A Teacher's Story of Faith, Family, and the Love That Carried Her Through
- ops0497
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
A conversation with Betsy Griffin, CCA Spanish teacher and living testimony of the CCA family
As Community Christian Academy celebrates 25 years of faith-based education, we're highlighting the people who make this school more than just a school — they make it a family. We sat down with Betsy Griffin, CCA's beloved Spanish teacher, to hear why she calls CCA her anchor, her light, her joy, and her strength.
Betsy's story is one of courage, calling, and a community that showed up when it mattered most. Below, she shares why CCA is different — and why your support of the Soar Fund makes stories like hers possible.
How did you find your way to CCA?
My journey started in Cuba, where I completed my education and began my professional path. Leaving my family in Cuba was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, but I had no choice — I didn't have a future there. Teaching was initially the career option available to me, but over time it became something much more meaningful. What started as an opportunity eventually became a true vocation.
My faith became deeply personal after I lost my grandmother. During that difficult time, I began to truly believe in God and found comfort and strength in Him. That experience changed my life and gave me a deeper sense of purpose. I later became connected with Community Christian Academy while looking for an opportunity to teach in a faith-based environment. From the beginning, I felt aligned with its mission and values.
"What started as an opportunity eventually became a true vocation."
What does CCA mean to you?
As I said in my video, CCA is my anchor, my light, my joy, and my strength. It is also my happy place. Being here gives me peace and motivation, and that is reflected in the way I teach. When I feel spiritually and emotionally supported, I am able to give my very best to my students every day.
How would you describe your approach to teaching at CCA?
My approach to teaching Spanish focuses on creating a supportive and interactive environment where students feel confident using the language. I emphasize speaking, listening, reading, and writing through engaging activities and real-life connections. But more than that, I focus on building character, respect, and encouragement in my classroom.
The environment at CCA allows me to teach differently because faith is part of everyday life. We pray together, support one another, and lead with compassion. We don't come to CCA just for a paycheck — we come because of the love we pour into our students every single day.
"We don't come to CCA just for a paycheck — we come because of the love we pour into our students every single day."
Can you share a moment when you experienced what makes CCA truly special?
One of the moments that truly captures what makes CCA special was during one of the toughest seasons of my life, when my husband Jimmy was battling ALS. It was an incredibly difficult time for my family. At that time, my principal, Mary Ann, was an incredible source of support and understanding.
There were many nights when I could not sleep or rest. Some days, even though I wanted to work, I simply did not have the strength. I remember one day in particular when I was completely exhausted. She looked at me and said, "Close your door. I'm canceling your classes today — you need to sleep." She closed my door and gave me the space to rest. That moment showed me what true compassion and Christian leadership look like.
I remember the prayers lifted up for us during chapel. Hearing our school community pray for my family meant more than words can express. CCA even organized a large fundraiser to support us. The love and generosity were overwhelming.
I truly can't thank the school staff enough for their prayers and for all the help they gave me during that time. They were there for me in every way possible. Their kindness carried my family through one of the darkest seasons of our lives.
"That is when I realized CCA is not just a school. It is a family."
If you could tell a parent one thing about CCA, what would it be?
Your child will be truly known, loved, and cared for here. This is a place where faith, character, and compassion are part of everyday life. When you choose CCA, you are not just choosing a school — you are choosing a family.
What keeps you coming back every day?
Knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference. Teaching is not just my job — it is my calling.
What do you hope your students carry with them long after they leave your classroom?
Long after my students leave my classroom, I hope they remember more than just Spanish. I hope they remember how they felt — encouraged, supported, and believed in. I hope they carry confidence, kindness, resilience, and faith with them wherever they go.
Because at the end of the day, if my students leave knowing they are loved and that they have a purpose, then I know I have fulfilled mine.
"If my students leave knowing they are loved and that they have a purpose, then I know I have fulfilled mine."
Help Teachers Like Betsy Continue to Pour Love Into Every Student
For 25 years, Community Christian Academy has been a place where teachers don't just teach — they minister, where colleagues become family, and where no one faces their hardest seasons alone.
Your monthly gift of $25 to the Soar Fund (less than $1 per day) directly supports the scholarships, small class sizes, and Christ-centered environment that make stories like Betsy's possible.
Every scholarship opens a door. Every door opened is a child's future transformed.
🦅 Together, We Are CCA Strong.
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