The Trauma-Informed Educator: Helping Students and Caring for Yourself
By Kylene Dalton-Koons and Brad VanDenend In schools these days, there is a lot of talk about trauma—and for good reason. According […]
Using a Multi-tiered Approach to Support the Social-Emotional Development of All Students
One of my favorite courses to teach in my role as a school counselor educator is social-emotional development. It’s not that other […]
Smiles at Graduation: A Student Assistance Program Story
The fellowship hall at my church was the last place I expected to be one Sunday night several years ago. We were […]
A Soft Answer
Take one apprehensive student-teacher in 1963, bred and raised in the almost all-white, at the time, Christian day-school system in Grand Rapids, […]
Spiritual Humility: Learning to Manage While Managing to Learn
Many people experience a defining moment that shapes what they will become. While I was teaching at an urban alternative high school, […]
To Expel, or Not to Expel—That Is the Question
Teachers and administrators in Christian schools face any number of issues that make teaching very difficult. In my experience, one issue is […]
Beyond Control
Bandstra, Alan. Beyond Control: Heart-Centered Classroom Climate and Discipline. Sioux Center, IA: Dordt College Press, 2014. “Finally, the spirit behind our actions […]
A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing: A Reading Lesson
“We will do anything to keep the wolves of insignificance from our door.” —Saul Bellow His name was Charlie. He was a […]
Teaching to Justice, Citizenship, and Civic Virtue
I have benefitted from the writing and teaching Calvin education professor emerita Gloria Stronks for many years. She has written a number […]
Shepherding a Child’s Heart
If you ask someone why they became a teacher, it is doubtful that anyone would answer with: “I just love disciplining children.” […]