Relevant Thought Leadership
December 1, 2020
2021 Early Education Virtual Conferences
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Leading Christ-centered education toward excellence and flourishing
We want all schools to aspire to, achieve, and remain committed to a biblically-based philosophy of education, standards that are measurable, and flourishing-related criteria. ACSI strives to lead, support, and serve Christian schools, and educators, by placing them on a path of growth and flourishing using the research-based Flourishing Schools Initiative. This model should link leadership and faculty professional development accreditation, and every culture-driving component of a school. A common philosophy, and a flourishing-based metric, would unify our efforts of advancing Christian schools and educators.
Making Christ-centered education available and obtainable
ACSI is committed to making Kingdom education available to as many children and families as desire it, believing that such an education offers students an opportunity to grow in a loving relationship with their Creator, come to know His saving work through Jesus, and flourish in His Ephesians 2:10 calling for their lives. This commitment requires removing barriers to access for those who traditionally have not benefited from Christian school, as well as seeking out new ways to create access points to Kingdom education and the ability to thrive and be successful in that education—for all those who desire it.
Promoting and protecting Christ-centered education for today and tomorrow
As the largest evangelical Christian school association in the world, ACSI is by default viewed as the spokesperson for Christian schooling in the public square. In order to discharge this responsibility with excellence and seasoned speech (Colossians 4:6), and to equip our member schools to do the same, ACSI must invest in developing public-facing resources and forming strategic relationships with those working in the area of advocacy for Christian Education and for religious liberty.
PODCAST | NOVEMBER 16, 2020
Women’s Leadership in Christian Education
BECKI RUST
This month’s podcast features Becki Rust, ACSI Thought Leadership Project Coordinator, who interviews Dr. Maria Varlet, Head of Research and Innovation at Crest Education in Melbourne, Australia, about the importance of women’s leadership in Christian education. They discuss ways to develop women’s leadership through mentoring, building a leadership network, and taking a strengths-based approach, as well as Maria’s recent blog post for the new Women Leaders for Christian Education blog.
SCHOOL GROWTH | NOVEMBER 9, 2020
The Turnaround School: Moving Toward Financial Viability
CINDY DODDS
The moving truck just pulled up to your house. You settled on your new home a couple of days ago. New job, new home, new community—you should be excited, right? But something is weighing heavily on you. What you didn’t realize when you accepted your new head of school position is that your new school is in financial trouble. In fact, you may not be able to pay your teachers after December. What do you do?
ACSI Announces Key Changes to Communication and Engagement Staff Structure
As part of its strategic restructuring, Larry Lincoln is appointed as the association’s Chief Communication and Engagement Officer. Also, under Lincoln’s leadership, ACSI is combining the Communication Department, the Care Team (an internal group dedicated to providing outstanding member, customer, and stakeholder support), and marketing functions into the new Office of Communication and Engagement. The changes are a result of consolidation and redeployment of existing staff brought about by the association’s Strategic Plan and are designed to enhance member experience and create increased alignment with the plan.
Lincoln will focus on telling the story of ACSI and its member schools and advancing the association’s communication to key stakeholders. He will oversee all marketing, communication, and brand management while developing engagement strategies to enhance member experience.
A member of the President’s Advisory Team, Lincoln joined ACSI in 2018 as Director of Communication.
He brings an extensive background in strategic communication, marketing, and engagement to his new role. A 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Lincoln served primarily in public affairs and crisis communication management. Upon leaving the military, he served in several senior communication roles, including: Director of Global Communication at the International Bible Society (now known as Biblica); Director of Public Relations for Habitat for Humanity International; and Chief Communication Officer for the Navigators.
Prior to joining ACSI, he served as Director of External Affairs for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at its largest region in the Southeast, and led strategic communication, outreach, and engagement to more than 60 million stakeholders, and more than 80 members of Congress.
Lincoln has been married to his wife Dyxie for 29 years and together they have three sons.
In a related move, Caitlyn Berman will assume duties as Public and Media Relations Coordinator. In this key role, Berman will coordinate the development and implementation of focused local and global media strategies to elevate the cause of Christian education, the work of the association and its members, and will work closely with the Legal Legislative department to promote advocacy initiatives. Berman previously provided marketing and communication support for ACSI Professional Development department programs designed to strengthen schools and equip educators. She will begin her new role on November 1, 2020.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor expressed anticipation and confidence in this move’s potential to increase member benefits through a renewed focus on communication and engagement. “Larry is an exceptional communications strategist and leader with a track record of developing and leading high-performing teams that enable organizations to deepen their engagement with stakeholders and drive outcomes,” he said. “I’m confident that both he and Caitlyn will make significant contributions to ACSI and more importantly to our members by telling more of their stories, as well as sharing information about ACSI people and programs to key stakeholders.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to step into this role,” Lincoln said. “I am blessed to work alongside such dedicated staff and leadership and consider it a privilege to support the association and our schools to promote the cause of Christian education. I look forward to expanding opportunities to enhance association visibility and engagement to our members and other key stakeholders.”
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., 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 by offering multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
For more information on the ministry, visit www.ACSI.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA
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