The Fast Train Called Education

fast train by Gene Ladendorf

In Wisconsin there is a lot of discussion about building a high speed train first from Milwaukee to Madison and eventually to Minneapolis. The discussion centers around: the number of jobs the project will produce, the cost of building the system, the cost of maintaining the system, the anticipated number of passengers, and where stations will be located. There are those who hope that the project will be “derailed” and those who wish that it was built yesterday. Whether or not the routes will ever be completed, drivers will still drive their cars on the interstate highway, busses will transport people, and perhaps slower commuter trains will move people from one place to another.

The high speed train of education has already left the station and is speeding to new horizons and experiences and challenges for both teacher and students.I like to think what is happening in the world of education today, and especially the world of Lutheran education, is like the high speed train project which is planned in Wisconsin and other states. But the main difference is that I believe that we are already on that fast train called: “educational reform” or “modern education” or “21st-century education.” We really don’t have the time or ability to reflect on the value of jumping on. The high speed train of education has already left the station and is speeding to new horizons and experiences and challenges for both teacher and students.

Even if the fast train becomes a reality, some old things, “non-negotiables” like tracks, train cars with seating, personnel to run the train and to make repairs, and schedules will still be part of the new system. So too will characteristics of Lutheran schools remain viable and important even as we board the “21st-century” train.

Let’s first consider just three of the non-negotiables for teachers in Lutheran schools:

Shaping lives through the Word of God: Sharing the love of God in Christ Jesus has and always will be center for the mission and ministry of Lutheran schools. Teaching children and young people the Word of God and the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection along with the many stories of both the Old and New Testaments will enable us, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to help our students know the power of Jesus in their lives.
We must be about relationships: How we teach, the teaching aids that we use, the experiences which go beyond the textbook, and the confidence gained by our students is all for naught if we have not built relationships with our students and their families. You all know the research that children and young people are desperately seeking positive and meaningful relationships. While I agree that good schools have quality leaders, it is the teacher in the classroom who has that day-to-day contact with students and hopefully frequent contacts with the parents or caregivers of those students that makes the real difference in the lives of students and makes relationships meaningful and lasting. We cannot afford to simply say, “I am just the classroom teacher.” It is increasingly obvious that those who build relationships with their students and families are those who are touching lives for eternity. Just as the effective pastor builds relationships with those in his worshipping community, so too must the teacher in Lutheran school classrooms.
The ministry of the Lutheran educator: While the understanding of the word ministry may have a variety of meanings, it does seem that one special characteristic of our school ministries is that we have teachers and administrators who minister to children, young people, and their families. We have maintained the ministry of the Christian teacher as a significant component of who and what we are as a church body that values and supports Christian education. A dear friend, who was a Catholic school superintendent many years ago, always told me that he “coveted” (in a good sense) what we have in our colleges and universities, preparing people for ministry in Lutheran schools. Our system for preparing women and men for positions of ministry in Lutheran schools generation after generation has enabled congregations to continue to provide full-time Christian education for the children of the congregation and community. What we have been able to do as a church body is the envy of many!

The Fast Train

Our Lord provides us with the tools to not only prepare our students academically but also to be able to reach beyond our four walls to share the message of Jesus Christ.As we climb aboard the fast train we are immediately aware of the impact of technology for both students and for those who teach. Think back ten years. You may have been using e-mail—but how about texting? Facebook? Blogs? What was the size of your cell phone? How about the capabilities of your computer or computer system? What were the capabilities of the internet?

We must become more technically literate than our students: What a challenge! But also what an opportunity! There is so much available for our students—so much that will help you to be the best teacher that you can be. When we consider all that has been developed just in the past few years, it is really mind-boggling to try to imagine what will be available by just 2015. Our Lord provides us with the tools to not only prepare our students academically but also to be able to reach beyond our four walls to share the message of Jesus Christ. Let’s not close our minds to the opportunities before us as we seek to prepare our students to be productive adults of the 21st century.
Limit the amount of textbooks: We all know that as knowledge expands today, textbooks are often almost out-of-date by the time they reach a student’s desk. At my last school when we selected a new social studies text, I told the faculty that I hoped that this would be the last social studies textbook that would be selected. There are so many resources and strategies which are more in line with the way students learn today. Using the internet is just one wonderful resource which teachers and students can utilize. The resources on the horizon will only enhance your ability to teach what students really need to know.
A school beyond four walls: In addition to Lutheran schools, there are many other schools including virtual and homeschool programs. Beyond sharing classes electronically with other schools, there will be even more opportunities for expanding what happens in the Lutheran school classroom. While the opportunities may be more adaptable for high school classes and beyond, I suspect that there will be new and creative strategies for the elementary schools as well.

Get on board! Don’t be frightened! The train may be moving faster than you would like but WOW! There is so much to see and do and experience! The end may be a bit hazy but getting there will be a rewarding ride!

Gene Ladendorf is Interim Superintendent of Schools, South Wisconsin District, LCMS.