An Examination of the American Church’s Missionary Failures Abroad

Sophie Mowery

International Educator | Cross-cultural Relationship Developer

Sophie Mowery is an ESL educator with a heart for connecting with people and helping them thrive. Over the past decade, she has dedicated her life to teaching English and supporting students of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Her teaching career spans three continents—South America, Asia, and North America—where she has worked with everyone from young learners to university students and adult professionals. Sophie’s passion lies in equipping English language learners with the tools they need to succeed, whether that means preparing for higher education, advancing in their careers, or adapting to a new culture.

At the core of Sophie’s work is her commitment to fostering relationships and building bridges across cultures. Her professional experiences have allowed her to see firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with learning a new language, and she uses this knowledge to create inclusive and engaging learning environments. Whether she’s in a classroom or her local community, Sophie brings warmth, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does.

Now based in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, Sophie is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of students, both locally and globally. Her work is not just about teaching English—it’s about helping people find confidence, reach their potential, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Contact Information

Career

  • Assistant Director of Education / English Instructor
    Immerse International
  • Instructor, English Education
    Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Thailand
  • Elementary Educator
    El Camino Academy, Bogotá, Colombia
  • ESL Instructor
    Shikellamy School District
  • Missionary & Missions Liason
    Brethren in Christ World Missions
  • Elementary Educator
    Cumberland Valley School District
  • Director of Communications
    Immerse International

Education

  • Certificate of Graduate Studies – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
    Messiah University

  • Master of Science – Educational Development and Strategies
    Wilkes University

  • Bachelor of Science – Special Education and Elementary Education
    Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Community Involvement

  • Volunteer Team Leader and Teacher | KidsLIFE Summer Camp for Refugee Students

  • Refugee Welcome Team Volunteer | Church World Service

  • Sunday School Teacher

  • Church Board Member

  • Young Adult Ministry Leadership Team

A Passion for Teaching and Connecting

Teaching is more than a career for Sophie—it’s her calling. With over a decade of experience in education, she has taught in diverse settings ranging from elementary schools in Bogotá, Colombia, to university classrooms in Thailand, and ESL programs in the United States. Beyond the classroom, Sophie has also served as a missionary overseas, where she was involved in teaching, church planting, and supporting local communities. She has continued assisting with mission efforts in the U.S., focusing on fundraising and providing support to those in need. Sophie’s passion is empowering students to succeed, whether they’re learning English for higher education, career advancement, or personal growth. She finds immense joy in helping students make connections across their learning, grow in confidence, and share their stories and cultures with the world.

A Global Perspective

Sophie’s career has been defined by her ability to adapt and connect across cultures. Having lived and worked in South America, Asia, and North America, she understands the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to unfamiliar environments. These experiences have shaped her empathetic approach to teaching and relationship-building. Sophie’s time at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University in Thailand and Immerse International in Pennsylvania taught her to support students not only academically but also personally as they navigate their journeys. Her students often find her to be a relatable guide and a source of encouragement during transitional and challenging times.

A Heart for Language Learners

Sophie’s work has increasingly focused on English language learners, a group she feels a special connection to due to her own experiences living and working abroad. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director of Education at Immerse International, an organization that provides accredited English education to help immigrants, refugees, and international students prepare for higher education or career advancement. There, she taught intensive academic English courses, supervised interns, and supported students from admission through program completion. Sophie’s ability to connect with language learners and understand their unique needs makes her work deeply rewarding, as she helps students gain the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals.

Driven by Excellence

Sophie approaches every opportunity with dedication and a commitment to excellence. Her professional skills include curriculum development, cross-cultural communication, and educational leadership, which she has honed throughout her career. Whether she’s teaching a classroom of eager students, mentoring young educators, or organizing volunteer teams, Sophie takes pride in making a positive impact. Her resourcefulness and hard-working nature make her a valued member of any team she joins, and her passion for education ensures that she approaches every challenge with creativity and care.