Leading Insights

ACSI's Leading Insights series highlights the latest thinking on best practices for Christian school educators in areas of key importance in their schools. Each monograph in the series draws on leading experts, as well as Christian school perspectives and voices, to share fresh ideas for advancing you school's Christ-centered mission in an important area of focus.

Series Editor:

Dr. Lynn E. Swaner is the President, US at Cardus, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good. She also serves as a Senior Fellow for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and a non-resident scholar at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership. Dr. Swaner is the editor or lead author of numerous books, including Future Ready: Innovative Missions and Models in Christian Education (Cardus & ACSI, 2022); Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools (Eerdmans, 2021); and MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education (ACSI, 2019). Dr. Swaner previously served as a professor of education and a Christian school leader in New York, and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

Leading Insights: >Biblical Worldview and Spiritual Formation

Leading Insights: Artificial Intelligence

This monograph, Artificial Intelligence, features chapters on philosophy and practice related to the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Christian school setting. Experts in instructional technology, as well as practitioners working in Christian schools, share valuable insights to help frame the way Christian school leaders and teachers can think about AI from a biblical perspective. They also provide frameworks and practical ways to use AI to not only increase student learning and engagement, but also benefit teacher creativity and efficacy. This monograph will help Christian school educators to engage in intentional, thoughtful, and missionally-aligned ways as they consider whether or how to adopt AI in their schools.

Contributing Authors:

Shaun Brooker is the head of school at Hamilton Christian School, a K-12 school in New Zealand. Shaun has taught in and led schools in his home country of NZ, as well as in the Cayman Islands and England. In 2016, he was recognized by Apple for his implementation of technology in education as an Apple Distinguished Educator, and two years later, the school he was leading became the first in NZ to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program. Shaun served on an advisory board for Apple across Southeast Asia for three years. His greatest passion is not the potential of technology in education; it is the potential of Christian education and the opportunities within it to transform young lives. Much of Shaun’s content can be viewed at www.christianeducation.org.nz.

Christina Crook is a pioneer and leading voice in digital well-being. The award-winning author of The Joy of Missing Out: Finding Balance in a Wired World, harbinger of the global #JOMO movement, and Good Burdens: How to Live Joyfully in a Digital Age, Crook now leads JOMO(campus), a digital wellness company serving college and high school students across North America. Crook is a Certified Digital Wellness Educator and sits on the board of Second Nature Journal, a publication of the International Institute of the Study of Technology and Christianity, and is a member of the International Society for Technology in Education, the Media Ecology Association, NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), and the Writers’ Union of Canada.

Dr. Rian Djita is the Director of Research at the Association of Christian Schools International. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas, where his dissertation topic focused on immigrant/first-generation college students and their postsecondary outcomes. He is a first-generation college student from Indonesia, where he taught high school math for six years. He earned his master’s degree in international education policy at Peabody Vanderbilt with a Fulbright scholarship. During graduate school, he interned at the Tennessee Department of Education and the Center for Public Research and Leadership at Columbia University. He was selected as one of the Emerging Education Policy Scholars (EEPS) in 2023. Rian’s interests lie in comparative international policies around equity, international assessments, school choice, and students’ academic outcomes, particularly among immigrant/English Language Learners (ELLs) and first-generation college students.

Dr. Scott Harsh assumed the role of President of Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) in 2018, becoming the third president in the school's 50+ year history. Before his appointment to president, Scott served at GAC since 1996 in various roles and responsibilities, including Academic Vice President, High School Principal, High School Dean of Students, Middle School Assistant Principal, as well as a math teacher and coach of various sports. Scott completed his bachelor's in mathematics from Harding University, his Master's from the University of Georgia, an Educational Specialist degree from Georgia State University, and his Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University. Scott also serves as Chair of the Board for the National Christian School Association.

Paul Matthews is an Australian educator who believes that Christian education is central to spreading God's kingdom throughout the world. Paul works with Christian schools to navigate the problems and possibilities of artificial intelligence in education. When not consulting or speaking, Paul works as the CEO of MyTeacherAide, a tech startup that works to bring the benefits of AI to teachers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Paul previously taught high school history at Calvin Christian School in Tasmania, Australia.

Dr. Dave Mulder currently serves as professor of education at Dordt University, where he teaches courses in educational technology, STEM education, and educational foundations. He previously served as a middle school math, science, and computer science teacher in Christian schools in California and Iowa, and was Technology Director of a PreK-8 Christian school. He earned his doctoral degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University, and continues to conduct research in digital citizenship, social presence in online learning, and technology integration in PreK-20 educational settings. He cohosts the Hallway Conversations podcast and provides professional development experiences for educators in schools across North America.

Dr. Derek C. Schuurman worked as an electrical engineer for several years and later completed a Ph.D. at McMaster University in the area of robotics and computer vision using machine learning. He is currently professor of computer science at Calvin University, a fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation, and an advisor for AI&Faith. He has written about faith and technology issues in a variety of publications including monthly columns in Christian Courier and contributions to the Christian Scholar’s Review blog. He is the author of the book Shaping a Digital World: Faith, Culture and Computer Technology and co-author of A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers, both published by InterVarsity Academic Press.

Dr. Derek Wilson’s current role is Dean of Technology and Innovation at Greater Atlanta Christian School. At GACS, Derek has worked on various projects including synchronous learning, helping launch GAC’s online school Ethos, and providing professional development for schools across the United States. Derek’s current focus is developing TrekAI, an LLM-based tutor. Derek’s focus is on how to bring the best of technology into the classroom. His interests and skills are widespread with his doctoral work focusing on moral development psychology and bioethics education.

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Leading Insights: Biblical Worldview and Spiritual Formation

This monograph, Biblical Worldview and Spiritual Formation, focuses on the core mission of Christian education—discipling the hearts and minds of students, and equipping them as ambassadors of Christ and reconcilers to God’s creation. With chapters by leaders, teachers, and researchers who have worked extensively in and with Christian schools, this edition shares valuable insights for fostering a school culture that is rooted in a biblical worldview and love of God and neighbor. Practical strategies and a culminating reflection guide will benefit readers in any role—whether in leadership, spiritual life oversight, classroom teaching, curricular planning, faculty professional development, or service-learning—as well as school teams seeking to grow in faithfulness to their Christ-centered mission.

Contributing Authors:

Darryl DeBoer has been involved in Christian education as a science teacher, outdoor education leader, and administrator in Canada, Switzerland, and India since 1996. Currently, he is the Director of Learning at Surrey Christian School (British Columbia), a Senior Fellow for the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE) at Dordt University, and the co-creator and Director of Teaching for Transformation (TfT).

Dr. Roger C.S. Erdvig has served as head of school at Wilmington Christian School (Delaware) and Smithtown Christian School (New York), where he led initiatives to re-frame a commitment to distinctively Christian teaching and learning. In 2023, Roger is transitioning from local school leadership to serve as the Director of Worldview Education with Summit Ministries in Colorado.

Dr. Mitch Evans has over twenty years of teaching experience in Kingdom education schools. He currently serves as a high school AP Biology teacher at North Raleigh Christian Academy (North Carolina) and as an instructor in Liberty University’s School of Education doctoral program.

Dr. Annie Gallagher, the founder of Transformed PD, is a professional development coach and instructional program consultant who currently lives in Kentucky. She has coached Christian educators and instructional leaders in the U.S. and internationally in how to authentically plan and teach Christ-centered instruction, so students see God revealed in content area subject matter.

Jerry Nelson is the Chief Ministry Officer at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He oversees all initiatives related to spiritual formation, focused on the elevation of God’s Word, prayer, biblical worldview development, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission for all of ACSI’s stakeholders, programs, and content.

Dr. Justin Smith is the Assistant Head of School at Little Rock Christian Academy (LRCA) in Arkansas, where he has led in administration, teaching, and coaching. A graduate of the University of San Diego, he earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State.

Dr. Larry Taylor is the president of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He previously spent twenty years as the head of school at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) in Plano, Texas, during which time Dr. Taylor co-launched a national training institute for schools, “Becoming a Kingdom School Institute,” and developed a training program for parents titled “Becoming a Kingdom Family.”

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Having eyes of faith to pursue and see the beauty amidst brokenness makes powerful declarations that God is both sovereign and good. Christian schools have a holy purpose to make these declarations by their culture of accepting and affirming the beauty of all students—even those with intense challenges or significant disabilities.

Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion

This monograph, Special Education and Inclusion, features experts in theology, research, and practice related to serving students with disabilities in the Christian school setting, along with the alumni, parent, and head of school perspective on inclusive education. The authors share new insights on how Christian schools can create cultures of belonging and mutual care that reflect God's heart for all children—who are each uniquely made in His image—and in doing so, shine a beacon of hope for families in their communities.

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Contributing Authors:

Dr. Thomas Boehm’s work is situated at the intersection of disability and faith. In the summer of 2019, he helped launch and leads a new Center for Faith and Disability at Wheaton College. Since 2015, he has served as Wheaton’s Ann Haskins Associate Professor of Special Education and the Coordinator of the Special Education Program. In 2009, Dr. Boehm founded and continues to direct Faith for ALL, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and supporting inclusive faith communities. Dr. Boehm’s research and writing focus on building inclusive community within schools and congregations to improve family quality of life for both people with and without disability.

Dr. Erik Carter is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. His research and teaching focuses on evidence-based strategies for supporting inclusion and valued roles in school, work, community, and congregational settings for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is especially passionate about equipping churches and schools to be communities of belonging for those with disabilities.

Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski is the executive director of All Belong, equipping congregations and schools to glorify God through purposeful, innovative inclusion of persons of varied abilities. All Belong partners with Christ-centered schools across the country to support their students, and welcomes conversations and questions about inclusion of students of all abilities. She holds an MBA from Grand Valley State University.

Dr. Matthew H. Lee is ACSI’s Director of Research. Dr. Lee is co-editor of the book Religious Liberty and Education and has published numerous research articles related to school choice outcomes, private school leadership, and educational program evaluation. Dr. Lee’s work at ACSI involves building on ACSI’s groundbreaking Flourishing Schools Research and sustainability initiatives, as well as developing new initiatives that will undergird ACSI’s thought leadership in Christian education.

Dr. Kate E. Strater is an assistant professor of special education at Calvin University. After 18 years in public education serving in a variety of teaching, consulting, and administrative roles, she now serves as a teacher educator in the field of special education. Her areas of research include developing individualized supports for self-determination, quality of life, and goal attainment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. She is passionate about transition planning and growing inclusive employment and post-secondary education opportunities.

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By proactively engaging the needs of students and their families, educational communities can cultivate holistically supportive systems that seek to develop the spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of the community.

Leading Insights: Mental Health and Well-being

This monograph, Mental Health and Well-being, features practitioners, experts, and researchers in school counseling, student mental health, and wellness. The authors, who have worked in and with Christian schools, share valuable insights and practical strategies for attending to mental health needs and promoting well-being in Christian education. With a focus on creating a faith-based foundation and modeling best practice, this monograph encourages Christian educators as they seek to care well for the students and adults in the school communities—in and through Christ.

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Contributing Authors:

Cara Dixon, LPC, NCC is the chief executive officer of Growth Minded Counseling and Consulting and a seminar leader at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to these roles, Cara was the founder and lead accreditation officer of a partial hospitalization program, and the director of counseling services at a Christian boarding and day school. Cara has supervised teams in both clinical and school-based settings for years to provide high quality mental health support services to individuals. She has written blogs, been interviewed for podcasts, and given seminars on the topic of mental health in Christian schools.

Nancy Gillespie is a licensed school counselor and has served at Grove City Christian School (GCCS) outside of Columbus, Ohio, for the past thirteen years. At GCCS, she has created a comprehensive school counseling program and continues to manage students’ needs in the areas of academic success, personal social development, and college and career options. Concurrently, she is a first-year doctoral student in pursuit of her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from The Ohio State University. Working at a Christian school gives her the opportunity to share her love of education, counseling, and people with the love of Christ at the center.

Kelsey Hauser is research assistant for the School Counselor Mental Health Initiative and a master’s level graduate student in clinical counseling and school counseling at Denver Seminary. She has a background in education as a licensed substitute teacher and special education paraprofessional.

Ginger Hill is the founder of Good Health for Good Works, where she helps the earnest, but often exhausted, workers in Christian organizations take steps toward healthier living so they can stay well to serve well and effectively fulfill their God-given calling. She supports Christian organizations through employee wellness seminars, coaching, and consulting. As an ACSI Ministry Partner, Ginger has a special place in her heart for teachers. In her career, she has worked with individual teachers to help them develop strategies for healthy living within their demanding profession and presented wellness seminars to Chicago public school teachers as part of the Chicago Lives Healthy program. Ginger has over twenty years of experience in the employee wellness industry and is a committed Christian who seeks to apply biblical principles to every area of life, including helping people to improve their health.

Brittany Miller is a research associate with the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI) at Denver Seminary. As part of the SCMHI team, Brittany has the opportunity to partner with public, private, and charter schools to research student mental health. She graduated with honors from Denver Seminary with her dual concentration Master of Arts in clinical mental health and school counseling, and she is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Her work focuses on the biopsychosocial and faith aspects of child and young adult development and the various school and treatment systems they encounter throughout their lives.

Laura Miller is a certified Colorado music educator and passionate teacher who has taught a variety of subjects nationally and internationally in Oklahoma, Colorado, Thailand, and Jordan. Laura is now pursuing her masters with a dual concentration in clinical mental health and school counseling at Denver Seminary.

Rex Miller launched MindShift, a faith-based research and coaching organization, in 2013. He is the author of Humanizing the Education Machine and WHOLE: What Teachers Need to Help Students Thrive, as well as the facilitator for the Christian education MindShift. Rex’s current vision is to help every student embrace and hold on to their God-given genius and help adults rediscover theirs. He recently released The Genius Spark and a free app to support this vision. Rex has received the CoreNet Global Innovator of the Year award, CoreNet’s Industry Excellent Award, IFMA’s Luminary Author’s award, and was named a Texas A&M Professional Fellow. He serves clients such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Disney, Amazon, GoDaddy, and the U.S. federal government. Rex recently moved to Glen Rose, Texas, and purchased River Rose, a ranch and leadership center.

Charlotte Marshall Powell is fueled by opportunities to connect people with research that makes a lasting impact. Knowing the usefulness of data in developing innovative solutions, Dr. Marshall Powell joined Barna in July 2021 as vice president of research. Prior to joining Barna, she served as a senior researcher at ACSI, and also served previously as a tenure track psychology professor and taught undergraduate and graduate psychology courses. She holds a B.A in psychology from Spelman College and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Delaware.

Elizabeth Meier Thornton is an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary in the school and clinical counseling programs and is an adjunct professor at Denver University in the school counseling program. She works full-time as a middle school counselor at Peak to Peak Charter School, and has been a school counselor in public, private, and charter schools in the United States and globally, including one ACSI school. She is a licensed school counselor and licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado and is a national certified counselor. A 2012 Denver Seminary graduate from the master’s in clinical and school counseling Program, she has worked with the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI) as a research associate, and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of the Cumberlands.

Brooke Volpone is pursuing her Masters of Arts degree in counseling, with a school counseling concentration. Brooke has worked with adolescents for much of her adult life and looks forward to continuing to empower and advocate for students as a school counselor, post-graduation.

Jon Widmier is an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary in the school counseling program. He also serves as the coordinator of social-emotional and behavioral services for Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, Colorado. A school counselor by trade, he has served districts by helping to develop danger assessment protocols and as a member of their crisis teams, as well as 504 management, individual career and academic plans, social-emotional learning, multitiered systems of support, and safety team leadership.

Dr. Adam Wilson is the chair of the school counseling program at Denver Seminary and the director of the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI), a research initiative seeking to better understand effective mental health interventions in schools. He is also a licensed professional counselor, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and their families. His clinical work focuses on areas such as anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Adam is the co-author of the chapter “The Neurobiology of Stress and Trauma” in the book Treating Trauma in Christian Counseling, edited by H. D. Gingrich and F. C. Gingrich (2017). Adam is a Colorado native and enjoys the outdoors, where he and his family love to play.

Betsy Winkle is a school psychologist who combines her passion for education and reconciliation in her role as director of education services at All Belong: A Center for Inclusive Education. Fueled by a desire to help each child flourish and develop their God-given gifts, Betsy enjoys walking alongside parents and teachers to help them understand how each struggling child thinks and learns, and creating structures within schools that support all students. She is particularly interested in the impact of life circumstances and mental health on a child’s educational success. Betsy received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Calvin College and her Master of Arts and educational specialist degrees in school psychology from Lehigh University.

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