News

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is excited to announce the release of “Redemptive School Discipline,” a practical guide by Dr. Melissa Wetzel that helps Christian educators move beyond secular exclusionary discipline methods toward Christ-honoring restoration grounded in the gospel. The book equips schools to focus on heart change, not just behavior modification, offering actionable strategies for educators. 

Wetzel draws on decades of experience in Christian education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and director of curriculum and instruction. Her passion for redemptive practices stems from her upbringing as a missionary kid in Spain and Mexico, as well as from her doctoral research in K–12 leadership at Regent University, where she developed a system for mentoring and restoring students after misconduct. 

The book is divided into two sections: one for teachers, outlining redemptive discipline strategies for the classroom, and one for administrators, guiding the creation of a schoolwide “culture of redemption.” Through real-life examples and practical tools, Wetzel shows how educators can walk alongside students in their failures and help them reintegrate into the school community with accountability and grace.  

“Redemption was at the very heart of the gospel,” Wetzel shared. “Our Christian schools, then, should have redemption at the heart of all they do, too.”  

Dr. Wetzel, author of “Redemptive School Discipline,” is available for interviews. Please contact media_inquiries@acsi.org to secure a time. 

About Dr. Melissa Wetzel: 

Dr. Wetzel brings over 16 years of classroom experience teaching Bible and Spanish at Williamsburg Christian, Norfolk Christian, and Atlantic Shores Christian, where she also developed curriculum and contributed to Purposeful Design and ACSI’s online Old Testament course. She earned her doctorate in K–12 Leadership from Regent University in 2023, where she completed a dissertation on redemptive school discipline. She now serves as an adjunct professor and dissertation chair, mentoring future school leaders. 

Purchase your copy today at https://www.acsi.org/redemptiveschooldiscipline. 

About PDP: 
 
Since the mid-1980s, Purposeful Design Publications (PDP), a division of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), has provided resources and assessments, including academically rigorous textbooks that are intentionally rooted in biblical truth to equip schools and educators with the tools to eternally transform the hearts and minds of children.