Pursuing Professionalism: Wresting with an Important Question
If you’re reading this during the summer months—major kudos to you. I know firsthand how easy it is to treat professional reading like sunscreen in July: "I probably should…but I’m not going to." So the fact that you’re here says a lot about your professional commitment!
This post kicks off a new blog series that will span the upcoming school year. It’s inspired by a question that keeps coming up in my conversations with Christian educators and school leaders:
What does it mean to be a Christian professional educator today?
It's a loaded question. And it’s not just theoretical. It shapes what we do in our classrooms, how we talk to students, what we prioritize, and how we respond when things (inevitably) get messy.
In the past five years, there have been two significant events that forced changes in mindset and practice in nearly every single profession:
The COVID-19 pandemic
The rise of Artificial Intelligence, especially generative AI
Doctors, lawyers, marketers, coders, journalists, etc. have all been challenged to rethink both what they do and how they do it. And we as educators are in the same boat.
While Covid and generative AI have disrupted some aspects of teaching, they have also clarified what is most essential in our work. There are five core truths that have stood strong and are important to remember as we grow, adapt, and lead with confidence.
ONE: Relationships still matter most.
Whether you’re teaching AP Calculus or preschool finger painting, educational research has consistently shown that the teacher-student relationship is a powerful factor in student learning success. When students have a feeling of belonging and trust, they are more motivated and engaged in their learning. Today’s learners still need teachers who see the whole child—spiritually, emotionally, and academically.
TWO: Coherent, purposeful instruction is foundational.
We know that students benefit from instruction that’s clear, structured, and intentional. Sequencing matters. Scaffolding matters. Explaining things well still matters. With wider-than-ever learning gaps in the post-COVID classroom, delivering content clearly and purposefully isn’t just helpful; it’s imperative.
THREE: Content matters…but it’s not enough.
Teachers need to know their subject matter well in order to guide deeper learning. But when students can Google any fact in two seconds flat or have ChatGPT summarize an article in half that time, our job shifts. We’re not just content experts; we’re coaches in meaning-making. Our job is to help students wrestle with content: analyze it, apply it, and connect it to something real. Content should always serve as a conduit towards a higher level skill.
FOUR: Assessment is the best way to inform instruction.
Assessments aren’t just about grades. They're educational mirrors. They show us what’s working, what’s not, and where students need help. Whether it's a formal quiz or an informal check-in, effective assessment keeps learning on-track. Feedback and reflection are still essential pieces of quality teaching.
FIVE: All students learn at a different pace.
We know that learning isn’t perfectly linear, yet so many school structures and classrooms are set-up to promote uniform learning. Too often, our systems reward students who “get it” on the first try and penalize those who need more time. But brains don’t work on assembly lines; they need intervention to address learning gaps. This concept of a specific, targeted student support system might just be the most significant (AND EXCITING) shift a school can make.
These five enduring truths will serve as our professional anchor. They remind us that not everything in education has changed…but the landscape has definitely shifted. This blog series is not about abandoning what you already know and do well. It’s about extending it into the realities of 21st century education.
The future of Christian education won’t be defined by trends or tools. It will be shaped by teachers who are willing to consistently wrestle with the question at the heart of this series:
What does it mean to be a Christian professional educator today?
This school year, we’ll wrestle with the answers to this question, together. But not today.
Today? Go back to summer (and put on that sunscreen!).
Questions for Reflection:
Which of the five enduring truths do you believe you already do well?
Which of the truths do you want to grow in this school year?
Want to build professionalism on your campus this year? Share this article with your teammates to start the conversation. Want some outside help leading change at your school? Schedule a consultation with our team!
