The Academy searched across the country to find excellent teachers and found Ms. Jenny Meier on the other side of the world. Ms. Meier, trained in Early Childhood Education was teaching in Taiwan at the Concordia English Language Academy. Ms. Meier explained what she was doing in Chiayi, Taiwan, "I was teaching English and Bible to kindergarteners and third graders and sharing the love of Jesus with them!" Taiwan was full of unusual experiences for Ms. Meier, "It took a while for me to get used to what I thought was the sound of an ice cream truck coming down the street not ACTUALLY being an ice cream truck - but the garbage truck," she shared, "Familiar sounds don't mean the same thing everywhere throughout the world, I guess!" She was enthusiastic about her time in the Eastern Hemisphere. She shared, "This missionary endeavor lead me to a few places in East Asia in addition to the many cities throughout the island of Taiwan -- Shanghai,China; Macau; Jakarta,Indonesia; Banda Aceh, Indonesia -- and throughout it all, in each city, among each people, one truth remains. Knowing, sharing, and living out God's Word and Love has got to be the most important thing in the world! So often we go about life without concern for the many creatures of God. But hey! We are all His -- every color, every culture -- so let's act like it! In the classroom, on the streets, or in your home -- all throughout the world, let Christ's love shine! We've got no time to waste. Take time, make time, and get to know your neighbor." When not busy spreading her sunny smile and infectious laughter, Ms. Meier enjoys painting, camping, outdoor activities and games. She enjoyed the stage production of Wicked, likes music by the David Crowder Band and the Dave Matthews Band, recommends the book, Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper, and shares a secret…that she has pencil lead in her hand. Her favorite Scripture is Isaiah 55:10-11, "As the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it," and her favorite quote is from late night talk show host Conan O'Brien, "Keep c-o-o-o-o-l, my babies!" Ms. Meier believes that every child can learn and each has the right to do so at his or her own pace. She said, "Students should be supported in their individual learning. I feel that classrooms are communities of learners, where students can work with one another in their strengths and weaknesses as they learn and grow together." Ms. Meier emphasized that in teaching, nothing can be taken for granted, "Abilities, understanding -- anything! It is so important to lay foundations so that appropriate growth can happen. I have learned through EFL teaching, that the building blocks laid are what make successful learners! And once those building blocks are laid, wow, is it great to watch individual learning happen!" Her goal at the Academy is to lead and guide her students as they develop socially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. She emphasized, "I feel it is important for children to enjoy school, and to be excited about coming into the classroom. I want to be able to create and nurture a community for learning, socializing, and growing together. And most importantly, I hope to share the love of Jesus, equipping my students to be aware of the needs of world around them!" |
