The State of the Teaching Profession
The teaching profession appears headed for a crisis. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the number of bachelor’s of education degrees awarded fell from 176,000 in 1971 to only 90,000 in 2021, a 49 percent decrease in 50 years. Of the approximately four million K-12 teachers in the US, about 8 percent (320,000) leave the profession annually. A quick subtraction equation yields a stark reality: each year far more teachers leave the profession than enter it.
Faith and Science Are Not at Odds
Science classrooms can often be intimidating places full of beakers, test tubes, numbers, graphs, data tables, and the like. One can easily be overwhelmed by such seemingly daunting instruments and figures. However, when examining the evidence closely, there’s unexpected Truth to be found lying just beneath the surface, if one knows how to look for it.
Move Mountains
An alumnus asked me at our recent Homecoming Alumni Dinner if I ever imagined in 1976 the amazing campus Mount Paran Christian School has become almost 50 years after the school’s inception. The 1988 alumnus, representing our first graduating class, commented on the vast programs, the beautiful campus and buildings, and the record enrollment after briefly reflecting on our humble beginnings. “Did you ever see all of this in our future?” he asked me. Clearly, the answer was "no."
Motivated by School Mission
It is logical for confusion to exist when those of us in K-12 Christian education begin to define ourselves. It should be simple and straightforward, right? Well, not exactly. The many Christian schools that exist across the American landscape do share a common goal: we are colleagues who have embraced a calling to academic excellence in an environment that honors Christ preeminently. I have discovered none who refutes this. These two aspirational goals stand as the cornerstones and foundations on which Christian education has been built.
Living Biblically: What's Your Word of the Year?
Each January, as we turn the page on the calendar to a new year, along comes New Year's resolutions - a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad on the first day of the year. Of course, a new year's resolution can be great! But, all too often, what starts off as a great idea can end up feeling rigid and restrictive and is ultimately ditched after a few months. Instead, consider a different tactic to help you focus with intentionality this year: choose a word of the year.
What is a Covenant School?
There is something really special about Mount Paran Christian School. Current families and students, as well as alumni and their parents know this well. It’s something you feel when you’re on campus. Something you see in your children when they come home from school. Something almost intangible. I felt it the first time I stepped foot on this campus in 2014, long before I ever envisioned myself as Head of School.
Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God,
and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 10:4-5
No matter one’s age, there comes a time that prescription glasses become a necessary fact of life. Even if you have long had perfect 20/20 vision, eye strength weakens as we get older. We find it more and more difficult to see the small things. And, though we may fight it, wearing glasses can be a help – our view becomes once again crystal clear, sharp and in focus. What a perfect metaphor for the life of a Christian!
Faith and Intellect as One
The motto of Mount Paran Christian school is, “A place where faith and intellect grow as one.” In Latin, it translates to, Fides et intellectus simul unus. It is on our crest, but more importantly, this principle is woven into the fabric of what, how, and why we teach and learn together at MPCS.
Saint Augustine, in the 4th century, was known to have said, “All truth is God’s truth.” Since the beginning, we, at MPCS, have wholeheartedly endorsed this ideal and the theological position that affirms there is and can be no separation of the sacred and the secular in life and learning. In other words, we believe in the immersion of biblical understanding and truth in all we do and in all we study.
3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools
Why do I believe so strongly in Christian education, and particularly in independent Christian schooling? There are numerous reasons, starting with my perspective on education in general, specifically, K-12 education. Beyond that, the benefits of an independent Christian education for today’s learners are eternal.
Student Mentoring Made Meaningful
As parents, we are constantly teaching our children, modeling behavior, and doing our best to help shape them into responsible Christian citizens. We take them to church, Sunday school, youth groups, and summer camps. We enroll them in arts, clubs, and sports teams, looking for teachable moments at every turn. We pray they develop relationships with role-models that develop their character. How can we ensure that our children are being influenced by godly people that will help to “train up a child in the way he should go?”
Day Care vs. MPCS Preschool: What's the Difference?
CO-WRITTEN BY SHAUNDA BROOKS AND SUSAN LATON
Inside the quaint and cozy Sewell Cottage at Mount Paran Christian School, the preschool staff works enthusiastically to provide an exemplary instructional program which sets MPCS students up for success as they advance to kindergarten. We are often asked how MPCS preschool differs from other early-childhood programs offered in the community.
Glowing for God
Matthew 5:14 — “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
In the classroom, on the field, during lunch, and in the quiet moments in between, special things are happening at Mount Paran Christian School. There is more to the school day than just science labs and math facts.
Girls in the fifth grade took the initiative to participate in a Bible study during lunch on Thursdays with the lower school counselor. One student, Peyton E., expressed a desire to study the book of Ruth with her classmates. Teachers obliged and have encouraged the girls to engage in the study in addition to their academic load. What has followed has led to fruitful discussions and a sweet time of fellowship for these tweens.
Why WHY Matters
In supporting the learning of our young people, it is instructive for parents and educators to take a moment and think back to their youth. When reflecting upon when they were young children, many people will likely recall the vast and varied things in which they were interested — some of them random, some of them comical, and some of them remarkably deep in their quest for knowing more. Many will likely recall asking a lot of questions that started with why? Why this mommy? Why this daddy? Why, Why, Why! In other words, when most people reflect on their early years, they likely recall being extremely curious, almost insatiably so.
WingTips
Welcome to WingTips, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders.
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Recent Posts
Learn More About MPCS
Recommended Series
PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER:
- How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families
- 5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition
- What Families Should Expect
- 2 Most Important This to Consider When Choosing a Preschool
- 4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life
- 3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools
- 7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education
- 4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School
- How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family
PARENTEd. TALKS:
- Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success
- Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility
- Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
- Excelling in the Midst of Adversity
- 3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media
- The Blessing of a B Minus
- Real Talk for Moms
COLLEGE SERIES:
- Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling
- ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions
- To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question
FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK:
- The Importance of Play
- What Families Should Expect
- Play is Learning Through the Arts
- 4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students
CHRISTIAN LIFE:
- What is a Covenant School?
- Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview
- Faith and Intellect as One
- Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture
- Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness
- A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today
- CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?
- Campaign for CommUNITY
- How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture
- Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters
Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.
The State of the Teaching Profession - 09/09/2024
The teaching profession appears headed for a crisis. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the number of bachelor’s of education degrees awarded fell from...
Faith and Science Are Not at Odds - 12/11/2023
Science classrooms can often be intimidating places full of beakers, test tubes, numbers, graphs, data tables, and the like. One can easily be overwhelmed by such seemingly...
Move Mountains - 11/28/2023
An alumnus asked me at our recent Homecoming Alumni Dinner if I ever imagined in 1976 the amazing campus Mount Paran Christian School has become almost 50 years after the school’s...
Motivated by School Mission - 10/10/2023
It is logical for confusion to exist when those of us in K-12 Christian education begin to define ourselves. It should be simple and straightforward, right? Well, not exactly. The...
Living Biblically: What's Your Word of the Year? - 01/26/2023
Each January, as we turn the page on the calendar to a new year, along comes New Year's resolutions - a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop...
What is a Covenant School? - 01/12/2023
There is something really special about Mount Paran Christian School. Current families and students, as well as alumni and their parents know this well. It’s something you feel...
Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview - 12/14/2022
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of...
Faith and Intellect as One - 12/01/2022
The motto of Mount Paran Christian school is, “A place where faith and intellect grow as one.” In Latin, it translates to, Fides et intellectus simul unus. It is on our crest, but...
3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools - 01/06/2022
Why do I believe so strongly in Christian education, and particularly in independent Christian schooling? There are numerous reasons, starting with my perspective on education in...
Student Mentoring Made Meaningful - 03/15/2017
As parents, we are constantly teaching our children, modeling behavior, and doing our best to help shape them into responsible Christian citizens. We take them to church, Sunday...
Day Care vs. MPCS Preschool: What's the Difference? - 03/07/2017
CO-WRITTEN BY SHAUNDA BROOKS AND SUSAN LATON
Inside the quaint and cozy Sewell Cottage at Mount Paran Christian School, the preschool staff works enthusiastically to provide an...
Glowing for God - 02/14/2017
Matthew 5:14 — “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
In the classroom, on the field, during lunch, and in the quiet moments in between,...
Why WHY Matters - 02/08/2017
In supporting the learning of our young people, it is instructive for parents and educators to take a moment and think back to their youth. When reflecting upon when they were...
WINGTIPS
Welcome to WingTips, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders.
Recommended Series
PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER:
- How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families
- 5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition
- What Families Should Expect
- 2 Most Important This to Consider When Choosing a Preschool
- 4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life
- 3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools
- 7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education
- 4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School
- How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family
PARENTEd. TALKS:
- Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success
- Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility
- Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
- Excelling in the Midst of Adversity
- 3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media
- The Blessing of a B Minus
- Real Talk for Moms
COLLEGE SERIES:
- Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling
- ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions
- To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question
FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK:
- The Importance of Play
- What Families Should Expect
- Play is Learning Through the Arts
- 4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students
CHRISTIAN LIFE:
- What is a Covenant School?
- Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview
- Faith and Intellect as One
- Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture
- Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness
- A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today
- CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?
- Campaign for CommUNITY
- How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture
- Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters
Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.
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