Part Two
Last Teacher Edition episode, the leadership team from Cornerstone Christian Academy in Virginia shared the process of beginning a Christian school including planning, hiring, and creating and adhering to the school’s mission statement. You don’t want to miss part one!
This episode on the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny and the Cornerstone Christian team discuss:
- Selecting a curriculum with a biblical worldview
- Deciding to start an online component to the school
- Balancing technology in the classroom
- The rigorous enrollment process for students
- Extracurricular activities and how to navigate them during the first year
- Advice for educators who are wanting to start a Christian school
If the Lord is putting it on your heart to start a Christian school, He will provide all your needs. The faculty and staff of Cornerstone Christian Academy have experienced guidance and provision. Do what God has uniquely put on your heart for your specific Christian school. God will honor your work; He is faithful.
Sam, Bill, and Ruth have allowed us the opportunity to see how to start a Christian school. You may not want to start a Christian school, but we encourage you to pray for your local Christian school leaders. We need more schools but we need strong schools.
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and His grace working in you.
Go do what God has called you to do!
"We refer to our teachers as the living curriculum. They're the living breathing curriculum. And so nothing, not a smart board, nothing should take the place of that."
“There's no more important work that they could be called to do: to pour the truth of the word of God, to help equip young people to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.”
“So whatever the Lord has placed on your heart, if you're starting a christian school, don't try to be everything to everyone. Just be true to what He's called you to do. Try to do that window of a thing with excellence before Him, and He will honor it. He will bring people that will come alongside you as he has us."
- Dr. Sam Botta
About Our Guests
Ruth Davis
Ruth Davis grew up in a Christian home and, at an early age, gave her heart to Christ while attending summer camp. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. She began her teaching career as a Teacher of Technology before transitioning to specializing in Instructional Technology Integration. Mrs. Davis and her husband, Jim, live in Northern Virginia and have four grown children, one grandson, and two dogs. Ruth enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, golf, and kayaking.
Dr. Samuel Botta
In the fall of 1975, Sam Botta began his freshman year of college at Old Dominion University. Although Sam initially thought he was attending ODU to play basketball, a senior witnessed to Sam at a party in his dorm cafeteria and then introduced him to a pastor, who led Sam to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Sam soon realized that God had ordained for him to be there not to play basketball, but to place his faith, trust, and life in the everlasting arms of Jesus. After incurring a season-ending injury, Sam left ODU and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education at The King’s College in New York. Dr. Botta began his professional educational career serving as a physical education teacher and basketball coach, leading his teams to numerous tournaments and championships. He also earned Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees. Dr. Botta went on to serve as principal and head of school at several Christian schools and then as the director of athletics and head coach of men’s basketball at Regent University before joining Cornerstone Christian Academy as head of school. He and his wife Lynda have four adult sons: Danny, Scott, Brett, and Jeff.
Bill Oblas
Although Bill Oblas went to church every Sunday from childhood, he did not accept Jesus as his personal Savior until he was 21. His then-fianceé, Sally, had a burden for Bill to know Christ (she was saved several months earlier), and she led Bill to the Lord. Bill and Sally have been married since 1973. Bill’s educational career spans over 40 years. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education. While Mr. Oblas retired from education in 2014, he came out of retirement to support the launch of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Virginia. He and his wife, Sally reside in Northern Virginia, and are blessed to know that their three children, children’s spouses, and eight grandchildren all walk with Jesus.
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.
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