Why is it imperative that Christian educators have a Christian philosophy of education?

[Austin]

I would say the most important reason for Christian teachers to have a Christian philosophy of education is because as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, all Christians are called to be his witnesses. As educators, we have an important responsibility and privilege to our students, their parents and society to educate. I have started reading By Design and have been challenged to think of education as much more than facts or getting through a curriculum. I am seeing it more as a holistic formative process. If I am not teaching based on a Christian Philosophy, I am basing my teaching on another philosophy with some secular construct of what is valuable, what is needed, what is right. Of course we can teach and students can learn math facts without moral implications. But what they do with those math facts is of paramount importance. In By Design the author quoted Haim Ginott, a Holocaust survivor. Haim wrote,
“Dear Teachers, I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no person should witness: Gas chambers built by learned engineers, children poisoned by educated physicians, infants killed by trained nurses, women and babies shot and burned by high school and college graduates. So I am suspicious of education. My request is: Help your students to become more human” (MacCullough, 40).
Although I believe he is speaking from a faith based humanistic philosophy, this quote struck a chord with me. I want my students to be more human in the sense that they know and embrace that they are humans, created by God, to be in relationship with him.

Therefore, as a teacher, my philosophy of teaching must be informed, and even based, on my who I am as a child of God.

[Austin]

As Dr. Black states, “Christian education only exists if it’s based on a Christian philosophy of education.”

We know that wisdom comes from God. It’s imperative to recognize that and our relationship with the Lord as we are responsible (along with parents) for sharing His truth with the following generations. We need to be able to share our lessons and also relay how God’s word applies within those lessons. This is the only profession that literally “trains up a child in the way he should go”.

[Austin]

It has become noticeable in my experience teaching in Christian schools, that scripture and Godly virtues continue to be placed in the back of the classroom. Academic learning and secular state learning has become the priority in most Christian schools. As a Christian first and educator second, I believe developing a strong Christian philosophy will directly effect the students ability to know God and academics will fall in line after that realization.

[Austin]

I agree with you 100%.

[Austin]

To be distinctively Christian in my Educational Philosophy is vitally important when teaching the next generation in a God honoring and purposeful way. We live in a media driven society, being inundated daily with overt and subliminal messaging through ad campaigns, news outlets, social media platforms, printed publications, you name it. And, these messages are not God honoring in most cases. There is a clear agenda that is being force fed to our students, our loved ones, and sadly even to the hearts and minds of believers like myself. The old saying, “you are what you eat”, always comes to mind when I see one of my own family members subjecting themselves to the latest Netflix series, online game, or music lyrics that, in all moral respects, aren’t deemed “bad”, but they just do nothing to feed the born again believers soul.
I have unfortunately found myself in educational workshops, listening to TED talks, or webinars, attending the local public school continuing educational courses that are offered and have heard some “not bad” ideas. However, when I took some of the notes and printouts, and published materials back to my distinctively Christian Classroom, there were some things that I did not implement because they were not edifying to the Lord or would not meet my standards of behavior modification or self-discipline, or instruction that I wanted my students to learn in the classroom.

God wants our waters to run deep, He wants us to be grounded and not tossed by the influx of waves coming toward us daily. Self-reflection and growth is a wonderful part of the transition from baby Christian to mature Christian, from new teacher to seasoned teacher (as I age, I like the word seasoned better than other descriptions). This is the growth mindset that we should adapt as educators. However, before implementing or changing what we think, say, or do, we must have a foundation to check new ideas, thoughts, and actions against. This is true for our own personal homes and lives, as well as every aspect of our career. I believe A Philosophy of Christian Education is the foundation for which we as Christian educators reference new material, implement new teaching strategies, curriculum, or techniques of any kind into classroom.

[Austin]

I have been a Christian for close to 50 years and taught art in a public school for 14 years. I fought the battle of not being able to talk much about God and now that I am in a Christian school I need to know how to share my beliefs with my students. I want to wrap all my lessons around God, His creation and plan for our lives.

[Austin]

I taught science in a public secular school for 14 years. The past year and a half in a public Christian school have been a growth experience for me, for sure. It is so hard to turn from a “you are not allowed to mention your faith” to discipling your students is so difficult, yet refreshing!!!

[Austin]

“I want to wrap all my lessons around God, His creation and plan for our lives.”

I love this statement!