Erika speaks on the following topics:

Identity

  • Who are we as educators, and how does a biblical view of ourselves change the way we approach curriculum, assessment, and teaching?
  • Who are these students of ours, and how does a biblical view of our students change the way we approach curriculum, assessment, teaching, and building a classroom community?
  • Who is this Lord we serve, and how does a deeper understanding of the theology of God change the way we teach?
  • Audience: Ideal for parents, for teachers, homeschooling educators
  • Timeframe: One hour talk ---> four hour deep dive with discussion

 

Faith Integration

  • Christian schools often declare that they integrate faith with all aspects of education.  What does that look like?  How can we know that we truly do bring faith into all areas of education?  
  • Learn three ways 'faith integration' is often implemented and explore Erika's suggestion for a more authentic way.
  • Audience: school boards and principals of Christian schools, teachers at staff retreats, full staff in an August in-service to help frame the upcoming school year, homeschooling educators
  • Timeframe: One hour talk ---> four hour deep dive with discussion

 

The Purpose of Christian Education

  • What is the Christian school's purpose?  Hear the helpful analogy Erika uses to picture our purpose as a destination goal with purposeful and tangible steps along the way.
  • As a staff, become more aligned as you head in the same direction together.
  • Be encouraged and inspired.  Erika doesn't dump a big task on your laps, but places our purpose within the context of our journey with the King of the Universe.
  • Audience: school boards and principals of Christian schools, teachers at staff retreats, full staff in an August in-service to help frame the upcoming school year, homeschooling educators
  • Timeline: One hour talk ---> four hour deep dive with discussion

 

Vision and Mission

  • Our beautifully crafted mission and vision statements often end up looking pretty on our website while otherwise forgotten. What if there's a way to frame your mission and vision statements so they are actually and authentically applied to daily practices?
  • Audience: board members, school leadership team, teachers
  • Timeframe: One-two hour presentation

 

Philosophy of Education

  • Yes!  Learn it all!  Although it might sound dry, Erika brings stories and laughter to her review of what it means to be a Christian school.
  • Cover all aspects of a philosophy of education from a biblical perspective:
    • the nature and role of the teacher
    • the nature and role of the student
    • our purpose as educators, and as  school
    • the nature and role of curriculum
    • the nature and role of assessment
    • the nature and role of teaching and learning
    • the nature and role of community
  • Audience: educators, board members, principals, homeschooling educators, teacher conferences, August in-service workshops to prepare for the year, new teacher training
  • Timeframe: Six-Eight hours total as a one- or two-day workshop, or spread out over a year with seven one-hour sessions

 

To see if Erika is available to speak for your staff or present at your event, please reach out to her at erikaknightbakker@gmail.com.