Teacher Bio Page
At Midwestern Christian Academy, we believe our faculty is exemplary. Many of our faculty are alumni. Each person is here because they love children and they love the Lord. While a career elsewhere would provide a larger income, our faculty has chosen MCA for reasons more important than money.
Here is a brief overview of our teachers...
| Name | Teacher Bio | Education | Years at MCA | Grades Taught | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Joe Scifo |
How did God lead you to MCA?Growing up, I knew I wanted to make the "big bucks". My family and I had plans for me to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology and become a mechanical engineer - but God had other plans. He revealed to me that he had bigger plans for me - which was hard to swallow at first. I attended Northeastern Illinois University, and graduated with a double major and two minors, in an attempt to make myself more "marketable". God still wasn't done with me. A coaching opportunity arose at MCA, and I accepted the position. As I was coaching, the PE teacher at the time told me her intentions of leaving MCA, and her position would be open. I had many other options (all of which I could have made a bunch more money), but I could feel God pulling me to MCA. He wanted my skills and talents for His glory - not mine. I accepted the position, and it's been fantasic ever since. Why did you chose to work at MCA?I had quite a story getting to MCA, but there are many reasons why I still choose to work at MCA? First, working at MCA is a ministry. God has given me numerous opportunities to positively influence the children at MCA, even though they have influenced me in so many great ways as well. I also love overseeing the athletics of the school. Athletics is a great vessel for reaching students through numerous teachable moments. I love watching students mature, develop teamwork, experience success, conducting team devotionals, praying together, and at the same time learn about a sport is probably one of the greatest joys of my life. Another great reason for working at MCA are my colleagues. The teachers and staff are such wonderful people to work with, especially because we are all like-minded in our desire to reach and develop the students' relationships with Christ. It is amazing to me how many staff at MCA have past connections with the school. Most of us are either former students, parents of current students, or parents of former students. I realize MCA is not perfect, but there must be something special about this place - because so many stick around! PersonalAs the years have flown by at MCA, I think of all the great blessings God has granted me in my life. I met my wife at MCA, my children attend MCA, MCA has helped me to complete my Master's, and so on. MCA is like "home" to me, and I pray that God will continue to allow MCA to prosper! |
NEIU BA, MA | 9 | Principal |
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Vernon Lee |
How did God lead you to MCA?God leads us in many ways (some known, some unknown) as we submit our will to Him. I was looking for a place to use my education and experience as a teacher. I was searching for a position in a Christian ministry when I heard about MCA. After applying and interviewing, I was offered a position teaching sixth grade and God opened doors from then on. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?I enjoy challenging the children with God's Word and encouraging them to follow His will. I believe it is important for children to learn from a Christian world view as a foundation for their life. Other / PersonalMCA continues to meet a need for Christian families in this community. As the world and the church become more secular, the impotance of a Christian education is magnified.
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BS Chicago State, MA Concordia | 43 | Physical Education |
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Jenny Rasmussen |
How did God lead you to MCA?I was the school secretary for a missionary kids' school in Madrid, Spain, and also taught a couple classes there. Though I had been certified in 1983, I had never taught full time. It was there in Spain that I decided that I really wanted to teach as a profession. I applied to 35 private and public schools for an elementary position. Other than a couple of form-letter responses, Mr. Lee was the only one who responded positively. When I returned to the U.S., we set up an interview and I was hired to teach 5th grade. I started teaching in September, 1992. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?It is a small Christian school that allowed me to "test my wings" as a new teacher. I made plenty of mistakes, but Mr. Lee allowed me room to grow as a teacher. I've always been grateful for that. |
Wheaton College, National College of Education | 10 | Music |
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Jane Jordan |
How did God lead you to MCA?Before coming to MCA, I worked at Lydia Learn and Care Preschool for almost 10 years. I really enjoyed working at the preschool, but felt that I was ready for a new adventure and had the desire to teach older children. My desire was to teach kindergarten at a Christian school. While I was at Lydia, there was a huge need for a teacher. Jenna (Longenecker) Scifo came to rescue and was a very reliable substitute for the preschool during the summer of 2002. I learned that she had just finished school at Trinity International University with a degree in teaching. I was also going to school at this time and would be ready to transfer to TIU soon to obtain my teaching degree. A couple of years later, Jenna was a substitute for the preschool again. This time, she was marred and had a 2 year old daughter. It was at that time that I was able to borrow her portfolio to get an idea of how to make my own portfolio. We kept in contact because of this portfolio and I graduated from Trinity in May of 2007. She knew my desire to teach kindergarten and informed me that there was a kindergarten position open at MCA (where she had been working as well). After a short period of time, I had an interview with Mr. Lee. I asked the Lord where He wanted me to teach and He answered my prayer to teach kindergarten in a Christian school. The Lord led me to accept the position of Sr. Kindergarten at MCA. Personal/OtherI am glad the Lord is using me at MCA. It is just amazing of how the Lord puts people in our lives to show us and direct us to where He wants us to be. I would have never imagined that one day I would be teaching at the same school Jenna Scifo taught at AND that I would be teaching her daughter in my class! |
BA Early Education Trinity International University | 4 | Kindergarten |
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Caryl Zoladz |
How did God lead you to MCA?I was attending Midwest Bible Church. Pastor Powell knew I was a teacher looking for a job. One of the teachers was retiring. Pastor Powell told me about it and asked me to fill out an application. From there, the rest is history. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?I was led here by the Lord. I like working with other Christians and would like to stay at MCA until the Lord leads me somewhere else, or until I retire. Other / PersonalPrior to MCA, I also taught 10 years in early childhood. I was married for 18 years and have one son named Shawn and a daughter-in-law named Norika.
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BA from National Louis University | 12 | Junior Kindergarten |
| Avis Carerra |
How did God lead you to MCA?I was introduced to MCA by a friend who was an aide to the Kindergarten teacher at the time. I was called to do some substitute work in Kindergarten. The teacher encouraged me to update my certificate and get ready to continue teaching (I had taught kindergarten for two years before my daughter was born). After the Kindergarten Teacher went to be with the Lord, I was given the opportunity to be the teacher. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?I realized a definite calling to teach in my sophomore year of college, and teaching at a Christian school was on my mind. As the end of my last year in college, a group of us students were taken to 3465 N. Cicero Ave. to see a new school - a Christian school called Midwestern Christian Academy. It was the year before MCA had opened! Years later the Lord led me to MCA to teach. Personal/AdditionalMy years of teaching have been very rewarding and I thank the Lord for them and for His faithfulness. Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 62:8 have become very meaningful for me, throughout the development of my teaching career. |
BS Trinity International University | 31 | Junior Kindergarten | |
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Airish Solis |
x |
BS | 3 | Computer / Art |
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William Carrera |
How did God lead you to MCA?I have known about MCA and know many people who work here. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?After Teaching in the Chicago Public School System for 34 years, I was happy to have the opportunity to teach at MCA. I've always had a desire to work in a Christian school and am grateful for this opportunity. Other / PersonalMCA is a wonderful opportinity for students to attend school in a Christian atmosphere. I am happy to be a positive influence in their education. |
B. Music Ed. Northwestern University | 9 | Band |
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Rachel Godbert |
How did God lead you to MCA?While I was at Moody, I attended Midwest Bible Church. Upon graduating, I moved back to Wisconsin, but I desperately wanted to stay in Chicago and attend Midwest. A few friends of mine from the church told me about the teaching position that had opened up and urged me to apply. Mr. Lee called and interviewed me and in a matter of days, the Lord had opened all of the doors for me to move down to Chicago and work at MCA. Why have I chosen to work at MCA?I am a firm believer in Christian Education. My parents put me through Christian schools my whole life and I feel it's my time to give back. My teachers had a profound impact on my life and I want to be able to serve young people in this aspect. Being able to share Christ with students is such a rewarding experience that I can't imagine doing this anywhere else. Other/PersonalCome October, I won't be Miss Godbert anymore, because I will be getting married to an MCA alumnus! |
Moody Bible Institute BA, National Louis University MA | 5 | 6th, 7th, 8th |
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Cory Smith |
How did God lead you to work at MCA?--God certainly does work in mysterious ways. I stumbled upon Midwest Bible Church about a year and a half ago as I was looking at churches to attend on the internet. I checked out the church on Sunday and ended up serving at their VBS for the whole upcoming week. God seemed to open door after door as I was able to be prepared for a job that I did not know was going to pop up right in front of me. When I found that MCA had one vacancy for the 2009-10 school year, I jumped at the chance to be apart of a ministry as wonderful as this school.
Why have you chosen to work at MCA?--There are certainly many reasons that I have felt led to teach at MCA, but I would pinpoint my desire to be a integrity filled Christian role model in a world that is lost. I sincerely enjoy being able to spend day in and day out with students who are in such a moldable period of their lives. Midwestern Christian Academy gives us the unique ability to teach truth from a platform that has Christ as its foundation. It is a joy and immense blessing to know that I am a part of a ministry that equips students for this life and the next. |
Wheaton College, BA | 1 | 6th, 7th, 8th |
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Sajid Chohan |
How did God lead you to MCA?After going to UIC for Computer Engineering for 3 years, I began to realize that writing code for the rest of my life isn't what God had in store for me. I transfered to Bethel College in Minnesota to study math education. When I came back to Chicago, I had some solid offers elsewhere, but God was working through me even at that point. I found out there was an opening at MCA, and started giving it some thought. The more I thought about it, the more I could see God's purpose for my life. I decided not to fight God's direction and was excited to work at the school I graduated from back in the 80's. I know I made the right decision, even after 13 years of teaching! Why have you chosen to work at MCA?I feel one of my strengths has always been working with Junior High and High School students. On the teaching end of working at MCA, I wanted to have a chance to bring my expertise of Math to the school I graduated from and love. On the other end, I have been an active member of Midwest Bible Church for many years, and during my years of service at MCA I have been able to work as a youth group leader as well. I have had great opportunities to influence the MCA students, as well as students from the community. Another exciting draw for me to work at MCA is our connection with Phantom Ranch Bible Camp, which is owned by Midwest Bible Church. I have organized many group trips up to camp, while having a great time with the students! |
BA in Mathemetics | 13 | 6th 7th 8th |
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Lisa Crouch |
How did God lead you to mca?During my time at Moody, I felt God calling me to teach in the Chicago area even though my student teaching had been in Bolivia. I asked around for information about Christian schools and was told about MCA. After visiting both the school and the church, I saw God continue to open doors to teach here in the fifth grade position. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?I specifically wanted to teach at a Christian school in the city and was encouraged by the diverse background of both MBC and MCA. I felt very welcome at MCA and was impressed by the schol's long history and it's consistent leadership under Mr. Lee. |
Moody Bible Institute | 7 | 5th |
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Leigh Anne Manguiob |
How did God lead you to MCA?Growing up in New York and attending school in Florida, I knew God wanted me away from home, but I didn't expect Chicago to be my new home! After visiting MCA and MBC the first time during my senior year, I knew this was where God wanted me. I felt peace here, and observed that this was God's providence and faithfulness at work. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?From the moment I stepped in to the school, I saw this sparkle of joy in each staff member. After meeting Mr. Lee, I knew this school was blessed by God. I know here at MCA, that the students are loved abundantly by their teachers and staff becase they love the Lord. MCA is not a job, but a ministry and each staff member comes to school with a servant's heart. This school is definitely God-Centered. Other / PersonalIn addition to teaching at MCA, I am also active in Midwest Bible Church as a member of the worship team, a leader in the youth ministry (B.O.L.T), and a VBS teacher. |
Pensacola Christian College | 2 | 3rd |
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Janice Barney |
How did God lead you to mca?Several friends attended MCA, so I was very familiar with the school. After teaching my own children, there came a point where I needed to find full time employment. Working in a library and then in day care reconfirmed my calling as a teacher. Miss Z. let me know there was an opening, and the rest is history. What was clear to me was that in God's time, in God's way, He brought me to MCA. Why have you chosen to work at MCA?I love to teach. God has prepared me to teach; the lower grades are my preference. When two teachers were not going to return the following year, that looked like a green light from God. When my application was accepted and I was hired, I was thrilled. The spirit at MCA is great from top to bottom. I am allowed to do what God made me to do. |
BA Missionary Education, Baptist Bible College of Denver | 2 | 2nd |
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Elizabeth Guerrero |
How did God lead you to MCA?I was in search of a teaching position and a spot was open at MCA. I felt that God wanted me to serve Him in this way. I attend Midwest Bible Church and I was asked to check with the principal about the position at the time, and I'm glad I did! Why have you chosen to work at MCA?I strongly believe that this is where God wants to use me. The staff and faculty show a great love for God and respect for each other, making for a wonderful environment to work in. Personl/OtherI'm glad to be serving God in this way. It's a joy to work with children in this ministry.
Personal / Other
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MCA Alum, Christian Liberty Academy, BA in Elementary Education from NEIU | 2 | 1st |