Jody Szwaja, a beloved teacher of 36 years  at MCA (46 in total), stepped into a new season at the conclusion of the 2024–2025 school year as she moved into retirement.

Having been a part of Maranatha Christian Academy since 1989, Mrs. Szwaja left a lasting impact on this community that will be felt for generations to come. 

Believe it or not, Mrs. Szwaja’s love of teaching began all the way back when she was just six years old. “I ran up to my mom, and I said, ‘When I grow up, I’m gonna get married, I’m gonna have kids, and I’m gonna teach where my kids go to school.’” Fast forward to 2025, and this has not just come true, but Jody has been extra blessed to be able to see her grandkids start their own educational journeys here at Maranatha as well. 

Having taught for almost 50 years now, Jody has much wisdom in teaching and life in general. Regarding teaching,

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Do not let the workload overwhelm you. Remember to ask for help—it is not a sign of weakness.

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For general life advice, Mrs. Szwaja stressed the importance of balancing work life and life outside work and how crucial it is to be more of a human being instead of a human doing—rest in God and let Him do the work. 

Jody’s contributions to Maranatha are far too much to fit into a single article. She has consistently been a source of wisdom, joy, and love for all those around her. We lift her up in prayer as she embarks on this new adventure and wish her nothing but the best as she steps into this new season God has for her (and excited at the prospect of maybe seeing her around the halls from time to time with her grandkids!).