Formative Feedback

I find it interesting how easy it is to find fault with practically any aspect of education today.  Whether it is funding schools, teacher effectiveness, test scores, school lunch... the list continues to find itself into the center stage of  the media.  In our best schools quality is under scrutiny.  Our western culture grows to expect a high level of performance from educational institutions and if and when that level comes under question, the banter begins.  The following post is shared from a a perspective we usually do not hear. I am proud of the involvement we participate  in shaping the thinking of future  Christian educators.

Our school has had the privilege of providing a laboratory educational experience for three student teachers from Concordia University, Nebraska.  Each teacher can remember their own experience and reflect on how it shaped their view of education and modeled quality instruction. Here is what they said when asked what they take away from their experience with us:

"Student teaching is the most exciting and transformational part of an Education student's life in

college. Of all of the student teachers that left in January from Concordia, I truly believe that Andrea, Dana, and I received best placement. Having the opportunity to serve at St. John has challenged me to embrace technology, be more creative, use every resource possible, and collaborate with everyone! I will never find another place that is so "out-of-the-box" like St. John, but I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to experience it and make you all apart of my story. I will never forget the generosity of the families, support of the staff and the fearless leadership that makes St. John a spectacular place!"  Samantha Bodkin, Omaha, NE

"One of the most valuable insights I will take with me after leaving SJLS is how to facilitate independent learning within a classroom.  Teachers use a variety of techniques and practices that encourage and give students opportunities to explore and engage on a deep level.  Everything is taught with a purpose which allows students to apply learned knowledge to the world around them. SJLS students are equipped to use the tools they've been given to be successful."  Andrea Weiss, MI

"I am so thankful for the time I spent at St. John Lutheran School. I never knew I would get so attached to this place. I feel as if we are all family sharing the love of Christ each and every day. I am thankful for the relationships I have built with my cooperative teachers, as well as the students. Thank you for all the support from the teachers and parents! I have learned more than I could have ever imagined by student teaching here. St. John is the BEST place to grow in faith and learning!  I will miss St. John! "  Dana Miller,  Sioux Falls, SD. 

We appreciate the mentoring done by their cooperating teachers during their 16 week experience:  Jennifer Lochmann, Brooke Otto, Rhonda Peregoy, Sheri Dubberke, Daneen Hanson and Sheri Dubberke!  

Next Chapter

I have recently accepted a position to be the superintendent of St. John Lutheran School in Bakersfield, CA.  There is great sadness at leaving a place that I have invested so much of my life during the past 12 years at St. John, Ellisville.  In leaving, I thought about a parallel story that is going on with our STL Cardinals.  They lost their share of leadership this year, but baby, just look at them now!

Albert Who?  What a difference a few months make!  The Cardinals are off to their best start in years!  It seems like yesterday when we heard the news that our beloved MVP was leaving for the sunny skies  of Anaheim.  As of this writing,  newcomer Carlos Beltran is among the league leaders with 5 home runs, which is five more than Albert Pujols has !   The team is what makes champions and the Cardinals have picked up right where they left off in October, 2011.  There are a few new faces here and there but the management has made a total make-over.  Time will certainly tell whether they have the health and chemistry to make another championship run, but players play the game... and that fact simply does not change.  This important team called St. John Lutheran School is made up of more championship-caliber players than any 40 man MLB roster.  We have teacher all-stars that help shape hearts and minds in each classroom.  We have parents who partner with us to raise their children to take on a culture that is not in tune with God’s design for their lives.  We have kids who are learning each day what it means to be a witness in word and deed to the grace that God freely pours out upon each of them.  They are learning that God needs them on HIS team to play through the tough challenges life will bring their way.  As I considered the two calls on my heart, I felt that St. John Lutheran School is positioned to receive a new leader that will write a new chapter in the story of the school ministry.  My prayer is that as the process moves into search mode, the team pulls together to trust in God’s provision for a strong future.  The last command uttered by Jesus prior to His ascension was “ Make Disciples, Baptize and TEACH!”   He also mentioned that He would be with us ALWAYS!  May we all be faithful to  our part of the deal – equipping disciples and faithfully teaching those He puts in our care!

Holy Thoughts

It is said that that the way to the open tomb is a blood-stained cross. In order to get to the angelic message of the resurrected Savior, there must be a beating and crucifixion. So what is it about the story of this weekend that captivates you?  Spend a few minutes thinking about that question.

Pastor Hower made two illustrations in chapel that refer to the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins:

• "In order to get something clean, something has to get dirty"
• "In order for something to be free, something has to be paid"

In order for you to be right with God, a perfect sacrifice had to be made to purchase you back from the guilty judgment for your sins. Notice the plural form of that noun.  Shame is erased. Forgiveness is real - yet at an expensive price.

Isaiah 53 describes the purpose of Jesus sacrifice 1000 years before His birth: "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus stated "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"    

There is no greater statement than "I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He Lives, He Lives who once was dead! He lives my ever-living Head!" Jesus is the prime character in the story of this weekend! He suffered, He died, but HE LIVES! - all for YOU!