In the fall of 2019, Jenna Larson left the farm community of Everest, Kansas, to study elementary education at Bob Jones University. Because she had already completed a year’s worth of credits, she was able to finish in just three years on campus, with one semester shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After finishing in the spring of 2022, Jenna returned home where she accepted a position teaching third grade at Horton Elementary School, a public school not far from where she grew up. Though she was anxious after many warnings about the difficulties and challenges of the first year of teaching, Jenna felt well prepared for the task. She specifically noted the writing of detailed lesson plans for her practicum lessons as valuable preparation.
The Lord gave Jenna a real burden and love for her students at Horton Elementary, and she learned much in those two years. She would have been content to remain there, but through another organization, she learned about a one-year ambassadorship program offered by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation. Located just an hour away, north of Kansas City, the foundation is dedicated to “catalyzing and accelerating the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and culture flourish.”
The inaugural class of ambassadors served in the 2023-2024 school year, and the foundation was accepting applications for the upcoming school year. Having been homeschooled with a curriculum primarily from BJU Press, Jenna recognized the impact of Christian education and sent in her resume. On the strength of that resume, she went through several rounds of interviews before being awarded a position as one of seven ambassadors in the current cohort. Surprisingly, Jenna is the only current member with a degree in education. The others have degrees in or are currently studying fields ranging from public relations and cinema/television to mechanical engineering, accounting, and criminal justice.
Since assuming her role in July 2024, Jenna has had opportunities to work within many departments within the foundation. This has ranged from event support for the Foundation’s trainings held across the country and writing for The Lion newsletter to podcast interviews and helping with the production of materials designed to support entrepreneurs in opening Christian schools. The ambassadors are encouraged to pursue service in the departments that align with their career goals. She has enjoyed frequent travel as she has traversed the country to meet with educators and introduce them to the services of the Herzog Foundation. In addition to visiting K-12 schools, Jenna has also visited several colleges and universities to promote the ambassadorship program and solicit applicants. In fact, it was at BJU’s Center for Career and Calling-sponsored Career Fair in February that we caught up with her.
When asked why someone would want to apply to be an ambassador for next year, Jenna cited a host of benefits including a full salary, housing, and flexible professional development. Beyond the opportunities to travel, she also values the friendships that have developed among the team and the blessings of serving every day in a Christ-honoring work environment.
So what does the future hold for Jenna? As she has met with many Christian school administrators, she has been impressed with the passion they bring to their ministries and their burden to make Christian education sustainable. It has opened her eyes to the power of Christian schools and the impact she could have as an educator in such a setting. At the same time, her two years in public education helped her recognize the need for Christian teachers to shine the light of Christ in public schools. While serving with the foundation, she has also been exposed to many other satisfying career paths. At this point, she is waiting to see where the Lord might lead her next.
