Teaching Students, Not Subjects: Faculty Development Seminar

“I don’t teach Math. I teach students Math.” 

This quote from Dr. Debbie MacCullough of the Association of Christian Schools International or ACSI resonated with the MGC New Life Christian Academy teachers as they attended a two-day seminar on the Christian philosophy of education from October 24 to 25, 2024.

Held online on the first day due to Typhoon Kristine, the faculty development seminar aimed to help teachers become better educators and role models as they live out Christian values in a secular world and point the students to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dr. MacCullough highlighted that an educator’s mindset and values are what shape their teaching practices and interactions with students. She also encouraged teachers to reevaluate their lesson planning by implementing a biblical worldview as the foundation of every subject and not as an add-on.

Reflecting on her experience, Grade 10 English teacher Lucille Cui shared, “This training has refocused my purpose—to cultivate wisdom, integrity, and love for God in my students, encouraging them to grow holistically.”

The seminar inspired teachers to incorporate faith more intentionally into their teaching, further supporting the school’s mission to shape students, not only academically but also spiritually. All teachers also have to come up with their own Christian philosophy of education, which they have to submit to their respective supervisors.