Written by John Meyer<\/i><\/p>\n
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\u2019s talk about the money.<\/p>\n
Who bears responsibility for the cost of WELS teacher continuing education?<\/p>\n
Synod entities like the Commission on Lutheran Schools (CLS), Martin Luther College (MLC), and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary are responsible for planning cost-effective, ministry-focused continuing education for called workers. They must balance program sustainability with a respect for the financial resources of schools and called workers. Their educational services therefore should be impactful and engaging without being extravagant. Costs should be determined by expenses, not profit.<\/p>\n
Schools and teachers also share in the financial responsibility for professional growth. When WELS schools and teachers partner in professional growth, they encourage one another in faithfulness. Congregations demonstrate stewardship of their human resources and invest in the teacher\u2019s service to the school and the church at large. Teachers show respect for the school\u2019s monetary resources and a willingness to have a stake in their personal improvement.<\/p>\n
But Lutheran schools and called teachers sometimes struggle to find a good balance in continuing education funding. School support varies greatly. A 2012 survey of WELS K \u2013 12 teachers revealed that 16% of WELS schools contribute nothing toward teacher continuing education while 11% provide as much as needed. Among the 72% of WELS schools that provide some level of support for continuing education, the most common model is that the level of support varies each year depending on the school financial picture and number of teachers requesting funds. Another model involves school providing a set percentage of the costs, with the most common being 60%.<\/p>\n
The same survey shows that teachers\u2019 willingness to contribute also varies greatly. Most WELS teachers declared a willingness to take on a share of continuing education costs, with some claiming they would contribute \u201cwhatever it takes.\u201d Yet some indicated they are \u201cunlikely to pay anything out of pocket for professional growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The delegates at the last three WELS biennial conventions provided guidance. Both the 2009 and 2011 conventions adopted resolutions recommending two things about continuing education: 1) that all called teachers participate in continuing education, and 2) that calling bodies provide the necessary resources to make it possible. The recently concluded 2013 convention was more specific. The delegates passed a resolution encouraging calling bodies to budget $1,000 per called worker annually to support continuing education, and to consider it an essential \u201cinvestment in gospel ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n
While a good guideline, the 2013 resolution does not mean that only schools are responsible to pay. To be healthy, all three stakeholders\u2014the synod, Lutheran schools, and WELS teachers\u2014need to share the cost for the continuing education of all called workers. Such a model mutually encourages each other and builds up the body of Christ.<\/p>\n
Dr. John Meyer is the director of graduate studies and continuing education at Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN.<\/em><\/p>\nShare this:<\/h3>