As mentioned in my previous article (February 2009 Christian School Teacher), an English language learner's first language plays an integral role when accessing prior knowledge and background information.  An international student possesses the same conceptual knowledge as any other student in areas such as science, math, and social sciences.  Since the students cannot communicate their knowledge, teachers will have to provide ways for the international student to access that prior knowledge. Read more.

We live in a world of international movement - a time where it is quite easy to travel from one place to another, and where our schools can send and receive visitors to and from many different parts of the world. For many of our Christian schools, this has led to inviting international students to come to our communities, live and learn with us. But what comes after the invitation? How can we as Christian educators provide the best education for our students, both local and from 'far away?' Read more.

What energizes me when I'm wondering whether teaching is worth the effort? Finding out that students are learning significant things in my class. So, I arrange to get a big dose of encouragement every time I give a test.

The last question on every test is "What is something significant you learned this unit that you have not yet had an opportunity to show on this test?" It's worth 1-3 points, whatever I need to round out the score. I actually look forward with great anticipation to grading tests just to be able to read answers to this question! Read more.

Why the Rate My Teachers website is a product of the education system itself, not a result of its failure.

There has been much panic and publicity about the Rate my Teachers website, and rightly so. A website designed to increase the surveillance of teachers, opening up spaces for the abuse of information and slander without foreseeable consequences. Read more.

She started our first class with a prayer, a prayer that we would become passionate and use the gifts we have to glorify the One who bestowed them upon us. I looked up and she was smiling - it was a contagious smile, an unadulterated smile. For some reason I knew this class would be different. Read more.