“If the kids haven’t learned the concepts by the time they leave the classroom, the homework is pointless.” H.O.M.E.W.O.R.K = Half Of My Energy Wasted On Random Knowledge. “Homework – the teachers’ way to find out how smart parents are!” The recent articles, blogs, rants, and defenses of homework have definitely caused me to think deeply about what I assign … Read More
In Light of Eternity (Part 2) – Leading with Conviction
Growing up in an evangelical home in the 1970s and 1980s, I was prepared in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to face persecution. We learned of missionary martyrs, closed communistic and totalitarian regimes, possible apocalyptic future scenarios—all with the possible outcome that we may be called to die for our faith. In the end, that is in fact what … Read More
In Light of Eternity—Leading Others with a Right Perspective
Like every era, ours is one where events that happen before our eyes have the potential to mask the truth of what is really happening and require discernment. As Christian educators and leaders, the challenges are given added importance as you seek to offer that discernment to your colleagues, families and students. Leading requires a sense of the big picture … Read More
Choosing PD Conferences: 3 Criteria
Introduction: Recently, two blogs were written in regards to choosing conferences that I found helpful for Christian school leaders. CACE Fellow, Paul Neal, wrote a blog entitled Thinking about Conferences? as he reflected on conferences he attended this past year while our friends at Sevenstar recently published a blog entitled A Guide to the Premier Events for Christian Schools this … Read More
12 Opportunities and a Prayer
In my career I have had the opportunity to work in both public and Christian education. We need Christian educators in both places and I have had opportunities to further God’s kingdom in both places. However, here are a dozen unique opportunities that Christian school educators enjoy: Teaching students the joy and pleasure to be found in glorifying God by … Read More
God Is a Creator, Not a Manufacturer
By the time this blog is published, it’s probably too late. Students with new sneakers, shiny lunchboxes and sharpened pencils have bounced across sparkling hallways (thank you custodians, everywhere!) to your classroom door. They were greeted by posters that say “Welcome,” or “It’s a Great Day for Learning,” or maybe your favorite Bible verse. There might be an apple tree … Read More
Candles or Coals?
This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine Don’t let Satan poof it out I’m gonna let it shine Don’t let Satan poof it out I’m gonna let it shine Don’t let … Read More
Leadership Encouragement for 2017
Ten years ago, at the age of 31, I was entrusted by a bold superintendent and school board with an opportunity to lead a school. At this school, 2006 was known as the “Year of Shock and Awe” because a data dive discovered that the school was having a negative demographic impact on the education of its students, which is … Read More
The Parable of the Chevrolet Owner and the Ford Service Center
A friend from Church asked me recently, “Why would I send my daughter to a Christian School when it is so much cheaper and closer to send her to the state school down the road – they are both schools after all?” I told my friend of a man called Harry. Harry saved up for years to buy a brand … Read More
Meet the TfT Team
CACE is excited to introduce our three newest TfT Fellows! Darryl DeBoer, Pat Kornelis, and Doug Monsma are joining the CACE team to take on the Teaching for Transformation project. Doug’s most recent work was as Director of Learning for The Prairie Centre for Christian Education where he oversaw the TfT development from initial beginnings to current form. Pat is … Read More