The Christian Education Café

Episode 21 Urban Christian Schools: Challenges and Possibilities with Tiffany Cameron

Join Dr. Penn as she interview Tiffany Cameron, Chief of Staff at the #1 K-12 school in Milwaukee! We are excited about Saint Augustine Prep’s growth and best practices in Kingdom education. With growth there are both challenges and opportunities in this season that are unique to Christian schools serving in urban locales. 85% of their students would be considered at risk because they live in an economically disadvantaged community, yet this school is bringing about transformation. They love their neighbor by making high quality Christ-centered education accessible to every student including those who have access to special needs vouchers due to developmental delays and difficulties in learning or behavior. She shares ways Christian school leaders, educators, and parents can address the specific hurdles that Christian schools in urban areas encounter. Subscribe to our channels and never miss an episode! Follow us on Facebook, Podbean, Spotify, or Amazon or your favorite podcast platforms in order to be notified when the next episode drops.

Episode 20 Racial Reconciliation in Christian Education with Monique Duson

Join Dr. Penn as she interviews Monique Duson, co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity as they discuss racial reconciliation as it pertains to Christian education. The Bible does not even use the word race in reference to people, but it does describe all human beings as being of “one blood” (Acts 17:26). This of course emphasizes that we are all related, as all humans are descendants of the first man, Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45) who was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27). The Last Adam, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:45) also became a descendant of Adam. Any descendant of Adam can be saved because our mutual relative by blood (Jesus) died and rose again. This is why the gospel can (and should) be preached to all tribes and nations. Monique co-authored Walking in Unity with Krista Bontrager and you are encouraged to join their book club and meet weekly as they read and discuss CFBU’s new book, “Walking in Unity,” which addresses race and racism from a Gospel-centered perspective. In this divided culture they are a voice that needs to be heard. Their vision aligns with biblical truth that we are one race, one people in need of the Savior. Visit the Center for Biblical Unity website (https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/) to learn more about resources and events that will equip and empower you and your family to flourish.

Episode 19: Advocating for Exceptional Learners with Derona King

Thank you for joining us at the Christian Education Café. We hope today’s episode with Derona King, former Executive Director of Atlanta & Dekalb Citizen Advocacy inspires and equips you to make a meaningful impact in your educational community. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. The resources below were relevant to our conversation:
https://zilphy.com/
https://www.ldonline.org/
https://www.ncld.org/
https://www.togetherwecarega.org/
https://dph.georgia.gov/children1st
https://www.p2pga.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/.../mil.../digital-online-checklist.html
Disorder Fact Sheet Resource Booklet: For Parents and Teachers of Exceptional Learners Order your copy at https://amzn.to/4dZEjcN
Follow us on our Facebook and YouTube social media channels for more resources and updates. Until next time, keep fostering faith and excellence in all you do. God bless!
 

Episode 18 The Vision of Christian Kingdom Education with LA Bonds

The Christian Education Cafe' podcast equips and empowers Christian educators, school leaders, and parents with the inspiration, information, and tools needed to foster developmental competence in their students, colleagues, families and themselves...  
Listen as Dr. Penn interviews LaChrisa Bonds of Bonds Estate and Garden as they discuss the Vision for Kingdom education. They cover many insights regarding God's plan for the Joshua generation to thrive. Kingdom education recognizes God's design for every child to excel. Mrs. Bonds shares her journey from charter school board member to homeschooling mom. She shares about the importance of guiding students to discover their God-given gifts, talents, and vocation through Bible integrated educational endeavors. She also shared how holistic development can be enhanced by adhering to biblical nutrition principles.  Mrs. Bonds, a former playwright and producer, hosts the Cultivated Conversations podcast and offers a farm share, with her husband, Robert. They are the parents of 5 boys. You can find out more about Bonds Estate and Gardens and their marriage and Biblical Wellness ministries at:
@Likewise Living
@iamlabonds 
Facebook.com/likewiseliving
The Cultivating Conversations podcast is now available on the major podcast streams!
Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/.../6a1.../cultivated-conversations
Apple Music - https://podcasts.apple.com/.../cultivated.../id1758723856
 
Be sure to subscribe or follow the Christian education café podcast if you want to be notified when the next episode drops. If you found this content inspiring, please like and share it with other Christian educators or school leaders who need encouragement and inspiration.

Episode 17 Burnout Prevention and Resilience with Alynthia Penn

Join Dr. Penn as she discusses issues of burnout and how to prevent it with Alynthia Penn. Christian teachers, whether in public or private schools, are not immune to burnout. Over 40% of early educators and K-12 teachers in the United States report often or always feeling burned out. 90% of teachers consider burnout a serious problem. Almost half of early childhood educators are experiencing high levels of burnout and stress, according to a nationwide survey of 2,300 educators. The survey, published by early childhood education resource provider Teaching Strategies, shows 45% of early child educators are battling mental health challenges and burnout. Twenty percent of early childhood educators said they are considering leaving the profession. Of that group, 40% cited mental health as their reason, and 43% said compensation is driving their decision — though only 8% of early childhood educators say they’re planning to leave in the next year.
Alynthia served during 3 major hurricanes in the Eastern Caribbean with Peace Corps Response as a Literacy Support Specialist, Indonesia as a K-12 technology instructor during a Tsunami, and as an instructor in Memphis during Hurricane Katrina. She served in Alaska during the pandemic and lost everything in the Maui wildfires. She is a certified instructor with a masters in therapy and shared biblical burnout prevention strategies that promote resilience. She shared examples from the life of David and strategies such as music and dance theraphy, journaling, prayer and worship, and so much more. You can follow her or donate to the Live.Move.Be. teacher burnout prevention therapy program at https://archive.storycorps.org/user/alynthia-montrelle/

Episode 16 Nature Based Learning with Arbendette Van

Dr. Althea Penn discusses Nature Based Learning with Arbendette Van, owner of the Pre-K Preparatory Learning Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. She has over 20 years of experience in helping students unlock their full potential and shares her story in early childhood education.

Episode 15 Leading With Agility with Dr Penn

Join Dr. Penn and glean Biblical leadership principles from the life of Nehemiah and Esther that will help you to pivot and remain focused during VUCA times.
How have you managed to maintain staff and retain students?
How have students and family dynamics changed?
Are you seeing more students with disabilities and how has that changed your training, hiring, instructional practices, etc.?
Are you interested in leadership coaching or mentoring? Join the Christian Leadership Challenge facebook group!
Deep Dive: Explore biblical principles for leadership and instruction with experts and practitioners. 
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 Bonus: The first 10 Althea Penn Subscribers get a FREE e-book entitled “Anchored: Three Biblical Leadership Principles for Leading Well”! 

Episode 14 Importance of Financial Literacy with Erica Knowles

Join Dr. Penn as she interviews Erica Knowles of Civitas Strategies and DECAL's Thriving Childcare Business Academy. They discuss the importance of financial literacy in enabling students to reach their full potential and programs to attain the highest quality. Financial literacy helps administrators create and stick to budgets, allocate resources appropriately, and plan for both day-to-day expenses and long-term sustainability. Managing staff salaries, benefits, and other financial aspects is essential. Financial literacy enables administrators to make informed decisions about staffing levels and compensation. Civitas offers tax coaching and training in the following topics: Financial Foundations,  Recruitment & Staff Retention, Mitigating Risk, Sales & Marketing, and Tapping into Revenue & Growth. 
Visit to learn more at: https://www.decal.ga.gov/Thriving.

Episode 13 Frank Toral and the Business of Christian Early Education

The U.S. child care market has been experiencing significant growth. As of 2022, its value stands at USD 60.4 billion, and it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.18% from 2023 to 2030. As more parents return to working in offices, there is a rising need for reliable childcare options. Barna Group research indicated a person’s moral foundations are generally in place by the time they reach age nine. So faith based education during this critical stage of development is important. Dr. Penn and Frank Toral of Neighborhood Kids discuss opportunities for church leaders to establish Christ-centered universal preschools.  Learn more about Neighborhood Kids opportunities at: https://www.neighborhoodkids.com/opportunities-for-churches

A Conversation with Dr. Merle Skinner

Welcome to this episode of the 'Christian Education Podcast' hosted by Dr. Althea Penn. Today's enlightening conversation features guest-speaker Dr. Merle Skinner, who discusses the founding of Champion School in 1981 and his work in mental health and Christian education. The dialogue proves insightful for any education professional, emphasizing child development, family roles, and cultural values in today's Christian educational landscape.
During the discussion, Dr. Skinner and Dr. Penn highlight mental health concerns concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. They stress the importance of social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practice in Christian schools, tackling mental health challenges head-on. Within the conversation, professionals will discover practical solutions for anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among students and educators.
Addressing some of the significant challenges in Christian education today, they touch upon the 'great resignation,' teacher shortages, burnout, and liability in child handling. The duo explores how Christian educators can better advocate for funds and programs that benefit their school communities, encouraging Christian educators, parents, and stakeholders to stay resilient and actively shape the future direction of Christian education.
The episode concludes with a call to action. Despite the contemporary challenges, Christian educators are encouraged to stay strong, supportive, and continue their excellent work. With the transformative power of Christian education, future generations can significantly benefit. Tune in to this invaluable episode for anyone involved in or interested in Christian education.