Teaching for God's Glory

Teaching for God's Glory

For Yesenia, a teacher and Academic Coordinator in the Dominican Republic, graduating with her master's degree is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a calling fulfilled. 

“I was really happy, because for a long time I wanted to get my degree,” she shares. “But for a lot of reasons, especially because of the economy, I couldn’t do it.” So when the opportunity finally came, she said yes immediately. “It was a surprise for me, and I was really glad. I always wanted to be prepared to help the students in my community.” 

In 2023, Yesenia enrolled in Universidad Central del Este (East Central University), to pursue a Masters of Higher Education in Teaching.  Yesenia’s new degree focuses on supporting other teachers, something she now does every day in her role as Academic Coordinator. “I work with teachers and students, but more with teachers,” she explains. “If a student has any problems improving their knowledge, I give the teacher a strategy. I can suggest activities or even make a program for teaching.” 

Shifting from working directly with students to mentoring fellow teachers was a learning curve, but a rewarding one. “At first it was hard for me, because I was accustomed to working with students,” Yesenia says. “But the teacher community accepted me. They said, ‘Okay, you know what to do, you know what you’re saying,’ and they listened. I’m so glad for that.” 

She sees education as an ongoing journey. “Being a teacher is like being a doctor,” she says with conviction. “Every single day there is something new. You don’t just give the same medicine every time. It’s the same with teaching... you can’t just open the book to page 90. You have to be ready for the new times.” 

For many educators in her community, continued learning remains out of reach. “When you’re a parent, sometimes you say, ‘I’ll spend $2,000 for study,’ but you can’t. You have to buy food, pay for your child’s school. So when someone says, ‘I believe in you, I will pay for your studies,’ it’s a huge gift.” 

In 2025, Yesenia was recognized as the recipient of the Alice Vanderkooy Transforming Education Award. Alice was a dear friend of EduDeo, and served as a passionate volunteer through EduDeo’s Walking Together program. Before her passing in 2022, Alice's award was set up to come alongside emerging and established educational leaders. The award provides financial support as they pursue further education and professional development opportunities. The award is given to leaders who are committed to guiding their communities into hope, love, and transformation. 

Yesenia is thankful for the support that made her studies possible, and she hopes the opportunity will continue for others. “A lot of people like me want to study but can’t. If you’re thinking about continuing this kind of program—do it. You are doing great work.” 

At the heart of it all, Yesenia is driven by faith. “I want to glorify God in everything I do. Sometimes you want to give up, you think nothing will change. But I always say to the teachers ‘if you change just one student, it’s worth it. God only needs one to make a difference’.” 

You can learn more about Alice Vanderkooy’s story here.