No Time for Continuing Education?

Written by John Meyer

We don’t have time for continuing education! That’s what nearly 8 of 10 Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod (WELS) teachers reported in an August 2014 survey (figure 1).  It’s not surprising. According to the 2003-04 School and Staffing Survey, WELS teachers spend more time per week (60.4 hours) on all teaching-related activities than any other group of teachers—public or private (see 2003-2004 School and Staffing Survey). At the same time, Lutheran teachers in the early part of their careers are most interested in growing professionally (figure 2), but they also report being the most pressed for time (figure 3). Continue reading

Key Observations about Healthy Schools

Written by:Elton Stroh

Who would argue that this isn’t a critical time for Lutheran schools? Annual statistical reports call attention to continuing decline in student enrollment. This has resulted in agonizing reductions in staff, funding crises, discontented parents, amplified challenges with attracting new students, and occasionally another school closing. Regrettably, the sphere of influence by Lutheran schools among children and families is shrinking (Schmill, 2009). Continue reading