I love grizzly bears. Not in a "Hey, grizzly bears are neat" kinda way, but
I love grizzly bears. Not in a

TfT Bulletin #17  |  May 22, 2024

I love grizzly bears. Not in a “Hey, grizzly bears are neat” kinda way, but more like “Hey, you want to talk about grizzly bears all day?” kinda way.
My office is plastered with grizzly bear things—grizzly bear books, grizzly bear mugs, grizzly bear photographs. . . . I am very happy to describe each piece in depth if you would like—just send me an email. I love grizzly bears.

Nothing makes my soul sing more than hiking through grizzly country. The thought that I might see a grizzly has propelled me down countless trails—just a little further, maybe there is a grizzly around the next corner, just a little further. . . .
Wandering through creation and engaging God’s creatures has been the most significant shaper of my faith in our Creator God.
So, my heart beat a little bit faster when I received this video of Caroline Hawkin’s Grade 2 class at King’s Academy, in which the students thank the “frogman” for helping them with their project. 

If I were in this class, this day would have been my very best day at school ever.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Psalm 96:11-12


Masterclasses: Registration closing soon—on June 10

We are coming closer to the Masterclass registration deadline of June 10. This summer is our largest selection of Masterclasses yet, classes that will equip you to go deeper in either the core or essential practices of TfT.  A couple of our classes are near capacity and will likely fill next week, so take the time today to considering joining us.
Primary Classrooms:
Grades K-2
Intermediate Classrooms:
Grades 3-5
Middle School Classrooms:
Grades 6-8
The Mathematics Classroom:
Grades 6-12
FLEx Design
Grades K-5
FLEx Design
Grades 6-12
Learning Targets
Grades K-12
Leading TfT
for those who lead TfT implementation at their schools
Learn more and register here. Please contact Amanda Albright with further questions. 
Register Here

Personalized Throughlines

Many schools responded to the invitation to share how they have personalized the Throughlines for the context of their school. We are excited to share these examples.
As we receive more examples from schools, we will continue to update the webpage. If your school has not yet considered personalizing the Throughlines to your school’s context, this resource will support you in this process.

Math and Faith Resource for TfT Math Teachers

I am excited to share a new resource developed by Dr. Valorie Zonnefeld, Professor of Mathematics at Dordt University, “to provide resources for a coherent integration of faith and perspectival considerations throughout K-12 mathematics education.”
Math teachers will discover that this rich resource aligns essential questions with the Throughlines of Teaching for Transformation at each grade level. Coupled with this summer’s Math Masterclass, there are exciting supports available for teachers of mathematics.

TfT in Preschool

Rachel Postevka, early childhood educator at Delaware County Christian School, created a video showing her PreK2 class participating in their FLEx work at a Mother’s Day tea.  Reflecting on her TfT journey with preschool students, Rachel shares, “It hasn't always been easy adjusting TfT to fit our age group, but man oh man was it worth it!  It was clear God used every aspect of this FLEx to stir a passion for serving others. I can't wait to do it again next year!” You will want to watch this amazing preschool TfT learning story.

TfT Instructional Coaching Intensive: November 13-15, 2024

Registration is now open for our annual Instructional Coaching Intensive from November 13-15 at Delaware County Christian School (Philadelphia).
And, we are excited to share that we will be offering Level 400. Level 400 is intended for Heads of Schools, Principals, and Instructional/Curriculum Leads. This course invites participants to foster a culture of belonging at their schools by embracing a posture of cultural humility. Participants will examine Culturally Responsive Pedagogy as a tool to prepare students to engage God’s good and diverse world. Finally, participants will examine their own cultural lenses as a crucial first step in embracing cultural differences and celebrating kingdom unity. We are confident that the learning of Level 400 will empower school leaders to create the spaces needed for practices of Teaching for Transformation to flourish as teachers and students engage God’s world both inside and outside their school.
Level 400 will be facilitated by Tia Gaines. Tia is the Executive Director of UnifiEd, an organization that provides ongoing professional development and resources for schools dedicated to a Biblical approach to Kingdom Unity. Tia help schools create communities of belonging where all students can flourish.
There is no prerequisite for participants to attend Level 400; the aim is to provide a space for Heads of Schools to join their Instructional Coaches for a shared time of collaborative leadership and learning. 
Register Here

TfT Tips Trio

In the past, we have focused on the formational power of reflection, and we want to encourage you in this regard again. Naturally, as you finish the year, you find yourself reflecting with your students. This week’s TfT tips shares ideas on how to use TfT practices to celebrate and reflect on the growth of your learners over the past school year.
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