Faithful Education
Themes and Values for Teaching, Learning, and Leading
Edited by Amy Lynn Dee and Gary Tiffin
Foreword by Patrick Allen
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
This book presents nine biblical themes in essays authored by veteran educators who surprise and affirm readers with personal accounts of how these themes shaped their practice in education. Culture, faith, and praxis often inform one another, and in an era of increased scrutiny and criticism of education, educators hold tremendous power in shaping the education of students by incorporating these values into daily practice. A cycle of improvement follows purposeful attention to biblical principles, and provides educators with the means to reclaim and reshape our profession.
When teachers are willing to examine their practice in light of biblical themes and values, learning becomes meaningful and lasting. Often that learning goes beyond the formal educational process. Educators serve as role models, and the experiences we provide for our students shape who they become and how they view life. A faithful educator encourages positive dispositions of the heart, mind, and spirit. The charge and responsibility of developing the hearts, minds, and spirits of those who enter our classrooms, and the magnitude of the call to teach these students, requires faithful recognition of these biblical themes.
Amy Lynn Dee is Assistant Professor at George Fox University. A former K-6 teacher, instructional specialist, middle school administrator, and Director of Christian Education, Dee now serves the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Fox as Director of Curriculum and Assessment, and the GFU School of Education as NCATE Coordinator.
Gary Tiffin currently teaches in and directs the Doctor of Education program at George Fox University. His forty-three-year career in Christian higher education has included many years teaching history and social science courses, and serving as chief academic officer of two universities.
"These engaging [essays] encapsulate the essence of excellent teaching; and the reader experiences how implementation of biblical values equates excellent teaching. This book offers answers to Christian teachers on how to integrate faith and learning in day-to-day experiences as they communicate and live their lives before students."
--Janet Arndt, Director of Graduate Education, Gordon College
"This insightful and faith-challenging book is not designed for a quick read, but a thoughtful self-assessment, and more appropriately, a group discussion with colleagues. Each chapter is divided into sections that close with discussion questions . . . about public and private K-12 classrooms and the Christian university setting, preparing adults to work in that system."
--Gary Railsback, Former Dean of the School of Education, Point Loma Nazarene University
"Profoundly reflective, Faithful Education probes faith in praxis and challenges faithful teachers to transform their daily work based on scriptural truth. Immediately useful and engaging, the very essence of Christian teaching is captured to guide and encourage an intense educational climate. Christian educators have been yearning for such a vivid reference that grounds the very core of faithful presence in the classroom."
--Janine F. Allen, Dean of Education and Counseling, Corban University
"If you're like me, you have been searching for a book on faith integration that is appropriate for both the seasoned educator as well as the beginning teacher. Here it is. I enjoyed reading Faithful Teaching, and I endorse it for you if you are answering a call to teach and wondering, 'Now what?' Or, maybe you know what's next. Either way, you won't want to stop reading this book!"
--Ivy Yee-Sakamoto, Professor of Teacher Education, Azusa Pacific University
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