete 2 credits of one Foreign Language to graduate, excluding the Elective Track. | 0.5 | French HS 1 A | 0.5 | French HS 1 A | 0.5 | French HS 1 A | ||
| 0.5 | French HS 1 B | 0.5 | French HS 1 B | 0.5 | French HS 1 B | |||
| 0.5 | French HS 2 A | 0.5 | French HS 2 A | 0.5 | French HS 2 A | |||
| 0.5 | French HS 2 B | 0.5 | French HS 2 B | 0.5 | French HS 2 B | |||
| PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 0.5 | Physiology of the Body HS Year 1 | 0.5 | Physiology of the Body HS Year 1 | 0.5 | Physiology of the Body HS Year 1 | 0.5 | Physiology of the Body HS Year 1 |
| 0.5 | Health and Lifestyle HS Year 2 | 0.5 | Health and Lifestyle HS Year 2 | 0.5 | Health and Lifestyle HS Year 2 | 0.5 | Health and Lifestyle HS Year 2 |
|
| 0.5 | Skills Development and Bio Mechanics HS Year 3 | 0.5 | Skills Development and Bio Mechanics HS Year 3 | 0.5 | Skills Development and Bio Mechanics HS Year 3 | 0.5 | Skills Development and Bio Mechanics HS Year 3 |
|
| 0.5 | Leading & Coaching HS Year 4 | 0.5 | Leading & Coaching HS Year 4 | 0.5 | Leading & Coaching HS Year 4 | 0.5 | Leading & Coaching HS Year 4 |
|
| INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | 0.5 | Programming I/II and App Development | 0.5 | Programming I/II and App Development | 0.5 | Programming I/II and App Development | 0.5 | Programming I/II and App Development |
| 0.5 | Design, Communication and Digital Collaboration | 0.5 | Design, Communication and Digital Collaboration | 0.5 | Design, Communication and Digital Collaboration | 0.5 | Design, Communication and Digital Collaboration |
|
| 0.5 | Programming I/II and Creative Media Production Project | 0.5 | Programming I/II and Creative Media Production Project | 0.5 | Programming I/II and Creative Media Production Project | 0.5 | Programming I/II and Creative Media Production Project |
|
| 0.5 | Computer Science | 0.5 | Computer Science | 0.5 | Computer Science | 0.5 | Computer Science |
|
| ELECTIVES 0.5 Credits per school year from Grade 9 to 12. | 0.5 | SAT/ACT Preparation | 0.5 | SAT/ACT Preparation | 0.5 | SAT/ACT Preparation | 0.5 | SAT/ACT Preparation |
| 0.5 | Student's Choice/Study Hall * | 0.5 | Student's Choice * | 0.5 | Student's Choice/Study Hall * | 0.5 | Student's Choice * |
|
| 0.5 | Student's Choice/Study Hall * | 0.5 | Student's Choice * | 0.5 | Student's Choice/Study Hall * | 0.5 | Student's Choice * |
|
| 0.5 | Student's Choice/Study Hall * | 0.5 | Student's Choice * | 0.5 | Student's Choice/Study Hall * | 0.5 | Student's Choice * |
|
| 0.5 | Student's Choice * |
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| TOTAL CREDITS | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | ||||
| OTHER REQUIREMENTS/ RECOMMENDATIONS | Please check with universities to see if there are any required courses. This varies greatly. | 2-4 | Possible AP Course Substitution # | |||||
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