Educational consultants serve families committed to mission assignments

Meeting the needs and supporting families are some of the most rewarding aspects of educating missionary children, according to Doreen, IMB’s Director of Education for MK (also called TCK or Third Culture Kids). The purpose of education is supporting IMB families so they can thrive as a family and in the ministry God has called them to, Doreen said.

Doreen was a special education teacher for seven and a half years before serving with her husband, Jon, in Asia for 27 years. Prior to retirement, Doreen was an MK Regional Consultant.

In her current role, she is responsible for the global team of education consultants who facilitate the educational needs of IMB families, whether it’s finding the best homeschool program to fit a child’s specific needs or checking out national or Christian schools. Consultants go with families whose children need extra help with educational tests, special needs and any other educational needs.

Doreen’s team also provides care for young adult MPs through events such as Thanksgiving retreats and an app to promote communication. Her team proactively works with families to meet their children’s needs.

“We’re working on earlier intervention and trying to get the services that families need to address the needs early,” she said.

Much of the work is educating families to look for educational or developmental challenges in their children. For families with students who have learning needs, counselors work with the family to create a support plan with appropriate strategies. The consultant meets with the family periodically to monitor progress and provide assistance as needed. For families who have special needs, the team creates an individual education plan and works with the family to select strategies. They meet with parents for periodic evaluations.

“A big part of what we do as consultants is listen to parents. We are there to listen to what they are going through and to encourage them,” said Doreen. She meets with some parents almost monthly to hear how their children are doing and to listen to them.

“I think the families felt really supported by our company and the consultants who work with them,” she continued.

She recalls a recent phone call with a family. She listened, explained what she understood the problems to be, and assured them she would get back to them by the end of the week with an action plan.

Mom was overwhelmed and grateful for the clear explanation, quick response, and follow-up plan.

“Things like that are definitely satisfying. We don’t do it for pats on the back or anything, but knowing that you’ve given someone peace of mind and that you’re there for them and that you’re helping them is really a tremendous benefit. That’s what it’s about. We want to be able to serve families.”

IMB missionaries and their families are supported through generous giving to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon® Christmas Offering.