Senior Leadership
I am inspired by the faith, courage, and reverence for God by Christian educators around the world! It reminds me of the story recounted in
I Samuel 17 about David defeating Goliath. In verse 29, David’s response to the inaction of his elder brothers
and the Israelites especially encourages me. He boldly and nobly answers the call to action by asking, "Is there not a cause?”
I can think of no greater cause than to partner with you as you advance Kingdom education. We fully believe that authentic devotion to the Christian faith and academic excellence are mutually reinforcing. There are not two or three forms of excellence, but rather an ethos that is cultivated throughout every facet of our schools. Faith is not separated from learning but rather integrated intentionally, resulting in a distinctive Christian worldview.
Scholarship and learning become an integral component to the maturation process known as discipleship. Thus, becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ultimate objective of the Great Commission (Matt. 26:28-30), is the prize for which we strive; it is the highest form of excellence! It is certainly conceivable that we could produce students with the spiritual depth needed to enter our pluralistic society and not fall prey to empty philosophies. Rather, they would be equipped to saturate the marketplace to which God has called them with confidence, purpose, and an eternal perspective.
ACSI’s ongoing mission is to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We want to serve you as you continue to cultivate and sustain a flourishing school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you—thank you for your obedience to God’s call on your life—you are indeed making a difference.
Dr. Larry Taylor
President, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200
President's Advisory Team
David Balik
Vice President of USA
david_balik@acsi.org
770-985-5840
Gavin Brettenny
Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development for Christian Education
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
kevin_buelke@acsi.org
719-867-0114
Juan Cabrera
Chief Information Officer
juan_cabrera@acsi.org
719-867-0116
Thomas Cathey
Assistant Vice-President of Legal/Legislative Services/Chief Of Staff
legal_legislative@acsi.org
719-867-0201
Stephen Dill
Executive Director, ACSI Education Foundation
steve_dill@acsi.org
719-867-5260
Cindy Dodds
Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives
cindy_dodds@acsi.org
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
mike_epp@acsi.org
719-867-0223
Larry Lincoln
Chief Communication & Engagement Officer
larry_lincoln@acsi.org
719-867-0213
Jerry Nelson
Special Advisor to the President
Stephen Novotny
Vice President for Public Policy and General Counsel
Lynn Swaner
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
lynn_swaner@acsi.org
719-867-5281
Kurt Unruh
Senior Vice President for Global Business Development
News and Press Releases
More Than 350 Christian School Leaders Convene in Orlando for ACSI’s Flourishing Schools Institute
Orlando, Florida – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) will host its second Flourishing Schools Institute (FSi), drawing more than 350 Christian educators to Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek from Nov. 1-3, 2021.
The FSi is part of ACSI’s Flourishing Initiative—a multifaceted approach to assessing and improving school culture so that all members can collectively thrive.
The FSi correlates with the research-validated Flourishing School Culture Instrument (FSCI) and the resulting Flourishing School Culture Model (FSCM). The FSCI provides a comprehensive analysis of a school's strengths and areas for growth, while the FSCM serves as a model comprised of five domains—Purpose, Relationships, Teaching & Learning, Expertise & Resources, and Well-Being, as stated on the ACSI website. The institute is organized around these five research-based domains that contribute to the development of a Christ-centered flourishing school.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor believes equipping leaders with a biblically based philosophy of education is essential to the health and success of the entire school community.
“Our first FSi was a tremendous success,” he shared. “The institute is founded on a biblically based philosophy of education. It is informed by research and is designed to allow leaders a hands-on, collaborative approach to pursuing flourishing schools.”
Speakers including John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Peter Greer, president & CEO of HOPE International, Dr. Althea Penn, executive director of The Shepard’s Academy, Joel Gaines, head of school at The City School, and Rex Miller, author of “Humanizing the Education Machine,” will assist leaders in developing a strategic school culture plan.
According to Cindy Dodds, ACSI Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives, FSi sessions will be largely interactive, allowing leaders to collaborate in the development of an action plan that meets the unique, research-informed needs of their school.
“The FSi will help schools move from research to practice,” Dodds said. “Our vision is to see Christian school leadership teams engage in an enduring, transformative school growth process in tandem with other Christian school leaders, together pursuing flourishing school communities.”
Taylor believes these offerings are best when used together, as they are intentionally aligned.
“The instrument enables schools to focus on specific areas that have been identified as areas for growth, which will inform their professional development plan,” he said. “Although schools do not have to participate in the instrument to attend the FSi, doing so will greatly benefit leaders.”
Taylor believes the institute will launch leaders on the journey toward Christ-centered flourishing school cultures.
“As a recent head of school, I can personally attest to the challenge of building and sustaining a Kingdom-focused, successful school culture,” Taylor said. “We’re glad to gather in person again, working side by side through this process. Each leader will leave the FSi with a unique roadmap to a truly flourishing school community.”
To learn more about FSi, visit the website or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing careteam@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. ACSI supports more than 5,000 member schools throughout the United States and around the world, which collectively serve approximately 1.2 million students. Through additional training programs, materials, and expertise provided to other educational groups worldwide, ACSI’s overall influence and positive impact reaches more than 26,000 schools operating in 100 countries, together serving 5.5 million people.
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