Manço leaves a law degree behind to become a high school Bible teacher at PACA

Caption: New Bible and Portuguese teacher, Davi Manço, Ph.D., gets ready to take attendance and start his Special Portuguese class. [by Samuel Volkart]

by Samuel Volkart

São Paulo – David Miguel Manço is not just a secondary teacher who is finishing his first quarter of teaching at PACA. His background brings a unique quality to his teaching as he has a law degree, a seminary degree and a doctorate in theology from the University of Biola in California.

In Manço’s 48 years of life, he has had a lot of experience in various areas, more specifically in studying both theology and education. However, he did not start off studying the Bible.

“My first degree was law, I studied at USP (Universidade de São Paulo), ” said Manço, “After finishing the program, I started a presbyterian seminary at the Presbyterian Seminary JMC (José Manoel da Conceição).”

After earning these degrees at Brazilian institutions, Manço traveled to the United States to begin a doctoral program at a university in the United States. He was encouraged to take on this level of education because of his seminary degree that he earned in Brazil.

“Because of this seminary, I had the opportunity to undertake a Ph.D. course, I studied at Biola University, and I finished the program in May of this year,” said Manço. “After finishing the program, me and my family came back to Brazil.”

Manço is married to Renata and they have three children, of which one is old enough to study at PACA.

“I am married to Renata, and have three kids,” said Manço. “Maria Clara is my only daughter, and she is the oldest. She studies at PACA. Rafael and Noah are my sons, they don’t study at PACA yet.”

Manço said he knew PACA long before coming here, and had already visited.

“PACA was the school we wanted to put our kids in, we always dreamt of having our kids study here,” said Manço. “ Renata Santos, a friend of mine, encouraged us to apply for a job as teachers,” said Manço. “I was offered the position as Bible teacher for the 9th and 7th grade.”

Mr. Manço quickly accepted the offer, and started to teach at the beginning of the school year. Manço’s focus during his teaching has been to help his students grow in their knowledge of the Bible.

“My goal is to invest in the lives of my students, not only communicating a solid biblical content, but also by building stronger relationships,” said Manço. “I’m looking forward to making an impact in my students’ lives.”

Nathanael Agcaoili, one of the ninth graders that is being taught by Mr. Manço, feels that his teacher tries to make real connections with his students on a daily basis.

“I think he is an excellent teacher,” said Agcaoili. “He really tries to relate with the students, and I really enjoy his discussions about Christianity and the Bible.”

He also says that Mr. Manço varies his type of teaching each day, giving the students a unique experience each day.

“Mr. Manço’s style of teaching is unique, because after you read texts in the book, he allows open discussion for all students to participate in,” said Agcaoili. “It is really fun, because we feel included, and in the process we get to learn more, not only about the Bible, but also about each other.”