Faith Baptist Bible College’s student teachers serve in classrooms around the world, using their training to minister to students across cultures and languages.
This spring, Dr. Mark Stupka, chair of Faith’s Teacher Education Department, visited several student teachers serving internationally and saw firsthand both the challenges and opportunities they experienced.
“Student teaching in foreign countries is very challenging, yet quite rewarding,” Dr. Stupka shared. “All of our student teachers who taught internationally had to teach many students who were in the early stages of learning the English language.”
Because of this, students had to adjust quickly and learn how to communicate effectively in cross-cultural settings.
“Our young teachers had to modify their lessons significantly in order to make the instruction meaningful for their students,” he explained. “Our student teachers also had to learn to relate to and work productively with cooperating teachers who came from different cultural backgrounds.”
Despite the challenges, Dr. Stupka was encouraged by the perseverance and servant-hearted attitude demonstrated by Faith students.
“They all worked hard, and with God’s help they all were able to overcome the challenges and serve effectively in their schools,” he said.
Faith’s Education Program intentionally prepares students for ministry opportunities both locally and internationally.
“The motto of Faith Baptist Bible College is ‘With the Word to the World,’ and we take this motto seriously,” Dr. Stupka said. “We strive to prepare students in all of our programs to be prepared to serve God faithfully—whether it’s across the street or on the other side of the world!”
Students in the program participate in diverse classroom clinical experiences and are encouraged to engage in missions opportunities throughout their college years. The program also offers an endorsement for English as a Second Language (ESL) for students interested in serving in multicultural or international settings.
“Students learn how to show love and work effectively with all sorts of people through the Bible and Education courses at FBBC,” Dr. Stupka shared.
The demand for Christian teachers continues to grow both in the United States and internationally.
“We are seeing an increased demand for Christian teachers both at home and abroad,” he said. “The need for teachers who reflect Christ in their lives and immerse their lessons with God’s Word is overwhelming!”
Over the years, Faith student teachers have completed internships in countries such as China, Canada, Guam, Saipan, Peru, Uruguay, Portugal, Bangladesh, Hungary, and South Africa.
One story from this spring especially stood out during Dr. Stupka’s travels: “One of our student teachers, Aleyna Kelly, went through an extraordinary challenge during her student teaching experience at Eucon International School in Saipan this spring.”
While teaching there, Aleyna experienced Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck the island with sustained winds nearing 150 miles per hour, leaving the island without electricity or running water.
“Aleyna didn’t panic or despair,” Dr. Stupka said. “Instead of being fearful or stuck, Aleyna went to her school and helped with the cleanup efforts. I am thankful for the servant’s spirit that Aleyna displayed, and I am confident that any of our student teachers would do the same if they were in a similar situation.”
For Dr. Stupka, teaching is much more than a profession—it is a ministry opportunity with eternal impact.
“When I talk with students on campus, I often say, ‘Do you want to be like Jesus? Then you need to be a teacher!’ Jesus was called ‘Teacher’ 46 times in the Bible, so that was one of His primary roles.”
Dr. Stupka added, “One of the best ways in which we can impact lives for Christ is through being a teacher.”
Whether serving in local classrooms, homeschooling their children, or teaching internationally, Faith graduates are using education as a tool for ministry around the world.
“Those who become skilled teachers have limitless opportunities to serve the Lord internationally in multiple occupations,” Dr. Stupka said. “The world needs more committed, Christian teachers!”
