We invite Christian schools to join us for two powerful, mission-driven professional learning opportunities for the 2026–2027 school year. Designed for teachers, paraprofessionals, and all staff who work with students, these flexible, school-year-long experiences provide practical tools to strengthen both academic excellence and Christ-centered formation through monthly learning modules, live Zoom sessions, and real-world application, including optional licensure credit through Dordt University.
MISSION-DRIVEN TEACHING AND LEARNING (with Jim Peterson, Christian Schools International)
This series focuses on helping schools bring their mission and vision to life through curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Led by Jim Peterson, participants will strengthen their ability to teach from a distinctly Christian perspective while aligning daily practices with mission-driven outcomes.
Participants will engage in 8 modules covering:
- Mission in action
- Teaching Christianly & developing a biblical worldview
- Curriculum, instruction, and assessment best practices
- Teacher effectiveness & student achievement
Program Structure:
Each month includes module content and resources, a live Zoom session, and a practical “commit to try” application.
Live Zoom Dates (3:45–5:00 PM):
August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14
(Sessions are recorded and shared afterward for those with a conflict.)
Registration Deadline: August 10
THE JONAH PLAN: ADDRESSING CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS (with Dr. Kathleen VanTol, Dordt University, & Sarah Hawley, Dordt Thrive Center for ABA)
This series equips educators with practical, research-based strategies to address student behavior through a Christ-centered lens. Led by Dr. Kathleen VanTol and Sarah Hawley and inspired by the biblical story of Jonah, The JONAH Plan emphasizes Just Opportunities, New Actions, and Hope—supporting both student growth and teacher effectiveness.
Participants will engage in 8 modules covering:
- MTSS/RtI frameworks
- Classroom systems and behavior strategies
- Trauma-informed practices
- Motivation and student support
- Paraprofessional effectiveness
- Data collection and decision making
Program Structure:
Each month includes module content and resources, a discussion guide for on-site conversations, a live Zoom session, and a practical “commit to try” application.
Live Zoom Dates (3:45–4:45 PM):
August 20, September 17, October 22, November 19, January 21, February 18, March 18, April 22
(Sessions are recorded and shared afterward for those with a conflict.)
Registration Deadline: August 14
COST AND REGISTRATION (applies to both programs):
- $85 per participant (AEA funding is an option)
- Optional licensure renewal through Dordt University: +$75 (1 credit)
To register, email Josh Bowar (IACS Outreach Director) at josh@iowachristianschools.org with participant names and email addresses, which opportunity you are registering for, and indicate who will pursue licensure credit (if any). IACS will invoice your school and follow up with details.
We hope your team will join these meaningful and practical learning experiences!
Special thanks to our sponsors: Dordt University Master’s Program, CACE, BJU Press, and IXL.