Friday, August 22, 2008

Do I Belong in the Christian School?

Is it so hard to believe that the omnipresent God of the universe knew exactly what He was doing when He placed you and me in Christian school education?

In an article entitled, Do I Belong in the Christian School, Christian school superintendent Karen Winter asks the above question and challenges readers to understand the calling they have received and to appreciate the privilege and responsibility of being involved in Christian school ministry.

Click here to read the full text of this article.

As you read this article, be reminded:

“. . . doing God’s will is a matter of simple obedience and walking in that conviction each day—especially those days that bring challenges and momentary discouragement. We fulfill God’s will when we walk in complete, dedicated confidence that God called us into Christian education. We fulfill God’s will when we remain fully committed.”

“There is no greater privilege or honor than serving in Christian education. It’s not for the fainthearted but for the steadfast, visionary Christian educator who will help determine our nation’s future. This exceptional career is for the faithful educators who hear God’s call and then respond by walking in persistent obedience as they anticipate the most exciting real-life transformations imaginable. Christian education is for those who are determined to make the greatest impact in the lives of students. I can’t imagine anything greater than serving in a Christian school and making it my personal commitment for an entire lifetime.”

As you begin another school year, may you be committed to making a difference in the lives of your students . . . and “serve where God has called [you], despite the obstacles and difficult challenges that arise.”

Have a great 2008-2009!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

From the President. . .

Dr. Timothy Sierer, MACSA President
The Christian Academy ~ Brookhaven, PA

In just a few short weeks the hallways of each of your respective schools will be buzzing with the sounds of returning students for the ’08-’09 school year. It is difficult to believe that the summer has come and gone. The start of another school year presents us with tremendous opportunities to influence your students for Jesus Christ. During the course of this year it will be your privilege, as teachers in the Christian classroom, to help your students gain a better grasp of the character of God. This understanding develops as a result of the studying of His Word and the various academic disciplines that make up your curriculum.

The job of a Christian school teacher is huge. Not only are you attempting to adequately train your students academically, but you are also seeking to sow the seeds of God’s Word into their lives. Seeds that in God’s timing will bring about a transformation of the heart. This ‘sowing’ comes at a time when there is a great battle for the hearts and minds of the students in your classrooms. Without a doubt, you are fighting against a culture that has in many ways captured the hearts and minds of the students in your school. With that knowledge it would be very easy to become discouraged about the prospects for the future. However, you serve a God who is greater than the worldly forces that work against you.

As a classroom teacher, the start of any year brings with it new challenges as you learn to know the individual needs of each student. What reassurance comes with the knowledge that God has purposefully placed in your class those students for whom you are uniquely qualified to teach. As you review your class lists know that each student has been placed there by an omniscient God who is fully aware of each child’s needs even before the first day of school. Moreover, each child has been placed there because you are uniquely qualified to meet those needs. What peace comes as a result of knowing that you serve a God that cares about each minute detail of our lives as to ‘match’ your students with you for a specific purpose. With that knowledge, you can face whatever comes your way this year because you know that your God is greater than any circumstance or situation.

May God truly bless you as you invest into the spiritual, and intellectual, development of your students.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Teaching to Change Lives

Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive
By Dr. Howard Hendricks

Teaching to Change Lives outlines seven proven, easy-to-grasp principles any teacher can apply. These strategic concepts call for a passion to communicate. In the introduction to the book, Dr. Hendricks writes, “My heart’s concern for you is that God will give a passion . . . and [you] will never let it die. And I hope that you never get over the thrill that someone will actually listen to you . . . and learn from you.”

Catch Hendricks’ enthusiasm and learn from his experience as you discover how you can practice the best type of teaching: Teaching to Change Lives!

The Law of the Teacher
If you stop growing today, you stop teaching tomorrow.

The Law of Education
The way people learn determines how you teach.

The Law of Activity
Maximum learning is always the result of maximum involvement.

The Law of Communication
To truly impart information requires the building of bridges.

The Law of the Heart
Teaching that impacts is not head to head, but heart to heart.

The Law of Encouragement
Teaching tends to be most effective when the learner is properly motivated.

The Law of Readiness
The teaching-learning process will be most effective when both student and teacher are adequately prepared.

This article was adapted from The Seven Laws of the Teacher DVD Curriculum by Howard Hendricks, © 1988, 2008 Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Seven Laws of the Teacher DVD Curriculum is available at www.walkthru.org.