Anna Tebbenkamp (‘23) was sure of one thing when she finished student teaching: she would never be a classroom teacher.
But God had other plans.
After finishing the requirements for her degree in Elementary Education from Faith Baptist Bible College, Anna stepped away from the classroom and spent time overseas. When she returned home, her plan was simple—recover from post-concussion syndrome, find a job (not in the teaching world), and move forward in a different direction. Teaching, in her mind, was off the table.
But the Lord began to redirect her steps.
Through a series of unexpected conversations, open doors, and what she describes as “impossible details” falling perfectly into place, Anna found herself accepting a position teaching 1st and 2nd grade in Huntsville, Alabama—something she never would have chosen on her own.
“Only God could have worked out all those details,” she said. “It was so clear that this was where He wanted me.”
Now in her second year of teaching, Anna sees daily evidence that the Lord not only led her to the classroom—but prepared her for it.
“My education and Bible classes at Faith helped me learn how to teach from a biblical worldview and apply Scripture to my students’ lives,” she said. “And I still use things I learned from my coordinating teachers almost every day.”
Anna is thankful for her involvement in plays and productions at Faith because she has been able to use those skills in coaching speech and drama categories for the elementary fine arts competition. She has also used the vocal skills that she developed during her time in chorale and chamber choir both at her local church and as a vocal coach for one of the high school girls.
But it’s the moments inside her classroom that have confirmed her calling.
One evening during her first year, a young girl—who had recently lost her mother—stayed after school. As they talked, the conversation turned to heaven. Anna gently asked if she knew for sure she would go there one day.
Using the wordless book, Anna shared the truth she had heard many times herself. But this time, for this little girl, it clicked.
“I had the honor of leading her to the Savior,” Anna said. “When she left, she was telling everyone she knew she was going to heaven.”
It was a moment Anna describes as both deeply humbling and a clear reminder that she was exactly where God wanted her to be.
In another moment more recently, Anna watched as her students began to live out the truths she had been teaching.
After a disagreement during playtime with Legos, one student came to Anna and recognized her own wrong attitude. Without prompting, she chose to go and ask for forgiveness. Then, just as unexpectedly, another student followed her example and also asked for forgiveness.
“Forgiveness brought peace and restoration,” Anna said. “It was beautiful to see God working in their hearts—without me having to step in.”
Moments like these are why Anna now sees education not just as a career, but as a ministry.
“Education is a tool,” she said. “Whether you’re in a classroom, at home, or serving in ministry, it’s something God can use wherever He places you.”
She encourages current students to take full advantage of their training. “Don’t just observe what teachers do—observe how they think. Ask questions, and then ask more questions. And write it down—you’ll use it later.”
Looking back, Anna can clearly see God’s hand in every step—even the ones that didn’t make sense at the time.
“I never planned to be here,” she said. “But God made it so clear that this is where He wants me. And until He changes that, I want to be faithful where I am.”
Are you thinking about becoming a teacher? Learn more about the education program here at Faith!
