Staff Opportunities

“Cheryl and I (Walt) Spicer met at Calvary University. I was an education major and Cheryl was a nurse. We believed God called us into missions, specifically in the support role of teaching missionary children. We joined New Tribes Mission (now called Ethnos360).

We believe that God called us to serve at Faith Academy and it has become our home: Cheryl grew up attending Faith Academy, starting first grade at FA and graduating from FA, having many fond memories of FA and the dorm; this is where all five of our children attended and graduated, and this is where we still serve–myself as the Deputy Head and Cheryl as a school nurse. It is only by God’s grace that we continue to serve, but we are confident in the school’s vision and mission. It is aligned with God’s Word and our calling in life–worthy to give our life for.”

“My full name is Hasinirina Boulter, but most of you know me as Coach Hasina. I serve in the Aquatic Department and this school year, I have begun teaching Elementary PE. It is with joy that I serve our Lord and you here!

I was born in Madagascar, where I lived until I was 19 years old. Most people only know Madagascar from the movie! While we do have cool wildlife – the only natural habitat of lemurs, the world’s smallest chameleon, and the baobob tree – it’s also the fourth largest island in the world – a very dry island in the Indian Ocean settled by Malay and African people – which is why I am frequently mistaken for a Filipina! Then I moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, and so many new things. A new language, a new climate (deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains and escarpments!), food, and friends!

By simple definition, I don’t fit into the ‘Third Culture Kid’ category. But have you considered the actual definition of a TCK? This is what I found: ‘A TCK is an individual who has spent a significant portion of his/her formative years in a culture that is different from their parents. Someone who builds relationships to all cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.’

I can relate to the information above, and that helps me relate to students and adults here! Juggling the number of cultures that I have been privileged to experience can be challenging at times, however it enriches my life. I am glad and honored to be part of Faith Academy family and community as we experience and find joy in these different cultures together.”

“It may sound cliche, but my favorite thing about teaching Kindergarten are the students. They make waking up at 3:45 in the morning worth it – or at least 95% of the time. The students are always very excited to learn and hold nothing back. You would not believe some of the things that come out of their mouths. To them the world is a wonderment and every thing is a new amazing experience. I only hope to find such excitement in the little things!”

“The first six weeks of first grade are not easy for me or my students. The kids are adjusting to the ‘big kid class’ – struggling to find their stamina and learning that reading and writing is actually really hard work. But as the year moves along it is unbelievable how much they grow, not only as readers and writers but as little human beings. They start to think about things on such a deeper level and by the end of the year I don’t want to see them go.

When I look back on how far they have come from the beginning of the year, I see that this is the year in kid’s lives where they get into their little rockets and take off for the moon. Even though I am the teacher, here are a few things that I have learned from first graders:

1. Everything is hard at the beginning. But if you can keep slogging on and trying your best, the hard work will pay off and you will reap the rewards in the end.

2. Wiggly teeth are very distracting, and when they finally come out it is important to celebrate. (We need to celebrate even the small things in our lives.)

3. God is interested in every detail of our lives. Even if our dogs have sniffles, or our parents are flying halfway round the world, God can take care of it all.

4. We need to pray like first graders. They pray with so much faith and believe with all their hearts that God will answer. (Our prayer time at the beginning of each day is my absolute highlight)

5. A little band aid and just some words to acknowledge their ‘owie’ can make such a difference. We need to remember that we don’t have to have all the answers but just a kind word to one another can make such a difference.

6. 1st Graders get excited about everything and find joy in the little things such as a hand full of marbles in the marble jar. What are some small things that we can appreciate and find joy?

7. Life is an adventure . . . there is so much to learn. Let’s always be lifelong learners.”