“We are living in a very interconnected world. Learning another language helps students communicate with people who think, live, and act differently.” - Roxana Keiser “Learning another language requires humility. You have to be willing to try, fail, and keep trying.” - Roxana Keiser Think back to your own foreign language class. What do you remember most—the vocabulary lists, or the experience of being stretched, humbled, and pushed to communicate in a new way? In this episode of Teacher Edition Podcast, Jenny Copeland uses that shared memory to ask an important question facing many Christian schools today: If foreign language isn’t always required, why should schools intentionally include it? Joined by Spanish teacher and ministry leader Roxana Keiser, this conversation reframes foreign language as far more than an academic checkbox. Together, they explore how language learning shapes students cognitively, spiritually, and relationally—and why it aligns deeply with a Christian school’s mission to prepare students to serve, communicate, and love others well in an increasingly connected world. In this episode, they discuss: Why foreign language classes matter even when they aren’t state-mandated How learning another language strengthens critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving The role foreign language plays in character development, humility, and perseverance How language learning opens doors for ministry, service, and the Great Commission Why offering a foreign language can strengthen a school’s academic profile and enrollment appeal Practical guidance for choosing which language best fits a school’s location and mission Encouragement for schools to refresh or reimagine existing foreign language programs “Learning another language is one way we love our neighbor.” - Roxana Keiser “Language learning helps students recognize patterns, compare structures, and adapt their thinking.” - Roxana Keiser Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! About Our Guest Roxana Keiser is a Spanish teacher at Matthews Christian Academy, where she also teaches K4 and K5 music. She was born in the beautiful city of Puebla, Mexico, but grew up south of Mexico City. She came to know the Lord at the age of 14 and dedicated her life to serve Him full-time at 19. She studied at a Bible college in Sonora, and then went on to earn two masters degrees - in Administrative Education and in Church Music. She then returned to Mexico and taught music and women's ministry classes at the Bible college for 5 years. At the end of those 5 years, her family moved to Greenville, SC, where she studied Music Education, and worked as a Project Manager at BJU Press. Her missionary journey started in 2010 when she married David, and they moved to Puerto Rico. They served seven years in Puerto Rico teaching at Puerto Rico Baptist College. The Lord moved them to North Carolina, in the Charlotte area, where her husband has been planting a Spanish-speaking church for nine years now. Roxana has had the privilege of teaching for fifteen years, teaching elementary through college. Sponsored By BJU Press: Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. https://www.bjupress.com/ Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.
