TIPPS Teachers In Public/Private Schools

A School Is Asked to Remove "God Bless America" from its website and plaque in office of Alabama School

2011-03-30T19:01:00.002-04:00

In Maplesville Alabama, Maplesville High School has been asked by the foundation, "Freedom from Religion" to remove the statement "God Bless America" from a plaque in the high school office and its website.

According to Theadoris Morris,of the Clanton Advertiser, "The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) mailed a letter this past summer to former Superintendent of Education Keith Moore and Maplesville Principal Maggie Hicks demanding the references to God be removed."

She goes on to share that "The letter, sent from FFRF staff attorney Rebecca Markert, claims the website and plaque violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The letter, dated July 27, 2010, is written on behalf of a “concerned area resident, taxpayer and parent of a Chilton preschool student” and other members of the nonprofit organization.The letter says the First Amendment “prohibits government sponsorship of religious messages” and asked that the references be “removed immediately.”

The school is responding to the letter by seeking legal counsel. They have also switched the saying to "In God We Trust." This according to the school, is posted in Congress and on documents given to the school by Congress.

Christian Educators Association International stands behind Maplesville High School. We hope that level headed thinking will prevail and that the school will be legally permitted to post these slogans.

What do you think? Should the school be permitted to post "God Bless America" or "In God We Trust" on their website and plaques in school buildings? Or, is this a vioation of separation of church and state?

ACLU Questions Bible Distribution at Limestone County Schools in Alabama

2011-03-27T22:26:00.003-04:00

A teacher in Alabama is being accused by the ACLU of handing out Bibles to students. The Superintendent of Schools says that the facts of the accusations are inaccurate and may even be false. These accusations come after a parent claimed staff members were handing out Bibles and promoting creationism. At Blue Springs Elementary School in Athens, Alabama, a table is placed in the hallway where parents can drop off books for students to take and read. A parent dropped off Bibles for the table along with some other books. The ACLU did not take legal action but questioned the legitimacy of the table hosting the Bibles.

The school continues to host the table for books for student reading. They will not remove the books and Bibles. The Bible is an excellent book of literature; the Constitution protects the rights of schools to have Bibles in the library and even a curriculum to learn more about the Bible.

Should Blue Springs Elementary School keep the table where parents can put books such as the Bible in the hallway?

School Reverses Course and Allows Students to Post Ten Commandments on Lockers

2011-03-14T21:26:00.006-04:00

Administrators in Floyd County High School made students take down the Ten Commandments which they posted on their lockers. The students posted the commandments on their lockers as a sign of solidarity with the students at nearby Giles County High School, wehre the district agreed to remove the Ten Commandments after threat of lawsuit according to Liberty Counsel.

Liberty Counsel reports that on February 23, Jacob Agee and other students who are members of the Fellowship of Christian Atheletes posted copies of the Ten Commandments on their assigned lockers. Principal Barry Hollandsworth and Assistant Principal Tony Deibler removed each copy. Liberty Counsel intervened and the school reversed it's decision to remove the Commandments. Liberty counsel argued that students are permitted to put birthday and other wishes on lockers; as a result, students must be permitted to post the Commandments.

Check out the response letter Liberty Counsel received from the Division Superintendent http://www.liberty.edu/media/9980/attachments/ltr_floyd_cty_va_compliance_030811.pdf

Matt Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, stated, "We are very pleased that the students at Floyd County High School can post the Ten Commandments on their lockers. I applaud school officials for doing the right thing, and I am especially proud of the students. There is a crucial difference between government speech endorsing religion and student speech endorsing religion. While a school prohibit all stickers on student lockers, school officials cannot selectively discriminate against religous viewpoints, while allowing other secular viewpoints."

We at Christian Educators are grateful that the students contacted Liberty Counsel. We have partnered with Liberty Counsel on many school/religious rights issues. Comment and let us know what you think about this school case. Find out more abotu Christian Educators at www.ceai.org

Principal Violates Student Principles at New Mexico School

2011-03-06T14:20:00.000-05:00

Students at a public school handed out plastic models of babies at 12 weeks gestation to bring attention to the life of the unborn. When the plastic babies were handed out school officials said “It’s time to shut this down. Some people are getting offended.” That morning, one student had decided to take her own life because of her past decision to abort. When she received a model baby with the scripture “you are fearfully and wonderfully made” she cried and prayed with the students and her life was saved. However, the students were then pulled out of class and instructed by Principal Ruben Bolaños to cease their “Christian” acts because they had made their point. Visit my website and click on news to learn more about this case or call us tollfree for a free copy of The Bible in Public schools.

This article was given courtesy of Liberty Counsel: Find the full article at http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14100&PRID=950

Should the Ten Commandments Hang in our Public Schools?

2011-02-12T22:54:00.003-05:00

In Giles County Schools in Virginia, the Ten Commandments were taken down after the Freedom From Religion Foundation asked the Superintendent Terry Arbogast to take them down. He agreed to remove the Ten Commandments from the school at least until a protest of at least 200 parents showed up for a school board meeting. The parents demanded the Commandments be placed back on the wall next to the Preamble to the Constitution. The School Board voted unanimously to rehang the Commandments in the school. Groups like the ACLU vow to fight this one out in court.

What do you think? Was the school right in putting the Ten Commandments back on the school wall or was this a violation of the Separation of Church and State?

Check out the complete article at http://www.roanoke.com/274594

Va. School Principal Rebuked Over ‘Candid’ Response to New Christian Club

2011-01-01T23:40:00.002-05:00

According to Lawrence Jones of the Christian Post, A middle school principal who sought to avoid controversy over the formation of a Christian club on campus created some when he sent an e-mail to his staff warning them against supporting or participating in religious activities while they are involved with students.
In the e-mail, Curtis wrote that teachers can’t participate in the Christian club and that they would face termination if they did. Thankfully, the Rutherford Institute got involved and the principal was rebuked. Visit my website to read the email the principal sent. This principal is clearly wrong on the law, call us today at Christian Educators toll free and we will send you a free copy of A Teachers Guide to Religion in the public schools. Teachers don’t shed their religious rights at the schoolhouse door.
Check out the full article from the Christian Post at http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100902/school-principal-warned-against-creating-hostile-environment-toward-religion/

Principal Retaliates Against Christians and Suspends Them for Giving Teachers Fresh Doughnuts

2011-01-01T23:39:00.000-05:00

A New Mexico School principal has retaliated against three Christian students by suspending them for giving fresh Krispy Kreme Doughnuts with Bible verses to each of their teachers. About 25 Christian students in the group, Relentless in Roswell, expressed appreciation for their teachers by giving them doughnuts. When the doughnuts were handed out, a scripture verse was included. One student was immediately sent home and two others were forced to spend a Saturday morning sitting alone in the classroom for four hours as a punishment. Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, commented: “Some teachers are worried about their students giving them bullets, and this school suspends students over a Bible verse! is outrageous that the Roswell school officials are mean to these students solely because they are hostile to their Christian faith.”
Courtesy of Liberty Counsel – You find the complete article at http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14102&AlertID=1175

Is your child getting bullied in your own home?

2011-01-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

If your child was being bullied at the playground, would you expect a teacher to stop the harassment? I’m sure you answered yes, but why do parents many times not intervene when the bullying is going on through the computer right in their own home. Cyber bullying is a huge problem; a recent report suggest that 40% of teens have been bullied online. However, only 10% generally tell their parents. Check out these tips to prevent cyber bullying in your home.

Closely monitor your child’s internet usage
Talk with your kids about appropriate online use
Limit or restrict chatting, IM’ing, and texting,
Check out my website for a list of resources to prevent cyber bullying in your home at www.4tipps.com
Email me today and I will send you a list of the top ten tips to prevent cyber bullying.

CEAI on Revelations

2010-02-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

Pastor Chuck interviewed members of Christian Educators for a 7 minute showcase of the association. This will be aired on national television to thousands of viewers. We are grateful for this opportunity to share the vision of the ministry.

CEAI Intervenes on Prayer Case in Florida

2009-12-13T16:49:00.002-05:00

It is encouraging to know that Christian Educators is intervening on behalf of teachers in Santa Rosa County School District and their religious rights in school. Please pray for Christian Educators and Liberty Counsel as they take on Goliath, the ACLU is fighting to keep CEAI out of this case. This court case has major implications for educator religious rights throughout the country. This case may be a watermark for Christians in public schools.

This case may open the avenue for the ACLU to explore limiting the rights of religion in schools for educators, students, and parents in schools throughout our great land. Kudos to Finn Laursen, Executive Director of CEAI, for making a stand against this formidable foe. The thousands of members of Christian Educators have been alerted to pray for this case through emails, newsletters, and mailings.

Let us know what you think about this case and a teachers religious rights in school. Comment on the case or be sure to show your support by praying.

School Gives Christmas a Cold Shoulder

2009-12-12T12:16:00.002-05:00

This excerpt is from Liberty Counsel
East Syracuse, NY – In the Minoa School District, parents received a letter from their school with strict limits that essentially ban all things Christmas from the school’s program. The letter reads, “Programs that involve singular traditions may take place but such celebrations must be voluntary, occur outside of regular hours, and not be sponsored by the school district.”

Patti Puma, a parent with four children in the school district, approached Deputy Superintendent Dr. Thomas Neveldine about this new restriction. Dr. Neveldine told her that Santa Claus was no longer allowed on campus because he originated from the story about St. Nicholas. Thus, according to the Deputy Superintendent, nothing with any hint of Christianity is permissible to celebrate Christmas, even if the symbol has a decidedly secular meaning today.

On Monday, concerned parents and citizens will address the local school board. A growing group of parents are fighting against these ridiculous restrictions. A petition has been started that requests the return of Christmas celebrations. Dr. Neveldine can be reached by calling 315-434-3006.

Liberty Counsel has joined with Christian Educators Association International in the seventh annual Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign, a campaign that is designed to educate and, if necessary, litigate to make sure religious viewpoints regarding Christmas are not censored. Liberty Counsel has legal memos that address the law regarding this issue on its website at www.LC.org. Liberty Counsel also has its “Naughty & Nice” list, which overviews retailers that acknowledge Christmas and those that do not.

Mathew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “Perhaps educators ought to check out the name of the holiday they enjoy on December 25. Wouldn’t someone with a little common sense understand its okay to celebrate both the secular and religious aspects of Christmas? Censoring only the religious viewpoint of Christmas, or pretending like Christmas does not exist, reveals hostility toward religion, which the Constitution forbids.”

Santa Rosa Press Release from Liberty Counsel

2009-12-06T17:40:00.003-05:00

The following post is from Liberty Counsel's Press Release on the Santa Rosa Case

Pensacola, FL – Trial testimony concluded this week in which Christian Educators Association International (CEAI) is seeking to intervene to overturn an ACLU court order that has already resulted in three school officials being charged with contempt. Liberty Counsel represents CEAI. Testimony revealed how this order has literally driven Christians to hide in closets to pray in order to avoid contempt charges.

In August, Liberty Counsel successfully defended Michelle Winkler, a clerical assistant, from contempt charges brought by the ACLU after her husband, who is not employed by the Santa Rosa County School District, offered a meal prayer at a privately sponsored event in a neighboring county. On Constitution Day, Liberty Counsel successfully defended Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman against criminal contempt charges, after the ACLU complained when Freeman offered a 15-second blessing for a lunch meal for about 20 adults with no students present.

CEAI is seeking to intervene to protect the rights of District employees. Under the order crafted by the ACLU, school officials are considered to be acting in their “official capacity” whenever they attend a “school event,” which the order describes as any event “approved” by the a school official. These include events during the day, including breaks, after-school events on or off campus, and privately sponsored events held on campus. A “school event” also includes a private group renting the school facilities if the “primary attendees” are students, such as the Scouts and Good News Clubs. At “school events,” “communication with a deity” is prohibited. “School officials” cannot even show agreement with anyone “communicating with a deity,” such as “bowing the head” or “folding hands.” “School officials” must also prohibit “third-parties” from praying, and must ban prayer from privately sponsored meetings of Good News Clubs or similar groups, including privately sponsored baccalaureate services.

During testimony, Michelle Winkler broke down on the witness stand when she described how a coworker sought comfort from her after losing her two-year-old child. The two hid behind a closet door to pray, for fear they would be seen and held in contempt of the court order. Denise Gibson, an elementary teacher for 20 years, testified the order forces her to tell parents she cannot respond if they talk about church or their faith. She may not even respond to an email from a parent if it contains a Scripture verse or “God bless you.” Instead, the District requires her to open a separate email to respond rather than hit “reply,” in order to eliminate any trace of religious language.

Mathew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “The court order crafted by the ACLU takes my breath away. I am embarrassed for our country, knowing that school employees in Santa Rosa County are hiding in closets to pray out of fear they may be hauled into court by the ACLU. We intend to restore religious freedom to Santa Rosa County. We will not allow the ACLU to criminalize Christianity.”

ACLU Court Order Forces Christians Into the Closet at Santa Rosa County Schools

2009-12-06T17:39:00.002-05:00

Testimony concluded this week in the trial in which Christian Educators Association International (“CEAI”) is seeking to protect the rights of Santa Rosa School District employees by intervening in a case with the goal of overturning an ACLU court order that has already resulted in three school officials being charged with contempt.

Liberty Counsel represents CEAI. Under the order crafted by the ACLU, school officials are considered to be acting in their “official capacity” during a “school event.” At “school events,” “communication with a deity” is prohibited. “School officials” cannot even show agreement with anyone “communicating with a deity,” such as “bowing the head” or “folding hands.” “School officials” must also prohibit “third-parties” from praying.

Testimony revealed how this order has literally driven Christians to hide in closets to pray in order to avoid contempt charges. During her testimony, Michelle Winkler, a clerical assistant, broke down on the witness stand when she described how a coworker sought comfort from her after losing her two-year-old child. The two hid behind a closet door to pray, for fear they would be seen and held in contempt of the court order.

Denise Gibson, an elementary teacher for 20 years, testified that the order forces her to tell parents she cannot respond if they talk about church or their faith. She may not even respond to an email from a parent if it contains a Scripture verse or “God bless you.” Instead, the District requires her to open a separate email to respond rather than hit “reply,” in order to eliminate any trace of religious language.

Christian Educators Wants Prayer Order Scrapped

2009-09-29T23:34:00.000-04:00

Check out this news broadcast on how Christian Educators is taking the ACLU to court to remove the order on the Santa Rosa School District banning their teachers from prayer. Thanks to Finn Laursen, Executive Director of CEAI, for making a stand for the religious rights of teachers in the Santa Rosa School District.

Please pray that CEAI is successful in their court battle against the ACLU.

See You at the Pole

2009-09-20T16:54:00.000-04:00

This Wednesday is See You at the Pole. Be sure to check out your local school and join them for prayer at their flag pole before school. Students around the country will be praying for their schools. Educators are permitted to participate as long it is not during the contracted hours. This is a perfect time for churches and communities to join together to lift up our schools in prayer.

See you at the Pole!

David Beats Goliath in Santa Rosa, Florida

2009-09-18T23:05:00.000-04:00

It is encouraging to see how Principal Lay and his AD were cleared of all charges. The legal battles are not over. On behalf of CEAI, Liberty Counsel had filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit filed last school year by the ACLU against the Santa Rosa County School District. The ACLU charged that some teachers and administrators were actively endorsing religion. The school district attempted to settle the suit by joining with the ACLU in a consent decree that essentially bans all employees from engaging in prayer or religious activities, whether before, during, or after school hours.

In an effort to seek relief from the consent decree CEAI was in front of Judge Rogers just two weeks ago. The ACLU and district attorneys tried to block our intervention, but the judge has kept the case alive and we are currently waiting for another court date to argue the unconstitutionality of the consent decree. Liberty Counsel will argue the case to give us a voice in this matter; a voice calling for the freedoms of the First Amendment to be restored!

Principal and AD Cleared of Contempt Charges

2009-09-18T22:32:00.003-04:00

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Finn Laursen (CEAI)

P.O. Box 45610 • Westlake, OH 44145 • http://www.ceai.org

September 18, 2009

Battle for Religious Freedom Continues in Florida Schools

“Another effort of the ACLU to sanitize public schools of religious expression has failed”, says Finn Laursen, Executive Director of Christian Educators Association International.
U. S. Judge Casey Rodgers found Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman not guilty of criminal contempt Thursday , 9/17/09, after evidence failed to prove they willfully violated a temporary injunction that prohibited the promotion of religion in Santa Rosa County schools.
This criminal contempt issue began when the ACLU asked that Lay and Freeman be held in contempt for offering a prayer over a meal at a luncheon where they honored donors to the Athletic Field House Project.
Last month in the same court room Judge Rogers told Santa Rosa County School District employee and CEAI member Michele Winkler she would not be held in civil contempt for asking her husband to pray over a meal at a banquet off school grounds.
But the battle in Santa Rosa is not yet over.
On behalf of CEAI, Liberty Counsel had filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit filed last school year by the ACLU against the Santa Rosa County School District. The ACLU charged that some teachers and administrators were actively endorsing religion. The school district attempted to settle the suit by joining with the ACLU in a consent decree that essentially bans all employees from engaging in prayer or religious activities, whether before, during, or after school hours.
In an effort to seek relief from the consent decree CEAI was in front of Judge Rogers just two weeks ago. The ACLU and district attorneys tried to block our intervention, but the judge has kept the case alive and we are currently waiting for another court date to argue the unconstitutionality of the consent decree. Liberty Counsel will argue the case to give us a voice in this matter; a voice calling for the freedoms of the First Amendment to be restored!

(Finn Laursen is the Executive Director of CEAI, est. 1953.
To interview Finn Laursen contact Doreen at 888-798-1124 or info@ceai.org)

Presidental Address to Students Sends Strong & Positive Message

2009-09-11T23:52:00.008-04:00

I know first hand how the President's message stirred controversy in schools and communities; however, I was pleased with the President's positive message to students about the importance of hard work, overcoming failure, perseverance, believing in themselves, family, and the critical importance to success in school.

As the President came to the podium, the class that I was in erupted into applause. It appeared to me that the students felt special having the President of the United States address them during "Prime Time" for school students.

Whether you are a fan of the President or not, the message that he presented was one that parents all over this great land try to instill in their children that hard work, responsibility, good decision making, and staying in school are critical to success in life. Yeah, I wasn't a fan of the lesson plans that the White House put out, but I still believe that our students should listen to the President.

I applaud the President for his message to students; we can never have enough positive and hopeful messages to students. Whether it is the President of the United States of America, a soccer coach, a teacher, a police officer, a pastor, or most importantly a mom and dad, we need to join together to send a positive, hopeful, and loving message to our students on the importance of education.

School Officials could be Jailed for Prayer

2009-08-28T20:50:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Matt Staver and his Liberty Counsel team for defending the principal and AD. The Principal and AD could face losing their jobs, fines, and even jail time for praying at a school function where NO students were present.

The ACLU filed suit against the Santa Rosa School District stating that they were too religious or Christian. After trying to defend itself to the cost of $250,000.00, the school district signed a consent decree stating that all school officials would be banned from praying or reading religious materials before, during, or after school. This decree also states that educators must review all student work and remove any religious material before the material is presented to the class.

This consent decree clearly violates the First Amendment rights of students and teachers; as a result, the Liberty Counsel and Christian Educators Association International have united together to file suit to stop these violations of our First Amendment.

What do you think about this case?

Principal and AD Charged for Prayer at Luncheon

2009-08-28T20:23:00.007-04:00

A high school principal and athletic director are facing possible jail time for praying at a luncheon where no students were present. The luncheon recognized adults who sponsored athletic events. The principal asked his athletic director to say Grace before the meal and the ACLU filed a complaint against both parties stating that they violated the Consent Decree by the Santa Rosa County School District and the ACLU stating that prayer was prohibited at all school functions.

Christian Educators has intervened in the court case for the principal and AD and to restore the First Amendment rights of the students, teachers, and parents of Santa Rosa County School District.

Pray for this case which goes to trial sometime this fall. Liberty Counsel is defending the principal and AD

What are your thoughts on this case? Should the principal and AD be charged?

What You Focus on Grows

2009-05-17T22:40:00.003-04:00

I have found such wisdom in the website that this article came from. The Jorgensen Learning Center has mentored me in my leadership. Check out the website and articles such as the one listed below at http://www.gojlc.com Whether you are a parents, teacher, or student, this principle of "What You Focus on Grows" is valuable for everyone.

By Liz Garavuso

Some of the most meaningful conversational leadership work I have ever done involved sitting for three days staring at the walls in order to come up with one simple provocation to guide a 2 hour employee discussion.

Weeks ago, I was planning for an annual workshop day that occurs every year on election day. I had clarity on the issue I wanted to tackle – I wanted to increase the effectiveness of the weekly grade level meetings. Those meetings were designed as the result of embracing the concept of professional learning communities. I had manipulated resources, much to my supervisor’s dismay, in order to ensure an opportunity for staff members to talk about their practice and ways to improve it. Unfortunately, the topic of those meetings often digressed into complaining sessions or opportunities to do the “administrivia” work required of the job: complete forms, purchase items, plan field trips, etc.

Last year, I addressed this issue, convincing myself that it was an issue of me not being clear about what I wanted. So, I explicitly detailed my wishes. Needless to say, nothing changed.

To make the complicated even more confusing, I was trying to plan this year’s workshop on the heels of having to deal with the aftermath of a much deserved disciplinary action for an employee which resulted in the building’s other employees focusing on “evil bosses” instead of meaningful instruction. Ripe with anger at the attempt of others to insinuate themselves into the work I needed to do to manage a difficult worker, I began planning a meeting that was destined to chastise and focus on the very things that would be counter productive to the more noble goal – more effective, account table teacher talk.

Fortunately, I turned to a colleague who shared a phrase that I have heard a many times, “What you focus on grows.” I was literally stunned by the power and intent of that phrase and knew immediately that I had to find a way to center the upcoming workshop around this notion of nurturing more accountable teacher talk.

So what was the three days of staring about? It took that long for this leader to get out of her own way. I had to recognize my feelings, accept my anger, let it go, focus on what I truly wanted as the outcome and the evidence I would need to collect to ensure its fruition, surface my mental models, envision a picture of success…in other words I had to practice the disciplines of conversational leadership that I knew would lead me to develop an effective approach to the workshop. The resulting provocation – “What might you do to make the grade level meetings more productive?” More importantly, the outcome of the workshop was not only a comprehensive list of actions that were generated by the staff members, but truly improved grade level meetings.

Once again, I was reminded that the work of a leader is not the work of doing stuff. It is not the work of demanding or mandating stuff. It is not the work of coercing around stuff. Instead, the work of a leader is to facilitate the process of learning of others relative to a clear mission or purpose of the organization. And that facilitation of learning means one thing – that all in the organization talk, in an environment of honest inquiry, about the very work that needs to be done together to ensure the success of the institution’s goals.

It’s a lesson I am sure I will need to relearn over an over again.

Intelligent Without Knowing It

2009-05-10T21:12:00.006-04:00

A student that needed to repeat their grade was recently tested for Special Education services. After the test, the school psychologist came and shared with me that the student did not meet the requirements for Special Education; matter of fact, the student scored in the above average category. The student even scored close to the Gifted levels.

When I shared the test findings with the student and told them that we were going to promote them two grades, he smiled beyond belief, looked me in the eyes, and said, "Dr. Z, I always thought I was stupid....are you sure the test was right?" This student was amazed that he was actually intelligent.

Way too many times in school, kids learn that they are not intelligent from their classmates, adults, and even teachers. As parents and educators, we need to invest in children by building their academic and intelligent confidence. We must encourage children to believe that they are intelligent. Howard Gardner, Professor at Harvard University, shares that kids have eight intelligences:

Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"):
Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart")
Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")
Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart")
Musical intelligence ("music smart")
Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")
Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")
Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart")

Check out this website for descriptions of each intelligence: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/education/ed_mi_overview.html

Christian Educators Association International

2009-03-15T20:18:00.005-04:00

When I was teaching, I felt alone and that I was the only Christian teacher in my public high school. It was not until I joined Christian Educators that I discovered a network of other Christian public school teachers around the country and right in my own community. CEAI provided me resources and staff development to learn how to legally my faith in school. Now as a principal in a public middle school, Christian Educators equips me with the tools to live out my faith in school. I'd encourage you to join Christian Educators and become a member of the nation's largest association for Christian Educators in the public schools.

Are you tired of your union dues going toward political candidates and issues that you do not agree with, are you fed up with the social agenda that the unions are pushing? If you answered yes to these questions, you need to become a member of Christian Educators Association International. CEAI provides educators with professional liability insurance that provides better insurance at a cheaper rate than the educator unions. Most of all, all of your membership dues goes toward the cost of the insurance and Christian Educators Association International.

I appreciate all Christian Educators has done for me as a Christian educator in our public schools. CEAI, thanks for making it real and for improving America's schools and educators.

City On A Hill

2009-02-10T23:54:00.001-05:00

It was early Monday morning and I was having one of those days already. I was tired from staying up late; fighting a cold and school was the last place I wanted to be. I could sense that I was being short and not too friendly to anyone, but I did not really care I was just in one of those moods. I was patrolling the hallways moving students along to class when I kept noticing signs hanging the number 514. I did not really think about it, our hallways have things hanging all over. Finally while exiting the second floor there was that sign again I was walking right towards it and could not help but read it. It was a sign for a new bible club in our school. It was called Club 514. The 514 was in reference to Matthew 5:14 which reads, "ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."
Wow! How I needed to be reminded of that. It is easy sometimes to forget that as a follower of Christ we are to carry ourselves a certain way. As Christians we are like that city on a hill, everything we do is seen and magnified at times. My entire drive to school I keep telling myself I was going to hid out and keep to myself, but God makes our plans. His plans for this day were for me to venture out of my office and see that sign!

Blog written by Justin Aaron Foster

Heroes for Today

2009-02-06T23:39:00.003-05:00

I see heroes as people that devote their entire lives to helping other people. I see heroes as people who overcome insurmountable odds to inspire others to do the same. I see heroes as people who are willing to sacrifice their own lives to save another. True heroes are missing in today's youth culture and schools. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, the Dr. Ben Carson story is an inspiring story of how a young man overcame the pressures of gangs and boyhood, to become one of America's greatest doctors. Take time today to watch this inspiring video with your children and students. Plus, Dr. Carson is a strong man of the faith, and he is a great role model to inspire students to do their best in school. This video is perfectly safe to show in your classroom or to students to motivate them to achieve and succeed.

God can use the story of "Gifted Hands," the Ben Carson story to change the lives of young people.

God Bless,

Bill

What is Your Life Story?

2009-02-05T19:44:00.004-05:00

I love this video clip from one of my favorite shows. The reason that I think it is such a great video is not just because it is funny, but because it makes you think about what! When I watched it, I thought about, "What is my life story?" What did Jesus do for me. This is a great video to share with your teen or child and then ask them "What did Jesus do for you?" Today's youth relate through video and this is a super discussion starter. Just like this video, youth ask every day, "What?" Now it is time to harness that curiosity and to encourage them to talk about their story of how God changed their life. I think of Pastor Rick Warren when he shared at Barak Obama's inaugeration by praying, "in the name of the one who changed my life…Jesus." How did Jesus change your life? This is what we need to share with our youth of today, the life changing story of how Jesus changed our lives.

Cellphones in School

2009-01-29T21:30:00.001-05:00

Recently I read an article about a high school in Michigan that suspended several students for either receiving or transmitting a sexually revealing photo of a fourteen year old female student. The young lady had taken pictures of her genital area and sent it to some friends who shared it with other friends and down the line the pictures went. Now I am not even going to talk about issue of how sick it is for a girl to even take pictures like this. I would like to applaud the school district for taking such a stand against this type of behavior. The battle against cell phones in schools is one I have to fight every day. Schools need to set strict standards on their use and have the message be clear to the entire student population. It requires the schools faculty and administration to be consistent in the enforcement of the policy. Students need to know the abuse of the cell phone technology is not going to be tolerated. Last year in my school we had a group of students cause two other non suspecting students to fight in order to video record the encounter with their cell phones and broadcast it to others. Incidents like this happen way too much, you can find thing like this on You Tube all day long.

So I would encourage all of us that are stakeholders in education and young people all over our country to continue supporting and encouraging our local school districts positive policies when we see them. While there will be times when you disagree with your district on certain issues, we owe it to them to praise them when they create positive policy.

Posted by Justin Foster

God of This City! God of our Schools!

2009-01-26T22:51:00.003-05:00

God is the God of our Cities! God is also the God of our Schools! Listen to this song and dream about what God can do in our public schools. Many people think that prayer was taken out of public schools in the 1960's, prayer is alive and well in our public schools today. Christians are serving as teachers, paraeducators, principals, custodians, volunteers, secretaries, Superintendents, and many othe positions to serve the young people of this great nation.

I hope that you will join me in praying for our public schools and in legally living out your faith in our schools. God calls us to be salt and light; light in a dark world. Christian Educators Association International is equipped to help you to live out your faith in our schools and to encourage you to be the salt and light in your classroom.

God Bless you for what you do! Whether your a mom, dad, educator, or student, God wants to encourage you to live with hope and purpose.

Blessings,

Bill

2009-01-08T21:20:00.002-05:00

Take time today to view this powerful video with your child and talk about the importance of standing for the right for life with all babies. Thank goodness that Elliott's parents decided on Life. Even though Elliott only lived 99 days, it was an eternity to his parents.

God Bless you and your child as you watch this video together. Get a box of tissues:)

Do You Believe In ME?

2008-10-25T16:15:00.003-04:00

Dalton Sherman, a 10 year old elementary student, in Texas gave the opening speech to over 20,000 Texas teachers. When Dalton walked out on the stage, he said, I believe in me, Do you believe in me? He said to the teachers, because you believe in me, I can do anything, be anything, create anything, dream anything, become anything because you believe in me.

What child knows that you believe that you believe in them? Or who believed in you as a child? Was it a teacher, mom, dad, or a coach? Whoever it was, send them this powerful video of Dalton Sherman’s speech, do you believe in me?
Dalton Sherman - The funniest movie is here. Find it

Erik's Story

2008-10-25T14:55:00.006-04:00

"A child is not a vessel to be filled, but a lamp to be lit".

This quote reminds me of one of my former students, Erik Bortz. In the ninth grade, Erik was a troubled student getting into trouble, earning failing grades, and hanging around the wrong friends. Through the unconditional love of his mother, the guidance of teachers, and the prayers of so many, Erik turned his life around. By twelfth grade, Erik turned his failing grades into A’s, had a clean discipline record, found a positive peer group, and became the president of the Student Government. Now, Erik is attending Syracuse university on a full scholarship and currently has a 4.0 grade point average. Do you know someone like Erik? Someone that struggled but now has turned their life around. If so, would you please email me and share your story.

Connecting with Youth

2008-09-23T20:24:00.000-04:00

Are you vulnerable enough to connect with your kids? I was talking to some teens about one of our pastors when they shared that they connect the most with someone who makes themselves vulnerable. All the teens agreed that it was a pastor, teacher, or parent that talked about their own life experiences, shared their struggles in life, and spoke in a practical and genuine manner. Vulnerability is a big thing for today’s generation of students, I believe this because it is vulnerability that makes us real and authentic to kids. If you want to connect with your child, look for ways to be vulnerable and share your heart, life’s struggles, and adversities. Whether in the classroom or the living room, children need to connect with adults who love them and are genuine in their walk with the Lord.

Mission Possible

2008-09-23T20:10:00.003-04:00

So many times it seems that it is mission impossible leading someone to Christ; however, this summer I had the opportunity to lead over 50 people to Christ in a four day span. For me, leading someone to Christ became Mission Possible. This summer I experienced one of the most life changing events in my entire life. I went with a group of teens from my church on a missions to trip to South America. This trip to Ecuador was an evangelistic trip; one where we went door to door sharing the gospel and telling others about Christ. WE used a tool called the evangecube to share the plan of salvation. My team led 190 people to Christ in a week’s time and we trained the nationals how to share their faith with their neighbors. As a principal in a public school, I believe that a missions trip to a foreign land is one of the best lessons that your child can ever learn. Check out these photos of our team sharing the Gospel with the people of Ecuador. The group of teen boys standing together all accepted Christ after we shared Godl's life changing, liberating message with them.

Christian College Wins Courtroom Battle

2008-09-18T21:59:00.000-04:00

College is costing more than ever and every penny counts when paying for college. That is why this ruling is so important for families deciding to send their children to a Christian College. If you were a student in Colorado, you could not use your state scholarship money to attend Colorado Christian College. The Colorado legislation allowed students to use their scholarship money for Catholic and even Methodist colleges but they were not permitted to do so for Colorado Christian and a Buddhist college. This is disappointing to see that Colorado Christian would be singled out from scholarship money; however, we at Christian Educators applaud the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals for reversing this earlier decision and for allowing student scholarship money to be accepted by students attending Colorado Christian University.

Do Moms Make Sense?

2008-09-18T21:52:00.003-04:00

I love this poem put to music by Anita Renfroe check out Anita singing the song on our website.
Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and your gloves and your scarf and hat, Don't forget you got to feed the cat, Eat your breakfast. The experts tell us it's the most important meal of all. Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall. Make a friend. Don't forget to share. Work it out. Wait your turn. Never take a dare. Get along. Don't make me come down there. Clean your room. Fold your clothes. Put your stuff away. Make your bed. Do it nowDo we have all day?Were you born in a barn? Would you like some hay? Can you even hear a word I say?

Thanks Mom

2008-09-18T21:49:00.002-04:00

Being a mom with kids in school can be a tiring and trying time. The battles on what to wear school, the struggles to finish homework, and the endless lessons on manners can drive you crazy. Mom, I want you to know that you are the most important factor in a child’s success in school. It is you who will remind your child to do their homework, study for their test, and the one who will run the lunch to school because junior left it on the dining room table. My mom was my inspiration and lifeline while in school and if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be a middle school principal today. Thanks mom for showing me God’s love.

Exercising Respect

2008-09-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

I truly wish I could be surprised by that fact that I just finished reading a news report detailing how a 51 year old woman was beaten to death by two teens for an X Box game system. I wish I could say that I just can’t imagine how two people one 14 years old and the other 15 could do this but I honestly am not surprised. I don’t know these young males personally, that is not why I am not surprised but I do know teen culture and having worked with teens for almost 13 years now has led me to where I am with my feelings. I see teens daily in my role as a public high school official who have no idea what it means to show respect for others. Now some may say the lack of respect for human life the two teens showed in the X Box beating is a long way from say showing disrespect by cursing out ones parents or teachers but I beg to differ, it is not that far off.
Having respect for others is a way of life, in the same way say exercising is. Some people exercise five times a week others maybe just once. We all must whether we are Christian or any other faith exercise respect for others daily. It is critical for the health of a society. More and more of our young people are just not exercising that respect. Parents, teachers, and any others who have vested interests in the young people around us must demand that respect be shown at all times. It can be a battle but one I am always ready to fight.

Just like working out once a week is not going to do very much for our bodies, showing or exercising respect just when it suits our needs is not going to do anybody any good.

Posted by Justin Aaron Foster
The Dean’s Corner

Student Stripped Searched

2008-06-08T22:24:00.000-04:00

Appeals Court Considers State Responsible for Illegally Strip-Searching Children

Liberty Counsel reports that the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of two Wisconsin children who were strip-searched by a state social worker at a private Christian school. In Michael C. v. Gresbach, the appeals court panel unanimously ruled that the social worker, Dana Gresbach, violated the Fourth Amendment rights of the children to be free from an unreasonable search.

The eight-year-old boy, his nine-year-old sister and their parents are represented by Liberty Counsel and a Wisconsin attorney

The court stated that "it is a violation of a child’s constitutional rights to conduct a search of a child at a private school without a warrant or probable cause, consent, or exigent circumstances." The court held the social worker personally responsible for violating the students’ rights, because the law in this area is so clear that she should have known her actions were unconstitutional. What are your thoughts about this strip searching educator?

Principal Resigns Over Gay Club

2008-06-08T22:23:00.001-04:00

South Carolina Principal to resign over creation of Gay Club

According to Fox News, A South Carolina high school principal said he'll resign from his post after the district approved an organization for gay students that conflicts with his religious beliefs.
Eddie Walker, the principal of Irmo High School in Columbia, S.C., announced his intention to step down to faculty and students on Wednesday, saying he'll end his tenure following the 2008-09 school year. The decision, outlined in a letter to Lexington-Richland School District 5 officials, said the reason was the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance Club for students.
"Allowing the formation of this club on our campus conflicts with my professional beliefs and religious convictions," Walker wrote in the letter, obtained by FOX affiliate WACH-TV.Do you think Principal Walker made a good decision for resigning because of the formation of the gay club?

Aim Don't Tame Your Boy

2008-06-08T22:02:00.001-04:00

I noticed that a number of parents try to tame their boys rather than trying to aim their energy toward positive things. Both in the church and the home, many are demasculating boys by creating too many boundaries that don’t allow boys to experience the risk and thrill of living as boys. I believe in boundaries, but these boundaries must not act to cage our boys but to aim them toward the God given untamable spirit of boyhood. As parents, we should look for safe opportunities to let out your boy’s adventurous spirit. Take your son white water rafting, rock climbing, to a laser tag game, or high ropes course. By allowing your boy to live out his untamable and adventurous spirit, you can keep him free of the dangers of adolescence such as alcohol, drugs, violence, and sex.

By aiming and not taming your boy, you release him to be all that God means him to be.

Professor Says Down Syndrome Babies Should Die

2008-04-27T22:19:00.002-04:00

Students who support life were outraged when their biology professor at the University of North Carolina (UNC) said all preborn babies who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome should be aborted.

Professor Albert Harris, who has taught at UNC for 35 years, said he has made the same comment many times in order to spark discussion. Harris told students that aborting a Down syndrome baby is the moral thing to do. However, he would not abort his own disabled child, he told Raleigh’s News & Observer.

I am outraged that a teacher is permitted to teach and promote such a horrible position on abortion. This professor's comments reflect the thinkings of Adolf Hitler during World War II. It was Hitler that ordered the deaths of all handicapped people. The University of North Carolina should require this professor to step down for his predjudicial and inflammatory comments.

God Bless You

2008-04-27T22:10:00.002-04:00

Did you Bless someone todayI have been trying to live out my faith in everyday events such as saying God Bless to you to people. Two weeks ago, my family and I were at a fast food restaurant and ordered one four pack of chicken nuggets and I said God Bless you to the lady serving us. She was so encouraged by this that she gave our family 15 more nuggets. A week later after saying God Bless you to our server, we received an extra milkshake with our meal. After this happening two weeks in a row, my son said, “Dad I am going to say God Bless you to all the cafeteria ladies tomorrow in school to see if I get extra food.

I recently led a Good News Club in my childrren's elementary school. At that meeting, I encouraged all the elementary school students to say "God Bless" to their teacher and principal. One child reported that after saying "God Bless" to their teacher, the teacher responded by saying, "Thanks, I needed that." A simple gesture of God Bless can encouarge a broken soul, comfort a saddened heart, and uplift a downtrodden child.

God Bless,

Bill

Ohio Teacher Required to Remove Bible

2008-04-27T22:06:00.002-04:00

Citizenlink reported an Ohio science teacher says he will not remove the Bible from his classroom desk without a fight. The principal of Mount Vernon Middle School asked John Freshwater to remove the “religious material” from his classroom, which included a window collage of the Ten Commandments and the Bible on his desk.
Freshwater agreed to remove the collage but said the Bible that has been on his classroom desk his entire 20-year career is staying.

“The removal of it will be nothing short of the infringement on my deeply held religious beliefs,” he said at a rally Wednesday where 100 people gathered to show their support.

I think that the Mount Vernon Middle School made a terrible legal blunder when it required this Ohio teacher to remove his Bible from his desk. I find it deplorable that a public school would prevent a teacher from placing the best selling book of all time on a teacher's desk. This is a clear violation of the religious rights of this teacher. Visit the legal corner of our website to download a free chapter of Attorney Matt Staver's book on religious rights in school.

Why Choose a Public School

2008-04-27T21:47:00.001-04:00

Why choose a public school for your Christian child?
Listen closely to this poem about sending your Christian child to a public school
Sending my child to a public school
Some Christians make me feel like a fool
But I want my kids to be salt and light
And become extra bright
Public schools have so many opportunities
To build friendships within their communities
Public Schools teach my kids how to be a Christian in today’s culture
And how to survive and defend their faith from the liberal vultures.
Public Schools teach my kids how to make their faith alive

So when faced with temptation they will thrive

- William T. Ziegler, Ed.D.

2008-04-27T21:33:00.001-04:00

One of the things I enjoy most about being in education is the fact that not one day is like the last. As a school administrator I always try to stay prepared for anything. One common mistake in dealing with the school I see many parents make in an effort to stand up for their child is what I have named the “Office Charge”. This is when the angry parent will forgo calling ahead to make an appointment and will come in the office kicking and screaming. While as a parent you have every right to speak with your schools administration, you do your child a disservice when you approach the situation in a defensive accusatory manner. Not only do you make yourself look bad, two other more important things can happen. One, you set a bad example for your child, this is not a proper manner in which to deal with others, secondly you will only really succeed in getting the school administrator in a defensive posture which is not good if you wish to get anywhere with them. A few TIPPS for dealing with disagreement:

Remember whenever you find yourself in opposition there is always another side. You owe it to everyone involved to hear all the facts not just your child’s story. Keep in mind most administrators and teachers have no interest picking on your child.
Remain open minded and understanding. School rules apply to every student, so regardless of your opinion or philosophy regarding discipline or policy, keep in mind the school is just carrying out the mandates set forth by the school board. Rules were not just created to get your student.

This posting was written by Justin Aaron Foster

Dressed to Learn

2008-04-27T21:32:00.001-04:00

Jeans ripped to strategically expose undergarments, pants hanging low to purposely expose everyone to your stylish boxer shorts, these are just a few of the things that you will be literally exposed to when walking down the hallways in your typically public high school. Now I am as stylish as any young thirty something guy I know so don’t think of me as some out of touch prude. Unfortunately, yes a lot has been changing since my graduating high school in 1992. I work in the same high school I graduated from but it is like a different world from where I came from. If you wore ripped jeans in my day you were more likely to get made fun of. P

Parents, it is important to impress upon your child that there is a time and place for everything and that includes certain attire. Just like you would not wear a tuxedo or prom gown to school (unless it was a special occasion) you should never allow your student to wear certain clothes to school. One important thing my educational experience has taught me is that the better you focus, the better you learn. I have seen too many students constantly worrying about how their pants are hanging or if their shirt is exposing enough of the tattoo on their stomach. The arguments for school uniforms is an entirely different topic, I am not advocating for that in this here, I am just asking parents to consider what they let their child wear. Here are some a few TIPPS for helping you decide what is proper to wear.

If those jeans still hang low with a belt then keep those jeans at home. You would not want your daughter exposed to some guy walking around with his underwear showing so don’t let you son wear them. If the pants are too big on dad, chances are they should be kept in the closet.
Always try to think about the impression your child is making when they walk down the hallways. Modesty is always the best policy. Having two daughters of my own I know that there is still very modest clothing out there.

This blog was authored by Justin Aaron Foster

Parent Teacher Conferences

2008-04-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

I can remember as a kid being so nervous around Parent/Teacher conferences. I was always worried what my teacher would say about me. You see, I wasn’t the best student academically in school. Matter of fact, I liked Algebra so much that I took it twice. Thank goodness I passed the second time:) As a parent, how can you make conferences a productive time for both you and the teacher. Check out these TIPPS for making parent/teacher conferences an enjoyable, productive, and informative time.

Talk with your child before going to the conference or invite them to join you if the school permits.
Pray before going to the school.
Listen, listen, listen. Don’t interupt the teacher; allow him/her to share on your child’s progress.
Ask how you as a parent can help your child to be successful.
Inform the teacher of any changes in your child’s life: family illness, death, marital issues, job loss, etc. Many times the school can provide help and guidance for students.
Ask how you can support the teacher.
Show your support of the teacher. Don’t criticize!
Ask the teacher if you could close the meeting in prayer.

It is so important to build a good relationship with your child’s teacher. Continue to pray, support, and encourage your child’s teacher.

Public Schoolers make the grade with Homeschooling family

2008-04-27T20:24:00.001-04:00

A homeschool student in my school district has been surrounded with love and support when her father was seriously injured in an accident putting him out of work for months. Public school students have reached out to the family of 8 providing food, transportation, and prayer support. The thing that I love about kids is that they don’t see the boundaries that we do with public and home school students. They just see a fellow teenager who is struggling and they united together to provide support. I think it is exciting to see public school and homeschool kids working together to help a family in need. Too often in the church, we identify kids on where they go to school and not on who they are as a person. We need to all remember that God loves home school students and public school students the same.

Public Schoolers make the grade with Homeschooling family

2008-04-27T20:24:00.000-04:00

Parent Conferences from a Teacher's perspective

2008-04-27T18:04:00.000-04:00

As a teacher, preparing parent/teacher conferences can be challenging but if you prepare, it doesn’t need to be an anxious time. I can remember getting ready for conferences and trying to find several positive attributes that I could share with each parent. Check out these TIPPS for making the parent/teacher conference a powerful tool in fostering success for the student achievement in your class.

Begin the conference with a positive quality of the student. If it is difficult to find a positive in the student’s grade, you could share comments such as, “Your child is such a pleasure to have in class.” “You son is so creative and a great dreamer.” For behaviorally challenging students you could share that, “Your daughter is a kinesthetic learner and she has potential to be a great leader.”
Review your classroom and learning expectations for students.
Share actual evidence, examples of student work, and test, quizzes with the parents.
Encourage the student to attend the conference and bring a friend as moral support if the parent permits. Student led parent conferences can be a powerful tool in authentic reporting of student progress.
Use parent talk rather than all of the education jargon that we use on a daily basis.
Provide the parent concrete and practical activities that the they can work on with their child at home.
Finally, always provide hope for the parent and student. Regardless of the child is the lowest performing student or the best, parents want to know that their child’s teacher believes in their child’s academic success.

If you follow these TIPPS and thoroughly prepare for the meeting, parent/teacher conferences can become a positive experience for you, the parent, and student.

Someone Is Always Looking

2008-04-27T18:03:00.000-04:00

My family and I were sitting in Dunkin Donuts tonight drinking hot chocolate and eating powered donuts when my son decided to make faces in the reflection of the glass with his whiten lips from the donuts. We sat and smiled as he made silly faces into the glass. Only to find out that the van outside in the parking lot was enjoying the entire event. One of my wife’s co-workers was in the van laughing with her husband. This reminded us as a family of the importance of living a life of integrity even when we think no one is looking. It is easy living right when others are looking, but true character is revealed when we think no one is looking. Your children will learn a number of lessons in your home, but one of the greatest lessons you can teach them is integrity.

Teach your children to live a life that is pleasing to God even when others are not looking
Model a life of integrity because your kids are looking even when you think they aren’t
Have a talk with them about the importance of doing the right thing all of the time..

Math Matters

2008-04-27T18:01:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Algebra I is the number course that determines a student’s success in graduating from high school.

When I was in high school, I enrolled in Algebra I and as a freshman, I was excited to be in a class with upper classman. However, I struggled and ended up failing the course. I repeated Algebra I in the 10th grade and was then able to move onto Geometry. I understand why researchers say that Algebra I is the most important indicator in a child’s success in high school. Algebra I sets a foundation in math that is essential to grasp the higher levels of math that are required in high school and college. Here are some tipps for helping your child be successful in math.

Encourage your child to enroll in higher level math courses
Connect your child with a math tutor for enrichment or remediation
Make practical connections to the use of math
Encourage your child to talk with an engineer, machinists, electrician to see how they use math every day
Purchase some great computer math games that are funEmphasize the improtance of math in succeeding in school and a career