From Overcoming to Leading: Dr. Derrick Mueller’s Journey and Vision for Christian Education in Canada

By: David Harding

Dr. Derrick Mueller serves as one of the Executive Directors for ACSI Canada, overseeing the East Coast, but his path into a career in education and leadership was far from typical. Born into a broken home and facing trauma at a young age, he spent his early years moving between foster families in Northern Quebec. He dealt with language barriers, health issues, and learning difficulties, all of which made school a tough experience for him.

“My journey really starts from a dysfunctional family,” Mueller recalls. “My mom and dad were separated. I found myself in different foster homes and eventually in Northern Quebec. It was both French and English—and after a while, I don’t think I could speak either.”

His introduction to public education was unconventional too: “My first exposure was taking a taxi to this rural school.” But school wasn’t a good fit for him. “I didn’t realize until later I was dyslexic, which explained so many of the learning struggles I had.”

Dyslexia, coupled with health issues, led to feelings of isolation and inadequacy. “I felt like I was the stupid kid,” Mueller says. “I was made fun of in class. One science teacher would ask me questions, and the whole class would yell the answer for me: ‘I don’t know.’ I became a joke.”

Things were tough, but then a positive light started to shine through. “There was one teacher—Rob Aiken—who changed everything. He was a Christian in a secular school. He had a class called Taking a Stand, and a club called Riverdale Life. I joined just to avoid going home, but it became a lifeline.”

That club introduced Mueller to something he desperately needed: community and hope. “It was full of Christian kids, potlucks, Bible studies. It became my new social network. I found acceptance. That explains why I believe so deeply in Christian education—because one Christian teacher changed my life.”

Despite early teachers telling him he’d never be a writer, Mueller eventually became a speaker for the Billy Graham organization and authored 15 books. “I still remember my English teacher in high school saying, ‘Well, at least you never have to worry about being a writer.’ Yet it was another teacher who told me I could be anything with Christ.”

Today, as an Executive Director for ACSI Canada, Dr. Mueller brings a passion for mentoring, leadership development, and spiritual formation—shaped by the very challenges he overcame.

“My vision is to see us grow forward,” he says. “We have an opportunity to be a guiding light in the Christian community. Churches are starting schools, homeschoolers are seeking support, and families are hungry for something different.”

Mueller’s heart beats especially for Quebec. “Being originally from Quebec, I want to see more support and resourcing for schools there. We can make a real difference.”

Reflecting on the past two decades of Christian education in Canada, Mueller acknowledges the challenges. “We’ve seen a decline in Bible colleges and Christian institutions due to rising costs and cultural shifts,” he notes. “But COVID was a turning point. It exposed the values in the public system and made parents start asking: what are my children really learning?”

Since then, Christian schools across Canada have experienced surprising growth. “Some schools have doubled in size. Churches are buying former public school buildings. There's a movement happening—families want a foundation, and they’re turning to us.”

Mueller also sees the rise of new models: online learning, pod education, and hybrid homeschool systems. “We’ve got online schools with 10,000 students. Education is evolving, and we’re stepping into the gap with resources, mentoring, and missional purpose.”

Ultimately, Mueller sees Christian education as more than academic instruction—it's about transformation. “The gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. It changed mine. And now, I get to help others find that same hope.”

Through pain, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose, Dr. Derrick Mueller is shaping a future where Christian schools in Canada don’t just survive—but thrive—equipped to impact lives, inspire excellence, and stand strong in a changing world.