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Why and How to Lead a Lifelong-Impact School
Dr. Gene Frost, Executive Director I Wheaton Academy Foundation
Christian schooling is entering a “third wave” of contemporary American history. Our schools can have tremendous impact on our students, their families, and the life of the church. Come hear how your school can catch that wave by implementing practical steps in your leadership and planning.
Case Studies Workshop for Heads of School
Steve Bult, Head of School I Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
Lessons are often learned from making mistakes or from trial and error. Sometimes, the best way to keep from making painful mistakes as leaders is to learn from another leader. Steve Bult has served for approximately 25 years in school leadership as assistant principal, principal, and head of school. In this session, Steve will facilitate the group through various scenarios he and other heads of school have faced and workshop the learnings in responding and managing through the result. This session will be especially helpful for all heads of school.
Hope is Not a Strategy: A Path to Your New Strategic Plan
Dr. Brad Schultz, Head of School I Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, TN
Where are you? Where are you going? How will you get there? In this session, you will leave equipped to: (1) establish a common language with which to understand strategic planning as it relates to your learning organization; (2) craft a SOAR analysis. (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results); (3) develop the elements of a strategic plan including vision, mission, values, goals, strategies, tactics, and measures; (4) create monitoring and reporting processes aligned with your strategic plan; (5) effectively communicate the value and steps of your plan to stakeholders; and (6) conduct a planning conversation with your team and key stakeholders, using the provided concepts, tools, and frameworks.
Culture: How do you analyze what you have and build what you need?
Phil Strzalka, Executive Director I Wheaton Academy Institute
Organizations are people driven. At the same time, most Christian schools fail to achieve their strategic and operational priorities each year. In this session, Phil will discuss the impact of culture on an organization’s ability to successfully achieve desired outcomes. He will show you how to evaluate your current culture, define your desired culture, and determine what it takes to change it. Participants will begin to analyze their school’s beliefs, behaviors, and norms. They will then consider behavior enablers, artifacts, and nudges toward their own desired culture.
Developing Leaders and Teams that Thrive
Kori Hockett, Principal | Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
In this season of intense pressure for those who lead, the need for leadership training has never been more significant. In this session, we will discuss how to identify and develop individual leaders, how to build trust within an effective leadership team, and how to cultivate unity in Christ by leveraging the different backgrounds, perspectives, and gifts our school leaders bring to the table.
Independent, But Not Alone: How Networked Christian School Communities Can Expand Your Mission
For too long, Christian schools have operated in isolation. We are invigorated by conversations with like-minded peers in affinity groups at our conferences, but when we leave, we go back to our islands, each facing similar challenges but meeting those challenges alone. Imagine a networked community that extends that conference feel into our day-to-day, where we’re never alone but engaged in a vibrant community of Christian school peers – going beyond just a sharing of ideas, but an active sharing of resources to exponentially expand our shared mission in this Third Wave of Christian Education.
Independent, But Not Alone: The Impact of Networked Christian School Communities on Your Mission – A Case Study
Dr. Lindsey Judd, President I Ezell-Harding Christian School, Antioch, TN,
“One of the best two or three decisions this Board has made in the last 20+ years is entering into meaningful partnership within our networked Christian school community; without it, I’m not sure that we would be experiencing the same success,” said Clint McCain, Board Chair of Ezell-Harding Christian School.
Within this session, we explore through a case study format how Ezell-Harding Christian School utilized partnerships within its networked Christian school community to resurrect itself – turning a 20-year 65% enrollment decline into 37% enrollment growth over the most recent two years, while also more than tripling fundraising capacity. From strategic finance and accounting to fundraising and marketing, learn how this school’s embrace of partnerships within its networked community allowed it to exponentially expand its mission, in spite of significant internal resource constraints.
The 3rd Wave Christian School Leader: Winning the Battle of Performance Over Hurry
Bill Simmer, Consultant & Executive Coach I Christian School Management
When asked what one bit of advice he would give to those who want to grow in Christ, Dallas Willard’s famous response was “the ruthless elimination of hurry.” C.S. Lewis said that “only lazy people are busy.” God made the world in six days and then … wait for it … rested. Jesus famously said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Our approach to time significantly undercuts our effectiveness. Most Christian school leaders approach TIME from a worldly, secular perspective and are not even aware of it! We “hurry” and slowly undermine our performance, our judgment, our health, our relationships, and if we aren’t careful, ourselves. Come join CSM Senior Consultant & Executive Coach Bill Simmer as we discuss flourishing in the context of God’s time vs. your hurry.
Free-Range Teachers: Transforming the Classroom from Apathy to Action
Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders and author
As teachers, we want our students to learn as much as possible. The problem is, our classrooms, courses and curriculum often lead today’s students to be less engaged. Out-dated teaching styles promote engagement and ownership (commonly called “metacognition”) in the teachers, not the students. While we work hard to create a great experience, most students sit back and wait for us, their teachers, to simplify the material and make it easy for them to digest it. It’s time for a new strategy, one that encourages action, rather than apathy. In this session, attendees will learn the power of metacognition, and gain practical ideas for how to implement the principles of metacognition in the classroom.
AI and the Future of Education: Leveraging OpenAI’s tools in Schools
Artificial Intelligence has already revolutionized various industries. The next step for it is education. OpenAI’s tools provide both challenges and opportunities in the classroom. How can teachers leverage these tools to best educate students, and how can administrators respond to these new technologies? During our time together, we’ll discuss both how technologies like ChatGPT-3 work as well as how teachers can tangibly use it and other tools like it in the classroom.
Imagine the Community Wellness Impact of SEL
What does it look like to address the wellness of the whole school community through strategic social, emotional learning practices and processes? This workshop will unpack specific school practices that address the social and emotional facets of the learning environment while equipping staff, faculty, students, and parents to promote a healthy culture and thriving community. We will discuss the benefits of a school social worker and utilize resources from the CASEL Organization (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning).
Onboarding Living Curriculum New Hires: Setting Up People For Success
Betsey Doebler, Associate Director of Human Resources | Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
Finding the best candidates for positions in your organization is only part of building an effective team. The process of recruiting and onboarding new Living Curriculum faculty and staff can be one of the most critical factors in ensuring recently hired talent will be productive and flourish in their ministry and aligned with the school’s mission. In this session, we’ll discuss practical ways to implement a successful pre-boarding, onboarding, and ongoing orientation to support the new Living Curriculum employee.
Developing Teachers – Your Most Important Resource
Kori Hockett, Principal | Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
As principals, upper and lower school heads, academic leaders, and department heads, one of our most critical roles is how we coach, develop, and provide feedback for our teachers. This involves having clear expectations that reflect the philosophy of what outstanding teaching and learning looks like for your school. However, it isn’t that simple. As we work with teachers from various generations, our approaches must be grounded in excellent pedagogy and a relational approach grounded in an individual knowledge of each teacher’s strengths and weaknesses. Through this case study, we will be able to discuss and collaborate with how to navigate this critical role for educational leaders.
Developing Enduring Learning Outcomes (ELO) that Equip Students for a Life of Impact
What makes learning outcomes viable and enduring? How do we know if what we teach equips students for lifelong learning, not just successful movement to the next grade? This workshop will integrate ESOs (expected students’ outcomes) with ELOs (enduring learning outcomes), examining skill and concept development for higher critical thinking and lasting life impact.
The High Impact School: Children Owning Their Own Education
Simon Jeynes, Executive Director I Christian School Management
Lifelong impact for a child means a different paradigm. If EVERY child must be a creative critical thinker with a biblical worldview who is able to defend their faith at college and into life, they will need a different training than the one that is currently emptying our churches. We must move from the adults in the building owning the child’s education TO the child owning their own education. Leave this time together with a clear set of actions that will move each child to a radical ownership of faith, values, character, temperament, skills, and knowledge that will take them through life.
The State of Bible Teaching in Our Schools – And Why it Must Improve!
Dr. D. Bruce Lockerbie, Chairman | PAIDEIA, Inc.
It is difficult to recruit and retain good Bible teachers to our schools. Too often, Bible class is the least favored course in the typical Christian school curriculum because it is taught by the least trained, most unequipped, and least innovative members of the faculty. Let’s tell the truth about how schools are teaching the Bible! However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s talk about how to end the poor way our schools are teaching the Bible. We need engaging and innovative curriculum to catch the next wave and win the hearts and minds of our students.
One Step at a Time – A Map to a Successful Advancement Program
Matt Davidson, Superintendent I Timothy Christian Schools, Elmhurst, IL
Christian education is more important today than ever before, and the demands on Christian school leaders have never been greater. It is Matt Davidson’s conviction that there is nothing of higher importance happening in the world today than Christian education. Our youth need Jesus, and the Christian school is one of the last bastions of Truth for our young people today. Consequently, Davidson is committed to helping Christian schools win. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through advancement – volunteerism and donor relations. Matt Davidson has developed an outline, a map, to help guide Christian school leaders in building teams and rallying their communities behind the mission.
In this session, Davidson will provide some basic and highly practical guidance to help your school in its advancement efforts. Join him in this session and walk together through the steps of a successful advancement program.
Measuring & Improving School Impact: Survey Best Practices
Clint Holden, Director I The SchoolRIGHT Group
Data-based decision making is not only wise, but critical when considering how to lead a school toward maximum impact. Well-conducted surveys provide valuable insights that can inform strategic planning, evaluate program effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement. Learn how reliable survey data can drive impactful change and improve educational outcomes for your school community.
He Said, She Said: Learn to Build a Network of Parent Ambassadors and Promote Word of Mouth Marketing
Sally Strzalka, Parent Ambassador Coordinator | Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
How harnessing the power of word-of-mouth marketing through an ambassador network can attract prospective families to your school and transform the customer experience for your newly enrolled families.
Know Your Funnel
Brittany Klenke, Vice Principal for Enrollment I Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
A key to a healthy school is developing a healthy enrollment funnel. In this session, we will talk about strategies to not only increase your funnel of students, but also utilize the information you learn about these potential students. We will discuss how to best maximize your data, consider personas, customize messaging, and set metrics to help your school’s enrollment!
Finding the 3rd Wave of Leadership Donors
Simon Jeynes, Executive Director I Christian School Management
As we look at the state of philanthropy in our schools, many of us are doing very well. As our enrollment rises, campaigns are planned, and the future is strategically envisioned, boards and school leaders must ask where the next generation of leadership donors is coming from. Our donors are from a generation that thinks differently about money. They are from churches that are not full of families attending the school. When they are gone… Thinking about 3rd Wave means also taking stock of the support we will need. Leave this time together with clear action items to build an even stronger culture of philanthropy that can take you through the next forty years.
Welcoming the 3rd Wave: Christian Inclusion and Organizational Sustainability
Bill Simmer, Consultant & Executive Coach I Christian School Management
Christian schools across the nation have seen enrollments surge. But with this Kingdom opportunity have come challenges. How do we provide financial aid for those in need, while simultaneously ensuring the financial sustainability of our schools? How do we include all of God’s people and connect that to best enrollment practices? How do we approach our school’s finances and tuition wisely, empowering us to honor our teachers and provide exemplary mission outcomes in the life of each child? Let’s ensure that the 3rd Wave is continued for another decade! Join CSM Senior Consultant Bill Simmer as we discuss strategies to ride this third wave like a seasoned surfer!
Space Matters: Delivering your Mission through a Well-Designed Facility
Peter Baldwin, Owner/Principal | AMDG Architects
Todd Palmer, Senior Architect + Disciplines Leader | AMDG Architects
When it comes to being an impact school, space matters. Designed well, physical environment can amplify learning and instruction. It can enhance community and significantly alter the trajectory of how you’re able to deliver your mission. Alongside his team, Peter Baldwin, Owner and Principal of AMDG Architects, has developed best practices for successfully improving facilities. He will share the ways a well-designed facility can reflect mission and transform your impact on the community you serve.
Free-Range Teachers: Transforming the Classroom from Apathy to Action
Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders and author
As teachers, we want our students to learn as much as possible. The problem is, our classrooms, courses and curriculum often lead today’s students to be less engaged. Out-dated teaching styles promote engagement and ownership (commonly called “metacognition”) in the teachers, not the students. While we work hard to create a great experience, most students sit back and wait for us, their teachers, to simplify the material and make it easy for them to digest it. It’s time for a new strategy, one that encourages action, rather than apathy. In this session, attendees will learn the power of metacognition, and gain practical ideas for how to implement the principles of metacognition in the classroom.
Moving from Teaching to Discipleship: Discipleship Strategies for the Classroom
Doug Franklin, President | LeaderTreks
The promise of Christian schooling is more than just knowledge—it’s discipleship. Join Doug as he takes an intentional look at how to integrate discipleship and education. Learn practical tips and tricks for building meaningful relationships, sharing personal stories, asking intentional questions, helping students make life applications, and holding students accountable.
The State of Bible Teaching in Our Schools – And Why it Must Improve!
Dr. D. Bruce Lockerbie, Chairman | PAIDEIA, Inc.
It is difficult to recruit and retain good Bible teachers to our schools. Too often, Bible class is the least favored course in the typical Christian school curriculum because it is taught by the least trained, most unequipped, and least innovative members of the faculty. Let’s tell the truth about how schools are teaching the Bible! However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s talk about how to end the poor way our schools are teaching the Bible. We need engaging and innovative curriculum to catch the next wave and win the hearts and minds of our students.
Aligning School Mission with Student Life & Student Accountability
Brad Thornton, Vice Principal | Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
Student Belonging and Student Accountability are two concepts on the front of all educators’ minds, especially given the challenges facing all school communities over the past 5 years. This session will encourage examination of your school’s current practices in the areas of Student Life and Student Accountability in light of your school’s mission. The session will offer some practical ideas in both areas that can help transform a school’s culture.
Pray for Me
Doug Franklin, President | LeaderTreks
God has designed his family to experience the generational benefits of being in a relationship with each other. Research shows that intergenerational relationships are a central factor in helping young people flourish in both faith and life. This seminar will explore how schools and families can be intentional in helping young people have the Christ-centered adult relationships they need to flourish in faith and life for a lifetime.
Student Discipline as Discipleship
Brad Thornton, Vice Principal | Wheaton Academy, West Chicago, IL
There are few greater opportunities for discipleship than those moments when students make mistakes, even big mistakes. This session will highlight the opportunities present in student accountability, discuss how to approach sensitive conversations with grace and truth, and offer some practical tools for navigating difficult situations well.
Moving Students from Participants to Leaders
Doug Franklin, President | LeaderTreks
The Leadership Pathway is a tool designed to help you answer the question, “How do I develop leaders in my school?” Join Doug Franklin as he teaches through this simple, practical, and straightforward approach to leadership development that can help you train and equip student leaders, moving them from participants to leaders. You’ll learn five steps that include: Invite, Discover, Equip, Risk, and Sharpen.
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