If you want to teach and serve overseas, missionary teaching gives you a way to do both. You get to educate kids while supporting mission work around the world. Here’s what you need to know about getting into this field.
What Is Missionary Teaching
Missionary teaching means working as an educator in support of mission organizations. You might teach the children of missionaries who are working abroad, work at Christian schools in other countries, or teach English to local students. The goal is bigger than just teaching subjects. You’re helping families stay on the mission field and often building relationships that open doors for sharing faith.
Some positions require you to raise your own financial support. Others pay a regular salary. It depends on the type of job and organization you work with.
Understanding Different Types of Missionary Teaching Jobs
Teaching Missionary Kids (MK Schools)
MK schools exist to educate the children of missionaries so their parents can focus on ministry work. These schools are usually small, often with just a handful of students in multi-grade classrooms. You might teach everything from math to music, and you get to know each student well.
The student-to-teacher ratio is typically very low. That means you can give individual attention and really invest in each kid’s life. Organizations like Serge, SEND, and Ethnos360 need teachers for their MK schools in places like Africa, Asia, and South America.
Most MK teaching positions require support raising. That means you’ll need to build a team of people who give monthly donations to cover your salary and expenses.
Teaching in International Christian Schools
International Christian schools serve a mix of students including missionary kids, local families, and expat children. These schools follow recognized curricula like American or British standards and aim to provide excellent education with a Christian worldview.
Schools like those in the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) or schools accredited by ACSI operate in countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The classrooms are often more formal than small MK schools, with traditional grade levels and subject specializations.
Some of these positions pay a salary. Others use a hybrid model where the school covers part of your costs and you raise the rest.
English Teaching Positions with Mission Organizations
Many mission groups need English teachers to work with local populations. Teaching English opens doors for building relationships and serving communities. You might work at a Christian university, run an English program at a church, or teach conversational English classes.
Organizations like Crossworld and TeachBeyond place English teachers in various settings. These positions sometimes require support raising, but they give you direct contact with the local community you’re trying to reach.
English Teaching at Private Schools (Paid Positions)
If you want to teach overseas and get paid without raising support, private English schools are worth considering. Many countries have high demand for native English speakers, and you can work at a private language school while living missionally in your community.
You’ll need a TEFL or CELTA certification for most of these jobs. The pay varies by country, but it’s usually enough to live on. This route lets you support yourself while building relationships and serving however you can outside of work hours.
Basic Requirements
Education Requirements
Most missionary teaching positions need at least a bachelor’s degree. MK schools and international Christian schools prefer education degrees or teaching certification, but they’re not always required. A degree in your teaching subject (like English, math, or science) can also work, especially for secondary positions.
For English teaching, requirements are more flexible. You can often get started with just a bachelor’s degree in any field plus a TEFL or CELTA certification.
Faith Requirements and Lifestyle Standards
Mission organizations typically require a clear Christian faith commitment. You’ll need to agree with the organization’s statement of faith and live according to biblical standards. Most ask for references from your pastor or church leaders.
This isn’t just about beliefs. Organizations want to know you can handle the spiritual challenges of living overseas and that you’ll be a positive influence on students and colleagues.
Skills Needed
Flexibility matters more than you might think. Things rarely go as planned in cross-cultural settings. You need to adapt your teaching style, adjust to limited resources, and stay patient when systems work differently than you expect.
Cultural competence is also important. You’ll be living and working with people from different backgrounds. Being willing to learn, showing respect, and keeping an open mind will help you succeed.
Getting the Right Qualifications
Affordable Online Teaching Degree Programs
If you need a teaching degree but can’t attend traditional college, online programs offer a cheaper path. Western Governors University charges around $3,825 per six-month term, and you can finish faster if you work hard. Programs typically take 3-4 years.
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) offers alternative certification starting around $4,000 total. It’s self-paced and doesn’t follow a semester schedule, which works well if you’re working full-time.
TEACH-NOW provides a 9-month teacher certification program for $7,200. It’s completely online with weekly live classes, and you can add a master’s degree in just 3 more months.
Alternative Certification Routes
Many states offer alternative routes to certification for people who already have a bachelor’s degree. These programs focus on the teaching skills you need without requiring you to complete a full education degree.
Requirements vary by state. Some programs take 1-2 years and include student teaching. Others let you teach while completing your certification. Research your state’s Department of Education website to see what’s available.
CELTA Certification for English Teaching
CELTA stands for Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It’s recognized worldwide and considered the gold standard for English teaching certification.
The course takes about 4 weeks full-time or 3-4 months part-time. Cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on where you take it. You’ll do actual teaching practice with real students, which prepares you better than online-only courses.
CELTA qualifies you for English teaching jobs almost anywhere. If you’re planning to teach English at private schools or with certain mission organizations, this certification is often all you need beyond your bachelor’s degree.
Christian Teaching Certifications (ACSI)
The Association of Christian Schools International offers certification specifically for Christian school teachers. This shows you meet both professional teaching standards and biblical knowledge requirements.
ACSI certification comes in levels. A Temporary certificate lasts 2 years and lets you start teaching while completing requirements. Standard and Professional certificates last 5 years. The main difference is that Professional level requires a graduate degree.
Here’s what you need for basic ACSI certification:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any field)
- Complete a Christian Philosophy of Education course
- Complete Bible studies requirements
- Pay a $100 application fee
The great thing about ACSI certification is you can start teaching right away with a Temporary certificate, then work on additional requirements while you teach. Many international Christian schools accept or prefer ACSI certification.
State Certification vs International Requirements
U.S. state teaching certification helps but isn’t always required for international positions. MK schools and some Christian schools will accept teachers without state certification if they have an education degree and relevant experience.
International schools that follow American curriculum often prefer state certification. It makes their credentials stronger and helps students who might return to the U.S.
If you have state certification, check if it’s reciprocal with other states. Pennsylvania certification, for example, is accepted in most other states with minimal additional requirements. This gives you more flexibility if you return to the U.S. later.
Budget-Friendly Options for Each Path
Here’s a realistic breakdown of costs:
Full Teaching Degree Online:
- WGU: About $7,650-$15,300 total (2-4 terms)
- Affordable state schools: $10,000-$20,000 total
Alternative Certification:
- American Board: $4,000-$6,000
- TEACH-NOW: $7,200 for certification, $10,200 with master’s
English Teaching:
- CELTA: $1,500-$4,000
- Online TEFL (cheaper but less recognized): $200-$500
Christian Certification:
- ACSI: $100 application fee plus cost of required courses (varies)
The cheapest path depends on what you already have. If you have a bachelor’s in any field, getting CELTA ($1,500-$4,000) or American Board certification ($4,000) costs less than going back for a full teaching degree.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Figure Out What Type of Teaching Fits You
Be honest about what you want. Teaching missionary kids in a remote location is very different from teaching at an international school in a city. English teaching in Asia looks nothing like teaching at an MK school in Africa.
Think about:
- Do you want to work directly with local people or primarily with missionary families?
- Can you handle living in remote areas with limited resources?
- Do you need a steady paycheck or are you willing to raise support?
- What age group do you want to teach?
Talk to current missionary teachers if you can. Ask about their daily life, not just the highlights.
Step 2: Get the Right Credentials
Based on what type of teaching you want to do, get the qualifications you need. Don’t wait until you’re “perfectly” qualified. Many people start with what they have and complete additional requirements while teaching.
If you’re considering MK teaching or international Christian schools, at least start your ACSI certification process. For English teaching, get your CELTA or TEFL done before you apply. It shows you’re serious and makes you immediately employable.
Step 3: Find Mission Organizations That Need Teachers
Start researching organizations that match your interests. Good places to look:
For MK Teaching:
- Serge
- SEND International
- Ethnos360 (formerly New Tribes Mission)
- ABWE
- Mission Aviation Fellowship
For International Christian Schools:
- ACSI job board
- Network of International Christian Schools (NICS)
- TeachBeyond
- Christian Schools International
For English Teaching:
- Crossworld
- TeachBeyond
- Organizations working in specific countries you’re interested in
Read each organization’s statement of faith and ministry approach. Make sure you actually agree with how they do things. You’ll be representing them overseas.
Step 4: Apply and Interview
Applications typically ask about your faith journey, teaching experience, and why you want to serve overseas. Be specific about your calling and honest about your abilities.
The interview process often includes multiple conversations. You might talk with a recruiter, then field leadership, then have a formal interview. They’re checking if you’re a good fit, but you should also be evaluating if the organization is right for you.
Ask questions about:
- What does daily life look like for teachers in this position?
- How does the organization support teachers on the field?
- What happens if you have an emergency or need to return home?
- How do they handle conflicts or difficult situations?
Step 5: Pre-Field Training and Orientation
Most organizations require training before you go overseas. This might include:
- Cross-cultural training
- Language learning (if needed for your location)
- Security and safety protocols
- Spiritual preparation
- Practical skills for your specific location
Training length varies. Some organizations have a few weeks of intensive training. Others spread it out over several months. Don’t skip this or rush through it. The training prepares you for real challenges you’ll face.
Step 6: Raise Support (If Needed) or Negotiate Salary
For positions requiring support raising, this is often the longest part of the process. You’ll need to reach your full funding goal before going overseas.
For paid positions, discuss salary and benefits clearly. Make sure you understand what’s covered (housing, insurance, retirement) and what’s not. Get everything in writing.
Understanding the Money Side
Salary vs Support Raising
Paid positions give you predictable income. You receive a paycheck just like any other teaching job. This works well if you have student loans or other financial obligations back home.
Support raising means building a team of people who give monthly donations. Your organization helps you figure out how much you need based on:
- Cost of living in your host country
- Ministry expenses
- Health insurance
- Retirement savings
- Kids’ education if you have children
- Return trips home
How Support Raising Actually Works
You’re not begging for money. You’re inviting people to join what God is doing through your ministry. It’s about building partnerships, not just getting donations.
The process usually looks like this:
- Make a list of everyone you know – friends, family, church members, coworkers, former teachers
- Send an initial letter or email explaining your calling
- Set up personal meetings (in person or video call) to share your vision
- Ask if they’ll join your support team with monthly giving
- Keep everyone updated with regular newsletters
Organizations like Serge and Crossworld assign you a support coach who guides you through the process. The average missionary raises support for 6-18 months before going overseas.
Most supporters give $25-100 per month. You need a team of 30-80 people typically to reach full support. Churches often give larger amounts like $100-500 monthly.
Hybrid Funding Models
Some positions use a hybrid approach. The school or organization pays part of your salary, and you raise the rest. This reduces how much you need to raise but you still need some support partners.
For example, an international Christian school might pay $20,000-30,000 per year and expect you to raise another $10,000-15,000 for personal expenses and ministry costs.
What Your Budget Typically Covers
A full support budget includes more than just your salary. Here’s what mission organizations usually factor in:
Personal Expenses:
- Monthly living allowance (varies greatly by country)
- Housing (rent or mortgage)
- Food and utilities
- Transportation
- Kids’ schooling if applicable
Ministry Expenses:
- Teaching supplies and resources
- Ministry activities
- Local transportation for ministry
- Communication costs
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Emergency fund
- Home assignment costs (return trips to U.S.)
Realistic Expectations About Income
Be honest about finances before you commit. Missionary teachers typically make less than they would in the U.S., but cost of living in many countries is also lower.
Support-raised positions might give you an equivalent of $30,000-50,000 in salary plus housing and benefits. That might sound low, but in many countries it provides a comfortable middle-class lifestyle.
Paid positions at international Christian schools typically pay $20,000-40,000 plus housing and sometimes schooling for your kids. Private English schools might pay $1,500-3,000 per month depending on the country.
If you have student loan debt, include your monthly payment in your support budget. Donors understand this. Don’t hide it.
Finding Open Positions
Mission Organizations to Check Out
Visit the career pages of major mission organizations regularly. Openings come and go, so check back often:
- Serge – Focuses on MK teaching in Africa and Asia
- ABWE – Schools in Chile, Portugal, Balkans, and Asia
- Crossworld – Wide range of teaching opportunities, many paid positions
- TeachBeyond – Specializes in educational missions globally
- SEND International – MK schools in hard-to-reach areas
- Ethnos360 – Remote MK schools, primarily Papua New Guinea and similar regions
Job Boards and Resources
ACSI Global Vacancies Page lists openings at member international Christian schools worldwide. This is updated regularly and includes schools in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Christian Schools International Job Board posts positions at Christian schools globally.
NICS Career Opportunities shows openings at Network of International Christian Schools locations.
TeachAway occasionally lists positions at Christian international schools.
Most organizations also post on their own websites. If you’re interested in a specific country or region, go directly to schools there and check their career pages.
Networking and Connections
Personal connections matter a lot in missionary work. Your church might support missionaries who know about teaching opportunities. Ask your pastor to connect you with missionaries who could give you advice.
Attend missions conferences. Events like Urbana Conference or mission training programs let you meet representatives from different organizations face-to-face.
Join online communities for missionary teachers. Facebook groups and forums can point you toward opportunities and help you learn from others’ experiences.
Best Times to Apply
International schools typically hire on an academic calendar. For positions starting in August/September, applications open in November through February. Jobs starting in January get posted in August through October.
MK school positions are more flexible since they’re constantly evaluating needs. But many still prefer teachers to start at the beginning of a school year.
Apply 6-12 months before you want to start. Support raising (if needed) takes time, and you’ll need several months for approval, training, and logistics.
What Makes a Strong Candidate
Teaching Experience
Any teaching experience helps, even if it’s not in a traditional classroom. Tutoring, Sunday school, coaching, or homeschooling all count as relevant experience.
MK schools value someone who can teach multiple subjects and grade levels. International Christian schools often want subject specialists for secondary positions.
If you’re new to teaching, volunteer or substitute teach in your area while you’re applying. This gives you recent experience to talk about and helps you know if you really enjoy teaching.
Cultural Adaptability
Organizations want to know you can handle living cross-culturally. If you’ve traveled internationally, lived in diverse communities, or have experience with people from different backgrounds, emphasize that.
Being willing to learn the local language matters, even for positions where you’ll teach in English. It shows respect and helps you connect with the community.
Church Involvement and References
Strong references from your church leadership are important. Mission organizations want to know your church supports your calling and considers you mature in your faith.
Be actively involved in your church for at least a year before applying. Serve in some capacity. Let your church leaders get to know you beyond Sunday morning.
Financial Preparedness
Have a realistic financial plan. If you have significant debt, have a plan for managing it. Organizations want to see that you’ve thought through the financial side seriously.
Save an emergency fund before you go. Even in paid positions, you’ll have initial costs for moving, setup, and getting established. Having $3,000-5,000 saved helps you start well.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Support Raising Concerns
Many people dread support raising more than any other part of the process. But it’s not as bad as you fear, and it teaches valuable lessons about trusting God and building relationships.
Start building your support team before you officially start raising support. Talk about your calling naturally in conversations. Let people know you’re exploring missionary teaching. When the time comes to formally ask for support, they’ve already been walking with you.
Don’t apologize for asking. You’re giving people an opportunity to invest in kingdom work. Many Christians want to support missions but don’t know how.
Student Loan Debt
Student loans don’t automatically disqualify you. Include your monthly payment in your support budget and explain it honestly to potential supporters.
Consider income-based repayment plans or deferment options for certain types of loans. Public Service Loan Forgiveness might apply if you work with a qualifying nonprofit organization.
Some missionaries continue a side hustle (like online tutoring or freelance work) to cover loan payments. Just make sure your organization allows this and it doesn’t interfere with your teaching.
Family Considerations
If you’re single, find out what support system exists for single missionaries in that organization. You don’t want to be completely isolated.
For married teachers, will your spouse work too? Can they find meaningful ways to contribute? Make sure you’re both on the same page about the sacrifice and calling.
If you have kids, research schooling options thoroughly. Some locations have good local schools. Others require homeschooling or boarding school. Be realistic about what’s best for your family.
Culture Shock Preparation
Everyone experiences culture shock to some degree. You’ll face it in stages – honeymoon phase, frustration phase, adjustment phase, and finally feeling at home.
The best preparation is realistic expectations. It will be hard sometimes. You will feel lonely. Things won’t work like you expect. That’s all normal.
Build in coping strategies from the start. Regular video calls home, hobbies you can continue overseas, and a commitment to learning the local culture all help. Find a mentor who’s been through it and can normalize what you’re experiencing.
FAQ
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
It depends on the position. MK schools and many international Christian schools will accept teachers with a bachelor’s degree in any field, though they might require you to work toward certification. International schools following American curriculum usually prefer state certification. English teaching positions often just need a bachelor’s degree plus TEFL or CELTA certification.
How long are typical commitments?
Most missionary teaching positions ask for at least 2 years. This gives you time to adjust, build relationships, and make a real impact. Some organizations prefer 3-5 year commitments, especially if they’re investing in your support raising and training. Short-term positions (1 year) exist but are less common. Paid English teaching jobs sometimes offer 1-year contracts.
What’s the cheapest way to get teaching credentials?
For full teaching certification, American Board (around $4,000) or TEACH-NOW ($7,200) are cheaper than getting a second bachelor’s degree. For English teaching only, CELTA ($1,500-$4,000) is the most recognized option. If you already have a bachelor’s in education, just getting ACSI certification ($100 application fee plus some coursework) is the cheapest route for Christian school teaching.
Is CELTA enough for missionary English teaching?
CELTA is enough for most English teaching positions. Some mission organizations and private schools accept it as your only teaching qualification beyond a bachelor’s degree. However, if you want to teach other subjects at MK schools or international Christian schools, you’ll need more than CELTA. It’s great for English-specific roles but not sufficient for general classroom teaching.
Can I teach without missionary experience?
Yes. Most organizations don’t require previous missionary experience. They’re more concerned with your teaching ability, cultural adaptability, and faith maturity. First-time missionaries are common in teaching positions. What matters more is being teachable and willing to learn as you go.
What’s the difference between paid and support-raised positions?
Paid positions give you a regular salary like any job. You don’t need to build a support team or raise funds. Support-raised positions require you to ask people to give monthly donations to cover your salary and expenses. The organization helps you do this and provides training. Paid positions offer more financial predictability. Support-raised positions connect you with a community of people invested in your ministry. Both have advantages depending on your situation.