Curriculum Development track k-8
Cohort Schedule Best Practices for the Christian School ™
impacting early
Explore foundational strategies in K-8 curriculum development and instructional practices that support whole-student growth and engagement. This cohort includes sessions on creating a Christ-centered culture, applying effective teaching practices, and designing engaging lessons. Participants will also learn data-gathering methods for instructional improvement. Take your curriculum to the next level—register today!
Please Note: Sessions for BPI 2025 are still being finalized. The sessions listed below are examples from 2024 and may be subject to change, but they provide a preview of the types of learning experiences you can expect.
2025 sessions
Session #1:
Top 3 Things Before You Can Look at Data (part 1)
Have you wondered how to better meet the needs of all of your learners? In this session we will dive into the top three things that you need to do before you can set up a successful program that can reach multiple levels of students where they need it both academically and behaviorally.
Session #2 :
I’ve got Data…Now What? A deeper dive into data review (part 2)
5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World
Our belief is that each learner is unique, and responsive instruction recognizes and addresses that. Each child is God’s unique creation, and of incredible value as an image bearer of that creator. So this goal of being responsive to the needs of all learners is particularly fitting at a Christian school! In this session, we will discuss how to use data to be responsive to what each child needs.
Session #3:
Curriculum Review Process
Join us as we share some ways that schools can set up a curriculum review plan and facilitate a review process. How can this process be more than just reviewing resources? Within those structures you’ll hear how Timothy Christian has facilitated staff as they integrate a Biblical Worldview and their Discipleship Practices into unit planning in intentional ways.
PRESENTERS
Dr. Brad Mitchell, HS Principal from Timothy Christian School
Session #4:
Ready, Set, Engage!
Wondering how to keep a high level of engagement in classrooms and still cover standards, content and curriculum expectations? Do your staff members feel like they’re just “putting out fires” of behavior during instruction? Starting with an understanding of behavior and a mindset of engagement, this session will provide practical ideas you can share with your staff on the how and why of student engagement.
Session #5:
God’s design through “Agape Sticks”
with guest facilitator Pastor David Seabaugh, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elmhurst
Pastor Seabaugh has written discipleship curricula and presented at other Best Practices Conferences using a method that is perfect for educators to share God’s design for our world and how selfishness breaks it apart. The best thing is it’s done through arrows and stick figures!
Faculty
Laura Groenewold
Director of Educational Support | Timothy Christian School, Elmhurst, IL
🎓 Educational Background
Trinity Christian College — B.A. in Special Education & Elementary Education
Concordia University – M.Ed. in Special Education Leadership
💼 Professional Experience
Laura began her career as a resource room teacher in a high-needs district in Freeport, IL, where she earned the 2013 Illinois Association of Colleges for Teacher Education “Outstanding Beginning Teacher” award. She later co-developed the district’s first-grade ELA curriculum and taught both first and sixth grade. Each role has deepened her passion for engaging students at all levels.
💬 Personal Message
Laura and her husband are grateful for the journey God has led them on, bringing them back to the Chicago suburbs. She looks forward to inspiring students and fostering growth in an environment rooted in learning and faith.
Kris Wise
Director of Teaching and Learning PS-6 | Timothy Christian School, Elmhurst, IL
🎓 Educational Background
North Central College — B.A. in Elementary Education and Language Arts
Northern Illinois University — M.Ed. in Reading
💼 Professional Experience
Kris Wise is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Timothy Christian Schools, bringing over 25 years of experience in education. She began her career teaching 1st and 2nd grades in the Naperville Public Schools. Following God’s call, she transitioned to Christian education and began her career at Timothy Christian as the Advanced Learning Teacher. Moving into administration soon after, Kris has served in a role that oversees curriculum development, instructional practices, MTSS, while working in tandem with the administrative team to support teachers, staff and families in the Timothy community. Serving on accreditation committees, presenting professional development sessions to staff and collaborating with other Christian schools are a few ways that Kris demonstrates leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement in education.
💬 Personal Message
Kris is grateful for the call to Christian education and the opportunity to support teachers as they develop and support students’ growth academically and spiritually. She is passionate about developing curriculum and collaborating with teachers as they integrate a Biblical worldview into their everyday lessons. She enjoys sharing best practices, strengthening relationships with staff and contributing to the growth and development of both staff and students in a faith-based learning environment.
Sue Macaluso
Director of Curriculum and Instruction | Wheaton Christian Grammar School, Winfield, IL
Bio Coming Soon
Lisa Ferguson
MAT | Author, Chicago, IL
For over 25 years, Lisa has dedicated herself to early childhood education with expertise in language and literacy, math development and play. Throughout her career, Lisa has held various roles, including classroom teacher, university instructor, professional development facilitator, instructional coach, and conference presenter. Lisa currently works at the Erikson Institute where she is a professional development content creator and facilitator, supporting early childhood administrators and teachers across the country. She is an author of Bringing Baby Home in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Mayor’s Office, as well as The B.L.E.S.S. Family Resource. She serves on the board of Reach Out and Read Illinois and is a member of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance. Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute and a Master of Arts in Teaching from National-Louis University. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Jon Ferguson, an author and co-founding pastor of Community Christian Church and the New Thing Network.
Dr. Brad Mitchell
High School Principal | Timothy Christian School, Elmhurst, IL
Dr. Brad Mitchell is an experienced educator with over 25 years of experience in the field. He began his career as a mathematics teacher at Naperville North High School, before moving into roles as an Instructional Coordinator, Instructional Support Coach, and Department Chair at various schools. For the past 12 years, he has served as the Principal of Timothy Christian High School, where he has led the school’s transformation to a more student-centered, technology-rich environment with innovative programs like a one-to-one iPad initiative and an Innovation and Design Lab. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Calvin College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kent State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Concordia University Chicago.
Justin Horne
PS-8th Principal | Timothy Christian School, Elmhurst, IL
Justin Horne is the PS-8th grade principal at Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst, Illinois. He has been an educator for 20 years. First as a 4th and 5th grade teacher and then an elementary principal. By God’s grace he’s been part of schools that have all won US Department of Education Blue Ribbons. Justin has Elementary Education and Psychology degrees from University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Masters of Education from Loyola University Chicago. He earned his National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in 2009 and has spoken at various conferences.