An invitation from Bill Stevens (Headmaster) and Wilmington Christian School:
This note comes to you to let you know of a special time I am planning for our community.
Wilmington Christian School will be hosting, what is hoped to be an annual event, the "RENEWING MINDS FORUM".
It will be held at our school on Friday (evening - 7PM) and Saturday (morning - 10AM), October 17/18, 2008. The speaker will be Dr. David Dockery, President of Union University in Jackson, TN. As you may recall, Union University was devastated by tornadoes back in February.
Dr. Dockery has also authored several books on developing a biblical world view, with a particular emphasis on Christian higher education and impacting society.
I believe this is a timely topic for the era in which we live and certainly for our Christian school community in these days. I am inviting you to join us and attend this seminar.
The cost is $15 per person with all proceeds benefiting the WCS Student Scholarship Fund.
My vision is that this would grow and develop both as an annual event, and a collaborative effort of our schools.
Our churches, pastors, teachers, and board members all need to be stimulated, encouraged, and challenged to move this Christian educational ministry forward . . .
For more information and/or to download a registration brochure, please click here to visit the Wilmington Christian School website and click on the RENEWING MINDS link on the home page! Please direct your questions to Wilmington Christian School using the contact info provided on the registration brochure.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Revitalize Your Classroom
Adapted from The Seven Laws of the Learner by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson
About the author:
Bruce Wilkinson is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Prayer of Jabez ® and Secrets of the Vine ®, The Dream Giver, and Beyond Jabez. He serves as the chairman of Dream for Africa , Global Vision Resources, and Ovation Productions. Bruce and his wife, Darlene Marie, have three children and six grandchildren. They divide their time between Georgia and South Africa .
You teach to make a difference. Now, revitalize your classroom by learning and mastering seven time-tested principles being taught around the world! Written for teachers, including Sunday school teachers, parents, and professionals, this book outlines scriptural principles and techniques that will revolutionize your ability to teach to change lives. From the “law of the learner” to the “law of equipping,” each chapter presents hands-on, practical tools for you to employ in your own classroom.
Students learn best when teachers teach best! So how can you do your part? Employ the seven laws of the learner and unleash your students’ capabilities. You’ll discover how to:
· Help students reach their full potential
· Effect lasting life change
· Rekindle your flame for teaching
· Create an excitement for learning
· Transform apathetic students
Whether you’re a professional teacher, a parent, or teach in any setting, these principles and techniques will empower you to make a lasting impact in people’s lives. Thousands of teachers have already used these principles to spur their students to new horizons of success.
The Law of the Learner
The teacher should accept the responsibility of causing students to learn.
The Law of Expectations
The teacher should influence students’ learning by adjusting expectations.
The Law of Application
The teacher should stimulate life change in students by properly applying the Scriptures.
The Law of Retention
The teacher should enable students to enjoy the maximum mastery of the irreducible minimum.
The Law of Need
The teacher should surface the students’ real need before teaching the content.
The Law of Equipping
The teacher should train students for a life of service and edification.
The Law of Revival
The teacher should encourage an ongoing personal revival in students’ lives.
This article was adapted from The 7 Laws of the Learner DVD Curriculum by Bruce Wilkinson, © 1988, 2008 Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.
The 7 Laws of the Learner DVD Curriculum is available at www.walkthru.org.
About the author:
Bruce Wilkinson is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Prayer of Jabez ® and Secrets of the Vine ®, The Dream Giver, and Beyond Jabez. He serves as the chairman of Dream for Africa , Global Vision Resources, and Ovation Productions. Bruce and his wife, Darlene Marie, have three children and six grandchildren. They divide their time between Georgia and South Africa .
You teach to make a difference. Now, revitalize your classroom by learning and mastering seven time-tested principles being taught around the world! Written for teachers, including Sunday school teachers, parents, and professionals, this book outlines scriptural principles and techniques that will revolutionize your ability to teach to change lives. From the “law of the learner” to the “law of equipping,” each chapter presents hands-on, practical tools for you to employ in your own classroom.
Students learn best when teachers teach best! So how can you do your part? Employ the seven laws of the learner and unleash your students’ capabilities. You’ll discover how to:
· Help students reach their full potential
· Effect lasting life change
· Rekindle your flame for teaching
· Create an excitement for learning
· Transform apathetic students
Whether you’re a professional teacher, a parent, or teach in any setting, these principles and techniques will empower you to make a lasting impact in people’s lives. Thousands of teachers have already used these principles to spur their students to new horizons of success.
The Law of the Learner
The teacher should accept the responsibility of causing students to learn.
The Law of Expectations
The teacher should influence students’ learning by adjusting expectations.
The Law of Application
The teacher should stimulate life change in students by properly applying the Scriptures.
The Law of Retention
The teacher should enable students to enjoy the maximum mastery of the irreducible minimum.
The Law of Need
The teacher should surface the students’ real need before teaching the content.
The Law of Equipping
The teacher should train students for a life of service and edification.
The Law of Revival
The teacher should encourage an ongoing personal revival in students’ lives.
This article was adapted from The 7 Laws of the Learner DVD Curriculum by Bruce Wilkinson, © 1988, 2008 Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.
The 7 Laws of the Learner DVD Curriculum is available at www.walkthru.org.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Spread Too Thin: The Peanut Butter Syndrome in Christian Schools!
Are You Spread Too Thin?
How to THRIVE and not merely SURVIVE as a Christian school!
Originally posted by Dr. Barrett L. Mosbacker
The Christian School Journal
I recently read an interesting article by the CEO of Yahoo! titled The Peanut Butter Manifesto. For the purposes of this blog article I want to focus on the following statement from the memo because it is instructive for us as school leaders.
"We [Yahoo!] lack a focused, cohesive vision for our company. We want to do everything and be everything -- to everyone. We've known this for years, talk about it incessantly, but do nothing to fundamentally address it. We are scared to be left out. We are reactive instead of charting an unwavering course. We are separated into silos that far too frequently don't talk to each other. And when we do talk, it isn't to collaborate on a clearly focused strategy, but rather to argue and fight about ownership, strategies and tactics ...
I've heard our strategy described as spreading peanut butter across the myriad opportunities that continue to evolve in the online world. The result: a thin layer of investment spread across everything we do and thus we focus on nothing in particular."
The Christian school movement is not particularly healthy. Based on recent statistics that I have seen, the number of Christian school and overall enrollments are stagnant or declining.
Although there are external forces beyond our control that affect our schools, many of our problems are self-inflicted.
One of our self-inflicted wounds is similar to that articulated by the CEO of Yahoo!--we are often not strategic in the allocation of our tangible and intangible resources and as a consequence we are not offering a substantial marginal value to our current and potential clients. I am referring to our parents a clients because notwithstanding our missions as Christian schools, our parents are essentially paying clients who make economic calculations in deciding whether to enroll or re-enroll their children in our schools.
If our schools are to survive, much less thrive, we must stop "spreading the peanut butter too thin." We need to think far more strategically. Where should we place our resources? What is the basis for our decision? What programs should we eliminate? What programs should we add? The the marginal value of our schools been stagnant or declining?
These are important questions that we must answer with ruthless honesty.
Click here to read the rest of the post on The Christian School Journal.
How to THRIVE and not merely SURVIVE as a Christian school!
Originally posted by Dr. Barrett L. Mosbacker
The Christian School Journal
I recently read an interesting article by the CEO of Yahoo! titled The Peanut Butter Manifesto. For the purposes of this blog article I want to focus on the following statement from the memo because it is instructive for us as school leaders.
"We [Yahoo!] lack a focused, cohesive vision for our company. We want to do everything and be everything -- to everyone. We've known this for years, talk about it incessantly, but do nothing to fundamentally address it. We are scared to be left out. We are reactive instead of charting an unwavering course. We are separated into silos that far too frequently don't talk to each other. And when we do talk, it isn't to collaborate on a clearly focused strategy, but rather to argue and fight about ownership, strategies and tactics ...
I've heard our strategy described as spreading peanut butter across the myriad opportunities that continue to evolve in the online world. The result: a thin layer of investment spread across everything we do and thus we focus on nothing in particular."
The Christian school movement is not particularly healthy. Based on recent statistics that I have seen, the number of Christian school and overall enrollments are stagnant or declining.
Although there are external forces beyond our control that affect our schools, many of our problems are self-inflicted.
One of our self-inflicted wounds is similar to that articulated by the CEO of Yahoo!--we are often not strategic in the allocation of our tangible and intangible resources and as a consequence we are not offering a substantial marginal value to our current and potential clients. I am referring to our parents a clients because notwithstanding our missions as Christian schools, our parents are essentially paying clients who make economic calculations in deciding whether to enroll or re-enroll their children in our schools.
If our schools are to survive, much less thrive, we must stop "spreading the peanut butter too thin." We need to think far more strategically. Where should we place our resources? What is the basis for our decision? What programs should we eliminate? What programs should we add? The the marginal value of our schools been stagnant or declining?
These are important questions that we must answer with ruthless honesty.
Click here to read the rest of the post on The Christian School Journal.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Inquiring Parents Want to Know!
Mark Strohm, Jr.
Elementary Principal
Delaware County Christian School
From my 20 plus years in School Administration I can tell you - without any doubt - there is one primary bit of information every parent wants to know from their child’s teacher. Often a parent will hear nothing in an initial teacher meeting until they get the answer to this primary question. If a parent is not satisfied they have the answer, all of our communication, every story they hear from their child, will be filtered in such a way as to discern the answer to this most important question. What does every parent want to know?
Does this teacher love my child?
I have found there are two types of teachers. Some teachers feel it is their divine calling to measure and observe students while imparting knowledge and wisdom to them. Then at the appointed time, through their educated power of observation they are to declare which students are “good” or “bad” as well as which students are “smart” and which are “not so smart.” Parents are not impressed with this “purely professional” approach and conclude that teachers espousing it lack love. Wise teachers understand their calling as an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and come alongside parents to help teach and train students. These teachers work on their skills to be a greater blessing to students. They rejoice with parents and praise God when students succeed. Failure of a child, either morally or academically is a matter of great concern. At the point of failure parents are contacted to coordinate efforts to help the child grow and learn. Genuine interest is shown in each child with an acknowledgement that all are divinely created by God with great love and concern. Parents will appreciate these teachers and recognize the love this teacher has for their child.
I suggest you put every parent at ease! Let them know right at the start of the school year how much you appreciate working with young people.
Elementary Principal
Delaware County Christian School
From my 20 plus years in School Administration I can tell you - without any doubt - there is one primary bit of information every parent wants to know from their child’s teacher. Often a parent will hear nothing in an initial teacher meeting until they get the answer to this primary question. If a parent is not satisfied they have the answer, all of our communication, every story they hear from their child, will be filtered in such a way as to discern the answer to this most important question. What does every parent want to know?
Does this teacher love my child?
I have found there are two types of teachers. Some teachers feel it is their divine calling to measure and observe students while imparting knowledge and wisdom to them. Then at the appointed time, through their educated power of observation they are to declare which students are “good” or “bad” as well as which students are “smart” and which are “not so smart.” Parents are not impressed with this “purely professional” approach and conclude that teachers espousing it lack love. Wise teachers understand their calling as an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and come alongside parents to help teach and train students. These teachers work on their skills to be a greater blessing to students. They rejoice with parents and praise God when students succeed. Failure of a child, either morally or academically is a matter of great concern. At the point of failure parents are contacted to coordinate efforts to help the child grow and learn. Genuine interest is shown in each child with an acknowledgement that all are divinely created by God with great love and concern. Parents will appreciate these teachers and recognize the love this teacher has for their child.
I suggest you put every parent at ease! Let them know right at the start of the school year how much you appreciate working with young people.
- Assure them it is a joy for you to get to know their son or daughter.
- Share with parents the call of God on your life and why you desire work as a teacher in a Christian School.
- Let parents know that it is your aim to work closely with them to minister to their child.
- Clearly communicate that you want parents to contact you if they hear something is wrong and that you will work together with them through thick and thin. Trust me on this one - you can take the time up front or you can spend loads of time later trying to repair a parent’s perception.
Make it obvious that you love each child and are excited to work alongside parents, then make it doubly obvious!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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