Written by Amanda Johnson
In 2006, the National Clearing House for English Language Acquisition reported that 5 million, or 10%, of students are English as a Second Language (ESL) students (de Oliveira, 2011, p. 59). How can a general education teacher address the needs of ESL students? Three main areas can be examined for improving ESL student learning: teaching, classroom environment, and assessment. Continue reading
Written by John Meyer
In the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), 91.3% of the teachers (Nelson, et al., 1999) and 83% of the congregation members (Schmeling & Nelson, 2001) agree that continuing education for teachers is necessary (Nelson, et al., 1999). But 74% of WELS teachers list time and money as their greatest obstacles to professional growth (Schmeling & Nelson, 2001). Setting aside the issue of time for now, let’s talk about the money. Continue reading
By Michael Plocher
As young children many of us explored God’s creation using an inquiry method of learning. We sought out answers to whatever piqued our interest as we looked at the world around us. This same inquiry approach can be applied to teaching science. When done properly it will lead students to appreciate the works of the Creator. Continue reading
Written by Rev. Mark Schroeder.
These theses were originally discussed at a principals’ meeting at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown WI on January 21, 2013. They are republished here to widen the circle of discussion. Continue reading
Written by Dr. Jeff Wiechman
TEACHER: “I want to be a better teacher, but I’m not sure what to tell the principal when he asks what I’d like him to pay attention to when observing. In the back of my mind I’m wondering what role his visit(s) will play in my final evaluation . . . which has to do with how I look to others on a call list. How can I know that we’re both looking realistically at my abilities as they grow and change with each new year? How can I give him ‘real data’ that shows more than just a one-hour observation once or twice a year?” Continue reading
Written by Kenneth Kremer
The cameras were primed for capturing the thoughts of ten Christian parents—all WELS members.[i] The professional interviewer got right to the point: “Who do you think is responsible for your child’s spiritual education?” Continue reading
Written by John Meyer
It’s time for action if WELS elementary schools are to survive. The Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM) for the 62nd Biennial Convention of the WELS was recently published, and it contains compelling arguments that the time to save WELS schools is now. Long-established trends reveal reasons for concern. Continue reading
By Greg Schmill
While this may sound like the plea of a frustrated American tax preparer and payer on April 15, I regularly hear of another group seeking more time. They are our WELS teaching principals —principals who also carry out significant teaching roles. These educators face the daily challenges of a myriad of urgent and important tasks, of role ambiguity and role conflict and its accompanying stress, and of trying to lead the school from the classroom. It is imperative in this time of great challenge and change for our schools that our congregations provide the time for administrators to administrate, for supervisors to supervise, for leaders to lead, and for the visionaries to cast a vision. Continue reading
What year are you getting your students ready for? Are you getting them ready for when they graduate from college, or when you graduated? Was that the 80s when the soda (or pop) world tricked us with NEW Coke? Was that the 90s when grunge meant more than just a dirty man in the garage? Was that the turn of the millennium when Netscape and AOL changed the way we found information? Continue reading
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV 2011).
As we read in the Bible passage above, God has a plan for each of us. What a blessing it is to remember this as we work with God’s children. God is guiding us every step of the way, ensuring that these children receive the message of God’s Word in a loving, caring environment. Our children come from many different backgrounds, with differing abilities. Continue reading