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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.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | MARCH 1, 2021
Good Professional Development Is R.A.R.E.
MATT KWIATKOWSKI
When seeing “Teacher In-Service Day” on the calendar, a typical first reaction for a teacher is, “Well, there goes a day of instruction and getting any work done.” Why is this? There are probably many reasons, but I think the biggest is because many in-services are typically a wolf in sheep’s clothing (and everyone knows it’s still a wolf). In-services should not be repetitive and boring, one-size-fits-all, and just something to check off because it ends in a printable certificate.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP | FEBRUARY 23, 2021
Flourish: A Day of Prayer for Christ-centered Education
BECKI RUST
What’s the longest length of time you’ve had a song stuck in your head? I’ve had the same song stuck in my head for months now. Ever since ACSI decided on “flourish” as the theme for this year’s fourth-annual Day of Prayer today, February 23, I’ve been humming “Thrive” by Casting Crowns to myself. Only recently, though, did I realize how the lyrics in the first verse (“Like a tree planted by the water, we never will run dry”) echo Jeremiah 17:7-8—our theme verse for today’s Day of Prayer. The chorus declares, “We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It’s time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive.” We were made to flourish, rooted in Christ Jesus.
ACSI Announces Appointment of New Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development
He will begin this new role on Aug. 1, 2021.
Brettenny brings 20 years of experience in international Christian education, currently serving as head of school at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany. Before joining Black Forest Academy, he led Harvest Christian School in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Brettenny serves as the Director of Strategic Development for ACSI Africa and is a member of ACSI’s Global Council. Throughout his career, he has designed and facilitated ACSI African Roundtables, created development strategies for ACSI country offices, and led the research-structured Elephant Project, a teacher training program assisting thousands of schools in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.According to Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global, “Gavin’s perspective, experience, and positive relationship with our ACSI leadership and other international organizations will help strengthen the worldwide movement of Christian schooling.”
Epp expressed the importance of this role as ACSI moves more dynamically in the direction of reshaping to be a truly global outreach. He explained that Brettenny possesses the insights, strategic mindset, and passion for Christian education to help make this happen.
ACSI President, Dr. Larry Taylor, also looks forward to Brettenny joining the ACSI leadership team. “Gavin brings a unique skillset that will serve to better align ACSI as a fully international organization,” Taylor said. “We believe he will make a great impact for the Kingdom through his leadership and service to Christian schools.”
Brettenny is excited about contributing to ACSI’s global work.
“ACSI’s expert personnel, reputation for quality work, and healthy relationships across organizations enable our global role in advancing Christian education,” he said. “It’s going to be a privilege to collaborate with national, regional, and other leaders for the development of a high-performing association in service to schools around the world. I look forward to facilitating that process.”
To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website at www.ACSI.org or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800)367-0798 or at careteam@acsi.org.
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 through 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.
Follow ACSI on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA.
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