Education as Calling: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Jacqueline Chung
Education as Calling: Cadence Culture’s Exclusive Interview with Dr. Jacqueline Chung
Cadence Culture is honoured to present a special interview with Dr. Jacqueline Chung, a leader whose philosophy and purpose closely align with our mission to foster human flourishing, authentic partnerships, and purpose-driven work cultures. This interview is part of a new series featuring leaders who share Cadence Culture’s vision for restoring work rhythms and building communities of meaningful impact.
It has less to do with the profession and everything to do with the calling.
Dr. Jacqueline Chung
Cadence Culture: Dr. Chung, when did you first realise that education was not just a profession for you, but truly a calling?
Dr. Jacqueline Chung: I never aspired to be an early childhood (EC) educator. God's clear calling came in 1997, and I have never looked back. At that time, I did not fully understand the role of an EC educator, let alone an EC leader.
Cadence Culture: Many professionals enter education for different reasons. What has anchored your faithfulness to this calling over the years?
Dr. Jacqueline Chung: I Thessalonians 5:24 says, "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." God promised His unwavering commitment to me, so my response was and still is to commit myself fully to Him in what He has called me to. It has less to do with the profession and everything to do with the calling.
Cadence Culture: Very inspired to hear that your faithfulness is anchored in God, who called you to EC education, where you’ve made an amazing impact. What role does spirituality, faith, or inner conviction play in your journey as an educator?
Dr. Jacqueline Chung: Biblical spirituality, faith, and inner conviction are central in my journey. This involves being led by God and leading others to live in a restored relationship with Him, expressing His values, and being guided by the Holy Spirit in all we say and do.
We serve an excellent God, so we cannot give Him any less than our best.
Dr. Jacqueline Chung
Cadence Culture: You are recognised for balancing academic rigour with a nurturing approach. How do you ensure excellence without losing the human touch?
Dr. Jacqueline Chung: God has designed each of us uniquely and has a specific plan and purpose for our lives. The way I lead flows from who God made me and my journey. We serve an excellent God, so we cannot give Him any less than our best. Standards of excellence are about honouring God and pursuing purpose, while bearing the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) to reflect His character in all we do.
As a certified strengths coach, I help others appreciate and express their strengths. I focus on identity, purpose, and calling, to help individuals articulate their beliefs and core values, creating clarity and meaning in their work.
Dr. Jacqueline Chung
Cadence Culture: In how you lead from who God made you to be, I can see why many educators approach you for mentoring. What do you find most meaningful in your work with other teachers?
Dr. Jacqueline Chung: Every person is created in the image of God and uniquely designed by Him. As a certified strengths coach, I help others appreciate and express their strengths. I focus on identity, purpose, and calling, to help individuals articulate their beliefs and core values, creating clarity and meaning in their work.
Cadence Culture: Yes, we very much resonate with identity, purpose, and calling, in order to set a healthy work cadence/ rhythm. Yet, we are aware that the pressures of the education sector might result in burnout. In tough times, what helps you realign with your sense of purpose?
Dr. Jacqueline Chung: I bring everything to God. He walks with me through highs, lows, and the in-between. There is purpose in every part of the journey, and God always speaks. It’s about His plans, not mine, and I am assured He is the Good Shepherd who holds my hand.
Cadence Culture: What message do you have for the next generation of educators about finding and living out their calling?
Dr. Jacqueline Chung: Take unhurried time to seek God to ask Him who you are - your design, and your calling. When you hear from Him, walk in faith and align your compass to Him. As EC educators, we are called to the higher purpose of shaping the minds, hearts, and spirits of young children.