Read Roger Erdvig's blog post introducing the concept of service-learning in Christian schools, as well as Dan Beerens' blog post that provides a review of the new book.
Obtain your own copy of Bring it to Life: Christian Education and the Power of Service-Learning, and commit to reading it with a colleague at your school.
Dr. Lynn Swaner is the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at ACSI, where she leads initiatives and develops strategies to address compelling questions and challenges facing Christian education. Prior to joining ACSI she served as a Christian school administrator and a graduate professor of education. A published scholar and conference speaker, she is the lead editor of the book PIVOT: New Directions for Christian Education, co-author of Bring It to Life: Christian Education and the Transformative Power of Service-Learning, and editor of the ACSI blog. She received her EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City. She can be reached via email at lynn_swaner@acsi.org.
Dan Beerens is an educational consultant, author, international speaker, and educational leader. Before starting DB Consulting in May 2010, he served as vice president of Learning Services and director of Instructional Improvement at Christian Schools International. Prior to that, he was the director of Curriculum and Instruction for Holland Christian Schools. Dan has also worked as teacher and principal in urban and suburban public and Christian schools in Wisconsin and Illinois. Dan regularly presents on teacher evaluation and professional growth, curriculum design, school improvement, technology integration, faith integrated learning, and student faith development at regional, national, and international conferences. He is the author of Evaluating Teachers for Professional Growth: Creating a Culture of Motivation and Learning published by Corwin Press. He can be reached via email at danbeerens@gmail.com.
Dr. Roger Erdvig is the headmaster at Wilmington Christian School in northern Delaware. With a doctorate in education from Liberty University, Roger also serves as an adjunct professor in the Church Leadership and Theology Department at the University of Valley Forge and speaks and consults on the topics of leadership, worldview development, and effective pedagogy. Roger is a co-author of Bring It to Life: Christian Education and the Transformative Power of Service-Learning(forthcoming 2018). He can be reached via email at leadingview@mac.com.
Enjoyed the podcast and looking forward to reading the book. This is what we need to push our Mission and Service Learning program to a new level.
An excellent podcast to introduce an indispensable resource! This book needs to be on the shelf of every school that has either already begun a service-learning program and needs to enhance it, or the school that has desired to begin a program but has been reticent. In my opinion, this thoughtful and practical guide fills a gap between Christian education and real discipleship, showing a clear path to encouraging the next generation to become true hands and feet of our Lord Jesus, and also creating a peacemaking culture that can spread across the globe and into the future.
This month's podcast features Tim Greener, Superintendent of Christian Academy of Louisville School System, as he discusses the concept of creating "schools within a school" as a way to meet students' unique interests and learning needs—and to grow your enrollment and better engage your community in the process.
This month's podcast discusses how to create inclusive communities in Christian schools, which are welcoming of learners from all backgrounds and abilities.
Christian school students present with a number of mental health needs and challenges. School leaders can benefit from learning about best practices for addressing those needs and challenges in the Christian school setting.