When I look back over my years in education, I can see how clearly God has guided every step. Teaching has never been just a career for me — it’s been a calling. From the very beginning, I’ve known that God placed me in education to share His truth and love with the next generation. 

I have been in Christian education for over 20 years, working in a brick-and-mortar school. However, in 2021, the Lord brought a new opportunity my way— joining the faculty at NorthStar Academy. I was so excited to be a part of NSA. Almost immediately, I realized that NorthStar was more than a school; it was a ministry. Rooted in the desire to keep missionaries on the field while providing a Christian education for their children, NorthStar Academy has used the vehicle of education to share Jesus and minister to students and their families for over 25 years. It is a place where faith and learning come together every single day. Through online education, I get to teach students from all around the world, and each class is another opportunity to see God at work.

I believe Colossians 3:17 reflects my desire as a teacher:

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

This is exactly what I want my teaching to reflect — a heart of gratitude and a desire to honor Jesus in every lesson and in every interaction.

At home, life is full of laughter, and our lives are never dull! My husband, Wes, and I live in Mississippi with our three teenage children, who keep us busy with tennis, dance, and basketball! We are members at a local church, where we grow and continue to learn what it means to follow Jesus daily. One verse that has shaped how I see both parenting and teaching is Deuteronomy 6:6–7:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road…”

That passage reminds me that faith is meant to be woven into every part of life, from family to teaching my students. As I think about the importance of Christian education, I truly believe that the home, the church, and the school are like a three-legged stool working together in unison to grow and nurture students. When I learned about NorthStar Academy, I was drawn to its mission right away. It’s rare to find a school that truly keeps Christ at the center of everything, but NorthStar does exactly that. Here, academic excellence and spiritual growth go hand in hand.

I currently teach Digital Design and an overflow section of U.S. History. It’s a unique combination, but I love it because both subjects give students the chance to see God’s truth from different perspectives — His providence in history and His creativity reflected in design. One of my favorite things about teaching at NorthStar is the Biblical Worldview Focus assignments. These moments give students space to think deeply about how their faith connects to what they’re learning. I’ve seen students light up when they realize that God’s hand is visible in history or that their creative gifts are a reflection of His image.

Through these lessons, students begin to see that:

• God is sovereign and present throughout all of history
  • Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
• Sin and redemption shape the human story
  • Romans 3:23–24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
• Creativity is part of being made in God’s image
  • Genesis 1:27 ”So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
• Their gifts are meant to glorify Him
  • 1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

Another blessing of teaching at NorthStar is the opportunity to work with students from all over the world. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with learners from different countries and cultures. It amazes me that I can sit at my desk in Mississippi and talk about God’s truth with someone thousands of miles away. Matthew 28:19 reminds us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Through online education, God has made that verse come alive in such a personal way for me. Even though my students and I may never meet in person, the relationships are real. It is an honor to pray for my students, encourage them, and see their growth academically and spiritually. 

It’s not just the students who make NorthStar special — it’s the entire school community. From administration and staff to fellow faculty members, it is evident that we truly care for one another. We pray together, support one another, and celebrate what God is doing in our school. NorthStar academy is a family of believers who are walking this journey together, helping each other shine God’s light through education.

When I think about my years in teaching, I’m filled with gratitude. God has used every step, every student, and every challenge to prepare me for this. Teaching at NorthStar is such a blessing because it allows me to do what I love most: teach, encourage, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with students all over the world.

If you’re looking for a school that combines academic excellence with a Christ-centered foundation, I’d encourage you to explore what NorthStar Academy has to offer. It’s a place where students are challenged academically, nurtured spiritually, and encouraged to use their gifts for God’s glory.

With over 10 years of experience in education, Allison Brown is passionate about teaching from a Christ-centered perspective and building meaningful connections with her students. At NorthStar Academy, she teaches Digital Design and U.S. History, helping students grow academically while also encouraging them to use their gifts for God’s glory.