A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. –Luke 6:40
It is important that children have outstanding teachers, especially in light of this passage from Luke. As children learn and grow, they imitate those around them, especially those they look up to. That is why Oak Hill teachers are selected not only based on education and experience, but on their character.
Although each of our teachers is educated and has experience working with students, the thing that really defines them as great educators is that they desire to continue to be students themselves. Whether it is learning in seminars and conferences from other institutions or attending discussions and workshops during the school year or reading and taking classes on their own time, our teachers love to learn.
Each summer we ask our staff to attend at least one session of training offered by an outside institution, but many of them choose to attend multiple conferences and workshops.
Institutes for Excellence in Writing We require our teachers in all grade levels and subject areas to complete the Institutes for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Structure and Style Program at least once. Through IEW methods teachers learn to guide their students in taking notes and creating outlines. Then, students use the outlines to give short speeches incorporating simple speaking techniques. Reading, taking notes, writing and giving speeches in different subjects helps students understand the material and retain it, therefore it is important for each of our teachers to know how to incorporate IEW techniques into their content area.
As the teachers learn how to teach IEW’s methods to their students, they also learn how to improve their own writing, speaking and overall communication skills.
Answers Academy This summer Oak HIll teachers have another opportunity for learning, the Answers for Educators Conference in Kentucky. This unique offering will equip and encourage our teachers as they seek to give our students a biblically sound education. Teachers will hear from a variety of speakers but they are especially looking forward to hearing Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis.
One of the things that distinguishes OHCS is the commitment to teaching science from a biblical perspective. We do not compromise the message of the historical account given in Genesis. Therefore, we are excited for this new training opportunity for our staff. To learn more about this conference sponsored by the Herzog Foundation and recognized by ACSI and AACS, visit this here.
Association of Classical and Christian Schools Training As a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS), we value the summer training they offer. Each summer ACCS holds the Repairing the Ruins conference with workshops specifically targeting classical Christian educators. When these conferences are near (Atlanta, GA or Pennsylvania) we try to attend with our entire staff. When the conference is farther away (such as this year where it is being held in Texas), we gather on our own campus and stream workshops for our teachers to attend virtually. Or, we attend an ACCS certified conference at Rockbridge Academy in Maryland.
Whether attending in person or streaming at school, our teachers wrap up the day of learning with lots of discussion. Talking over the wealth of information helps teachers get a feel for how to apply what they have learned in their own classrooms. No matter the location and the topics, our teachers come away with renewed enthusiasm for the coming school year.
In House Summer Training The summer of teacher training concludes with in-house meetings and discussions. We take a few days towards the end of summer for our headmaster to prepare teachers for their new classes.
A specific educational goal for the school as a whole is presented and discussed. The previous school year is evaluated for strengths and areas of improvement. Teachers also meet one-on-one with either Mr. Thoburn, our headmaster, or Mrs. Thoburn, curriculum director, to be best prepared for back to school.
Entering this school year, we have a goal to strengthen our partnership with parents, working alongside them and not instead of them, to give each student an excellent education. Both this summer and throughout the upcoming year we will discuss possibilities to be successful with this goal.
As the school year progresses, each teacher has times that the headmaster or another faculty member does classroom observations. These are an essential part of helping each teacher better mentor students. Teachers are given feedback as to what they are doing well and what should be improved.
Additionally, each teacher is required to leave their students’ written assessments for Headmaster Robert Thoburn to review. In this way, he is aware of the work students are able to complete and areas they struggle in. Then, he can give specific assistance to teachers as needed.
Throughout the school year, our staff attends quarterly meetings as well. These are held in a discussion and fellowship format, making them beneficial for building relationships as well as training. Teachers are encouraged to bring up specific concerns they have about their own teaching. They can also seek advice from other teachers in general. Often something that is broadly applicable is addressed. Frequently, we will listen to a talk on education and then discuss thoughts from each teacher and how he will use the insight in his lessons.
Conclusion
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." -Leo Tolstoy-Leo Tolstoy
In order for a teacher to be a great teacher, he must be a student himself. When we look for teachers, we look for ones who are humble enough to admit that they will never know everything. Our teachers are great teachers because they recognize that in order to be a good teacher, they have to remain students and work hard each year to continue to learn to be a better teacher for Oak Hill families.
This learning happens in meetings, in discussions, in workshops, in reading books, in continued education and more. We are grateful that our teachers not only give their time to continue to change themselves, but desire to do so, setting an example for the students at Oak Hill to look up to and learn from.
Upcoming Teacher Training Dates 7/21-7/23 Answers in Genesis
7/26 IEW Educators’ Conference
8/19-8/22 OHCS In House Teacher Training with ACCS Streaming
