Come to this workshop for a refresher course on Parts of Speech. What is the value of parts of speech? Does it help my writing, my speaking, or my thinking?

“English--Parts of Speech (Upper Grades)” was presented by Joel Schrock at Western Fellowship Teachers’ Institute in August of 2018 at Lighthouse Mennonite School in Halsey, Oregon.

This workshop gives a refresher course on Parts of Speech. What is the value of parts of speech? Does it help my writing, my speaking, or my thinking?

“English--Parts of Speech (Middle Grades)” was presented by Kyle Lehman at Western Fellowship Teachers’ Institute in August of 2018 at Lighthouse Mennonite School in Halsey, Oregon.

What should I know about the first days of school for a first grader? How can I help my first year students feel comfortable and boost them into a good year? We can do some things to help parents feel comfortable too.

“First Grade--The First Days” was presented by Kayla Hartman at Western Fellowship Teachers’ Institute in August of 2018 at Lighthouse Mennonite School in Halsey, Oregon.

Teachers receive tremendous potential when given the awesome responsibility of a classroom of their own. Before too long however, exuberant ideals morph into real needs: information, inspiration, ideas, wisdom, and support. Where are they when you need them? Get them before you’ve run empty, and in this workshop find out where they are to be found.

“Privileges and Presources” was presented by Jonah Avina at Western Fellowship Teachers’ Institute in August of 2018 at Lighthouse Mennonite School in Halsey, Oregon.

A changing culture has resulted in attitude changes toward authority. All of us have been affected by these changes in one way or another. This workshop will explore the "parts and pieces" of an authentic authority brought to the classroom set in the context of the attitude changes that we are facing today.

In "The Teacher as an Authority Figure," Melvin Lehman explores the multifaceted nature of establishing and maintaining authority in the classroom. He emphasizes that effective authority is not about a single approach but the intersection of four key elements: community culture, organizational integrity, student dynamics, and personal trustworthiness. Through personal anecdotes about influential teachers, he illustrates different styles of authority and highlights the importance of aligning with community and organizational values, building trust, and cultivating habits that support competence. He underscores that a teacher’s authority stems from a combination of personal integrity, relational trust, and practical classroom management, ultimately rooted in a holistic, God-centered approach to teaching.

"The Teacher as an Authority Figure" was presented by Melvin Lehman at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2025, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In this presentation, Jeff and Deana Swanson focus on their journey and innovative approaches to education, particularly within a Mennonite homeschooling and teaching context. The key points are:

• Creative, passionate teaching with literature-based curriculum

• Vibrant, engaging classrooms with art, music, and interactive elements

• Structured yet fun learning environment with themed activities

• Community involvement and recognizing student talents

"Whole-Hearted Education" was presented by Jeff and Deana Swanson at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In Gerald Miller's four-part series on classroom culture, he explores the foundational role of culture in Christian education, emphasizing its impact on teaching, learning, and spiritual formation.

The fourth session “The Kingdom and the Classroom Culture” ties it all to Gospel principles, advocating that classroom culture should originate from Jesus' teachings (e.g., the Beatitudes, going the second mile) rather than merely overlaying Christian elements on secular models. Gerald calls for "shaping actions" by teachers and students to cultivate virtues like meekness and sacrifice, transforming the classroom into a living expression of God's Kingdom that equips students for a challenging world and strengthens the church.

1. Defining the Classroom Culture
2. Evaluating the Classroom Culture
3. Creating the Classroom Culture
4. The Kingdom and the Classroom Culture

"The Kingdom and the Classroom Culture" was presented by Gerald Miller at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

Ryan Hoover discusses maximizing the quality of after-school chat time among teachers. He emphasizes three key purposes: building relationships, debriefing the day's events, and fostering professional growth. He highlights the importance of viewing co-teachers as a support team, analyzing what went right or wrong, and learning from experienced peers to improve teaching practices.

Listening to the other talks in this series for newer teachers:

1. Setting the Tone

2. Establishing and Maintaining Order

3. Gaining Wisdom Through Knowledge

4. Maximizing After-school Chat Time

“Maximizing After-School Chat Time” was presented by Ryan Hoover at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

Training the heart is what we are called to do as parents/teachers (Deuteronomy 6:6-7a). A Biblical philosophy of discipline must include more than merely administering consequences for behavior or accepting sinful behavior in order to keep students’ self-esteem intact. This workshop will focus on developing obedience in K-5, responsibility in 6-9, and independence in 10-12.

Jason Croutch emphasizes discipling the heart of students to glorify God, drawing from biblical principles to guide teachers in nurturing godly character over mere behavior modification. His key points are:

• Heart-Centered Discipline

• God’s Glory as the Goal

• God’s Role in Transformation

• Objective, Biblical Instruction

• Developmental Stages

• Practical Application

"A Biblical Philosophy of Discipline: Discipling the Heart" was presented by Jason Croutch at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In his The Heavens Declare series, Morris Yoder uses astronomy to illustrate God’s glory, blending biblical references (e.g., Psalm 19, Job 38) with cosmic phenomena like Betelgeuse, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, and Voyager’s “pale blue dot.” He critiques secular theories (e.g., Big Bang, evolution), highlights humanity’s unique yet humble place in the vast universe and encourages worship through awe-inspiring celestial examples and personal faith reflections.

The Creator has an unparalleled art gallery on display. The magnificence of the heavens are simply a muted revelation of His true unfathomable glory. Taking knowledge of these things as Job did compels one to reverence the Creator anew.

Listen to more from this series:

1. Astronomy and the Bible

2. Sizing Up the Universe

3. Man’s Home and Position in the Cosmos

4. Cosmic Splendor

“The Heavens Declare: Cosmic Glory” was presented by Morris Yoder at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

You really take 20 minutes at the beginning of the day, when mental faculties are the brightest, to focus on a subject that the State doesn't care about, isn't on any standardized test, and isn't on a college entrance exam? Why?!? Ideas, plans, poems, fun, and at least 20 object lessons will be available for your shameless plagiarism.

Ryan Hoover aims to inspire teachers to create engaging, meaningful devotionals that connect students with God's Word and presence in a personal, relatable way, fostering spiritual growth and active participation.

"Planning Devotionals" was presented by Ryan Hoover at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

From the time of the early church fathers, to Manz and Grebel, up until now, critical thinking has played an exponentially important role in the development of the Christian church. This discussion will focus on ways to promote this in a classroom environment through conversations, environment, Bible study, kinesthetic manipulatives, and playing chess!

In this presentation Jeff Swanson covers:

• Importance of Critical Thinking

• Biblical and Historical Support

• Avoiding Logical Fallacies

• Practical Application in Education

• Balancing Faith and Intellect

"To Think or Not to Think: Instilling Critical Thinking in Anabaptist Youth" was presented by Jeff Swanson at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In Gerald Miller's four-part series on classroom culture, he explores the foundational role of culture in Christian education, emphasizing its impact on teaching, learning, and spiritual formation.

The third session "Creating the Classroom Culture" shifts to action, urging teachers as leaders to proactively build culture through routines (for efficiency), rituals (infused with deeper meaning tied to values), and traditions (recurring events that build connection and anticipation). By reflecting on and developing these elements, educators can cultivate joy, rigor, and belonging, rather than merely managing or reacting to existing dynamics.

1. Defining the Classroom Culture
2. Evaluating the Classroom Culture
3. Creating the Classroom Culture
4. The Kingdom and the Classroom Culture

"Creating the Classroom Culture” was presented by Gerald Miller at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

Lyle Musser redefines teaching as an architectural process, moving beyond simply delivering facts to guiding students through knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Using models like Bloom’s Taxonomy and Kevin Washburn’s learning framework, he emphasizes structured lesson planning and demonstrating wisdom to inspire students.

Listening to the other talks in this series for newer teachers:

1. Setting the Tone

2. Establishing and Maintaining Order

3. Gaining Wisdom Through Knowledge

4. Maximizing After-school Chat Time

"Gaining Wisdom Through Knowledge" was presented by Lyle Musser at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In his The Heavens Declare series, Morris Yoder uses astronomy to illustrate God’s glory, blending biblical references (e.g., Psalm 19, Job 38) with cosmic phenomena like Betelgeuse, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, and Voyager’s “pale blue dot.” He critiques secular theories (e.g., Big Bang, evolution), highlights humanity’s unique yet humble place in the vast universe and encourages worship through awe-inspiring celestial examples and personal faith reflections.

The attributes of the Creator are on display amongst the myriad forms of creativity in the solar system. This group of celestial spheres is infinitesimal in comparison to the complete universe, yet it is the focal point of the creation, the realm the Creator Himself has visited. The sacrifice He made here highlights His love for us and the evil of our sinfulness.

You may enjoy more from this series:

1. Astronomy and the Bible

2. Sizing Up the Universe

3. Man’s Home and Position in the Cosmos

4. Cosmic Splendor

“The Heavens Declare: Man's Home and Position in the Cosmos” was presented by Morris Yoder at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In Gerald Miller's four-part series on classroom culture, he explores the foundational role of culture in Christian education, emphasizing its impact on teaching, learning, and spiritual formation.

In the second session “Evaluating the Classroom Culture” he focuses on evaluating and shaping classroom culture and climate. He emphasizes the importance of a positive classroom environment to enhance student focus, commitment, and motivation. Key points include identifying positive and negative aspects of classroom climate, understanding underlying cultural values, and recognizing the teacher's critical role in defining classroom culture through joy and rigor. He encourages teachers to reflect on their personal strengths and weaknesses and their impact on the classroom, with actionable steps to improve culture and avoid perfectionist pressures.

1. Defining the Classroom Culture
2. Evaluating the Classroom Culture
3. Creating the Classroom Culture
4. The Kingdom and the Classroom Culture

“Evaluating the Classroom Culture” was presented by Gerald Miller at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In this presentation, Elmer Glick focuses on effective classroom management and discipline strategies for teachers. It covers:

• Classroom Management

• Positive Expectations

• Procedures and Rules

• Relationships

• Preventive Discipline

• Remedial Discipline

Listening to the other talks in this series for newer teachers:

1. Setting the Tone

2. Establishing and Maintaining Order

3. Gaining Wisdom Through Knowledge

4. Maximizing After-school Chat Time

"Establishing and Maintaining Order" was presented by Elmer Glick at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

Do you wonder why some students cannot seem to learn or remember what they learned? Sometimes, there are simple explanations for these struggles, and knowing the problem can greatly aid us in assisting these struggling students. 

In this presentation, Jason and Gloria Croutch focus on their personal journey with their dyslexic son and provide insights into learning disabilities. They discuss:

• Dyslexia

• Vision Therapy

• Autism

• Personal Story

"Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia, Vision Therapy, Autism, etc." was presented by Jason Croutch at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

Kendall Myers focuses on teaching students to critically engage with worldviews in a Christian context. Using a Ray Kurzweil video on AI and the ‘singularity’, Myers illustrates how to analyze assumptions about the human mind and life. He defines a worldview as a framework for interpreting reality and emphasizes training students to discern ideas, recognize Christianity’s comprehensive nature, and evaluate competing views. Myers suggests systematic and integrated teaching approaches, using methods like current events, debates, and projects to connect beliefs to life.

"Engaging Worldviews Issues With Our Students" was presented by Kendall Myers at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

As principals, we are pulled in many directions and are sometimes expected to be and do more than is humanly possible. Jason Croutch delves into the challenges of managing overwhelming responsibilities as a school principal. He emphasizes living intentionally by prioritizing key relationships—with God, family, and oneself—through spiritual disciplines, family time, and self-care. He discusses recognizing personal limits, evaluating commitments, delegating tasks, and scheduling margin time to avoid burnout, using personal anecdotes and practical tips to illustrate how to balance urgent and important tasks effectively.

"Principals: Greasing the Squeaky Wheel or Living Intentionally" was presented by Jason Croutch at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.