Education Commons^™

Civic Education In K-12 School Enhanced Through A Christian Faith Lens Perspective, Alex R. Lin Dr., Kathy H. Rim Dr.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Nationwide concerns about the declining political health of the United States has prompted questions on how to instruct and prepare youth to engage in civic life, particularly in K-12 public schools. This priority is also known as civic education, a broad curricular approach aimed at facilitating students’ development of key civic knowledge, skills, and behaviors. Fortunately, the Christian worldview can enhance the individuals' ability to effectively teach students about the importance of civics due to overlaps in community values. This literature review draws on theoretical and empirical work to provide an integrative framework that fuses Christian ethos with civic …

Book Reviews: On The Topic Of Reading, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Developing Inviting Schools, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Betwixt And Between: Liminality In Teachers’ Lives And In The Pandemic, Sunshine R. Sullivan, Ken Badley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The pandemic has altered the ways educators carry out their work, having forced them to switch en masse in March, 2020 to online instruction and then to various combinations of online and hybrid instruction. Along with educational policy-makers, classroom educators and school leaders wonder when education will return to normal and the degree to which educational normal will look like it did prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Educating during a pandemic fits the anthropological concept of liminality, of being between two states (introduced by van Gennep in 1909). After noting the origins and meaning of the concept of a liminal …

Leaning Into The Disposition Of Hope: Reflections From A Teacher Educator, Michelle C. Hughes Dr.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Teaching is multifaceted work that must foster safety, structure, comfort, and connection for K-12 students (Noddings,1984; Shotsberger & Freytag, 2020; Tomlinson, 2019). During the Covid-19 pandemic, a teacher's presence has necessitated fostering an even greater sense of stability and hope for and in K-12 students. With complex challenges such as teaching remotely and responding to students' mental health needs, pre-service and veteran teachers alike must cultivate hope in professional practice more than ever before. Hughes explores the disposition of hope, offering educators five practical suggestions to seek and share hope, use hope-filled language, find hope in community, and view times …

Defining And Assessing Spiritual Formation: A Necessity For Christian Schooling, James Drexler, Amy H. Bagby

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Assessing Spiritual Formation Abstract

Virtually every Christian school promises a “Christian” this, a “God-centered” that, or a “biblical” something else in its mission and philosophy statements. These commitments are used in marketing, and are regarded as educational outcomes for each school. Christian schools are fairly skilled with their assessments of academic outcomes, but many are not even trying to assess the spiritual formation of their students. With the development of qualitative research methods over the past few decades, Christian educators now have reliable, robust, and usable methods to complete this important evaluation of their programs and practices. This article explores …

Book Review: Autism Spectrum Disorder In The Canadian Context: An Introduction, Edith Van Der Boom

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Thornhill, S., & Badley, K. (2021). Generating Tact And Flow For Effective Teaching And Learning: Routledge. Isbn 9780367628949, Hardcover, 150 Pages., Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Thornhill & Badley explore the methodology of Csikszenmihalyi and Van Manen regarding he topics of tact and flow. They analyze teacher narratives to demonstrate how pedagogy can generate tact and flow in their classroom teaching for pre-service and existing teachers.

From The Editor, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

From The Editor, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: A Push For Educators To Employ Care As A Core Component Of Socially Just Teaching, Owen Webb

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Digital Life Together: The Challenge Of Technology For Christian Schools, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Trust And Feedback In A Student Teaching Support System, Kristin M. Rich

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

In a preservice teacher’s brief time as a student teacher, feedback between the student and his or her cooperating teacher and university supervisor is intended to be formative and allow for adjustments in pedagogy and continued development of a teaching identity. However, trust or lack of trust within this triad can influence any of the member’s response to feedback. Without trust, giving or receiving feedback may break down and hinder the preservice teacher’s progress. By considering three examples of student teaching experiences where the interplay of trust and feedback adversely affected a student teacher’s progress, this essay argues for more …

Zest, Character Education, And The Common Good, Ellen Ballock

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Cultural change can bring changes in how society defines character. This essay examines one recent example of this change through examining how the trait known as zest may have come to be included in recent character education programs. The essay concludes by examining implications for Christian educators. It outlines an approach to thinking critically about character education, suggests an emphasis on traits that support God’s intentions for communal life, and offers examples of teaching practices that may help form hearts not just behaviors.

Christian University Teacher Education Graduates And Perceptions Of Parent Collaboration: An Exploratory Study, Marla J. Lohmann, Ruby L. Owiny

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Effective collaboration between families and schools is an important factor when developing high quality education programs. When schools and families work together, children, families, schools, and communities all benefit. Using an online survey of students who completed teacher certification programs at two Christian universities, this study seeks to understand the way that completers from two teacher preparation programs, both at Christian universities, interact with parents and encourage collaboration and involvement. The research findings and implications for future research are discussed.

The Grace To Grow Deeper: A Case Study Of Environmentalism In A Canadian Christian School, Allyson Jule, Adrienne R. Castellon

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Successful environmental pedagogy in faith-based schools has not been well explored even while most Christian schools in Canada are governed by provincial curricula and provincial teacher standards that require commitments to environmentalism. Conflicts within mainline Christianity in regards to the importance of environmental justice may be why some Christian schools do not engage in environmental pedagogy (Mann & Schleifer, 2020). This study draws on data from one Christian school in the province of Ontario, Canada. The methodology used is case study approached through an Appreciative Inquiry lens – a methodology that is particularly useful in school-based research (Stavros, et al. …

Book Review: Jule, A. (2019). The Compassionate Educator: Understanding Social Issues And The Ethics Of Care In Canadian Schools. Toronto, On: Canadian Scholars. Hardcover, 305 Pages, Isbn 978-1-77338-133-6., Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Marshall, C. D. (2012). Compassionate Justice: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue With Two Gospel Parables On Law, Crime, And Restorative Justice (Vol. 15). Wipf And Stock Publishers., Owen Webb

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Collaborating For Gender Equity In Christian Education, Stacy Sowerby, Adrienne R. Castellon

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This essay addresses the importance of teachers promoting gender equity. It explores potential causes for gender discrimination in Christian institutions including double standards, unequal representation, organizational culture and similarity attraction. Strategies to promote gender equity are described such as including positive role models, intentional group formation and linking social issues to the lack of women’s voices; gender education, resource selection, nurturing confidence and efficacy and fostering a non-stereotypical view of women’s leadership styles.

Keywords: Teacher Education, Gender Equity, Women, Leadership

Growth Mindset And The Gospel Community, Jillian Lederhouse

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Since publication in 2006, noted Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on mindset has influenced P-12 curriculum and instruction, helping pre-school, elementary and secondary educators create learning environments that help children and adolescents achieve more rigorous learning outcomes. This essay poses the question of whether it should create an equal impact on higher education, and, more specifically, on Christian teacher preparation programs. The article first reviews the differences between fixed and growth mindsets, misconceptions of the two, and how the two models affect learning at all levels. The essay then gives five scripturally grounded reasons for encouraging a growth mindset in …

Faith Integration In The Higher Education Online Classroom: Perspectives And Practice, Cammy Purper, A. Greg Bowden, Jeannette Guignard, Shari Farris, Mitch Hovey, Mary Crist

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Online instruction in higher education has grown dramatically in recent years, and more faith-based colleges and universities are including online courses as a part of their educational offerings. The integration of faith in learning is an important goal in many of these faith-based institutions; however, the practice of faith integration in online settings presents unique challenges for faculty members. The purpose of this article is to provide support for faculty members teaching online in Christian colleges and universities with faith integration by presenting a series of strategies for their use. Approaches to faith integration are grouped utilizing a model presented …

Using Visual Journals As A Reflective Worldview Window Into Educator Identity, Christina Belcher, Terry Loerts

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This ethnographic case study research and content analysis presents the conclusion of a three-year study involving 37 teacher candidate participants across a three-year study within a two year (2 semester program) Bachelor of Education program at a university in Ontario, Canada. Each academic year participants were intentionally given time over two semesters of literacy courses to engage in literacy practices and knowledge of self through the use of multimodal visual journals. Candidates reflect on their conceptions of literacy, teaching, identity and worldview within an institution grounded in the Christian faith. Findings, philosophical ponderings and content analysis suggest that the identity …

Letter From The Editors, Scot Headley, Susanna Thornhill, Jennie Harrop, Thomas D. Buchanan

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

From The Editors, Sean Schat, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Teach Like A Disciple, Kenneth Pudlas

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Can Resilience Be Our Teacher Super-Power?, Michelle C. Hughes Dr.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Teaching is courageous work. Today's teachers face heavy workloads and growing emotional responsibilities as K-12 students and families face complicated hurdles and issues such as mental health issues, immigration, and natural disasters. This essay names resilience, grit, and perseverance as essential dispositions needed to tackle the daily hurdles and unexpected circumstances found in the classroom and pre-service teacher preparation. The author’s reflections lead to practical recommendations with the intention to nurture and cultivate resilience in teachers and school communities.

Urban-Focused And Community-Based Teacher Preparation, John R. Walcott

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Existing challenges in many urban schools have led to an increased emphasis on urban-focused teacher preparation. While this work can be demanding and complex, many Christian teacher education programs desire to engage in this work as part of their efforts to prepare their teacher candidates to teach all students and to promote more equitable educational opportunities in urban communities. In this article, the author reviews the literature on effective urban teacher preparation and then discusses the potential for collaboration with local schools and communities to support this work in Christian teacher education programs. The author argues that authentic engagement with …

Guest Editorial, Karen S. Buchanan, Thomas D. Buchanan

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This special issue, Volume 14, Issue 2, features both new essays and reprints of pieces from past issues that are relevant to the theme of preparing teacher candidates to work effectively with families and communities. It offers each of us the opportunity to re-imagine the way we prepare our pre-service candidates for the challenges of today’s classrooms.

Bible Theory Or Biblical Living: What Are Christian Schools Providing For Families With Children With Special Needs?, A.Y. "Fred" Ramirez, Melissa Stymeist

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Private Christian elementary and secondary schools, along with Bible training and Bible exercises, have been a part of the United States and international community since the 1800s. This article examines these questions: (1) What Biblically-based principles are in evidence in Christian schools’ treatment of children with special needs; and (2) how do Christian schools work with the parents of these children. Results from the Christian schools that participated in this study indicate although that they were attending to their children with special needs, these schools may actually be missing many more students who are in need of services.

This is …

Towards More Inclusive Schools: An Application Of Hospitality In Parental Involvement, Yvette Latunde

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Parental involvement is a key factor in student success, yet schools struggle with effectively engaging diverse families in the education of school-age students. This article proposes a model of hospitality as a flexible framework for parental engagement. In this model, schools build safe and trusting environments by attending to physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual spaces for parent involvement, integrating inclusion and embrace of differences. The author examines literature on the historical and theological concepts of Christian hospitality—primarily Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Volf’s theory of exclusion and embrace, and Pohl’s reminder of hospitality as a Christian tradition—and explains how practicing hospitality …