A Biblical Worldview in Education
Introduction
Whether aware of it or not, all people have a worldview. A person’s worldview evolves and changes as they grow up, acquire more knowledge of the world and generally seek to define their purpose (Tackett, 2020). Worldviews vary, and there are many to take into account. When considering the definition of worldview, James Sire describes it best in his book, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept:
A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true,
partially true or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being. (p.141)
Having a biblical worldview means understanding that the answers to life’s questions are contained in God’s Word. Who we are, where we are, what is wrong in the world, and what the answer is are all worldview questions that can be answered in the Scriptures (Smith, 2015).
Biblical Worldview
Who are we? With a biblical worldview, this question can be answered: We are children of God. Romans 8:14 states, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” We are His disciples and are called to live with the Bible as our guide to life. We are created in God’s image. The next essential question concerns where we are and our world (Smith, 2015). To answer this question, one needs only to look to the Bible. As Children of God, this question is answered by remembering that the world is God’s creation.
The last two elements of a biblical worldview deal with understanding the wrong in the world and how to change those things (Smith, 2015). A biblical worldview holds that sin is the principal wrong in the world (Sire & Hoover, 2020). Many problems today can be boiled down in their most basic form to sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” If the wrong in the world is sin, the answer is Jesus Christ (Smith, 2015). Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of Man, and following his example in life is the most important purpose.
Christian Philosophy of Education
A Christian philosophy of education can be developed with a biblical worldview in mind. While the Bible remains the most important, it is important to remember that God did not create us to be ignorant (Jeremiah 9:24) and that we have been created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, “we should seek to serve God with our entire being… to seek understanding for how the truth of God’s existence and provision through Christ informs our understanding of every aspect of God’s creation order” (Jennings, 2021).
A Christian Philosophy also considers that it is important to not only teach information to students, but it is equally important that students are taught how to learn and how to solve problems (Pietsch, 2018). Educators should “teach students how to deal with uncertainty, what steps they can take even when they do not know how to solve a particular problem” (Pietsch, 2018, p. 10). Understanding how to work together and utilize knowledge to solve everyday problems upholds our Christian desire to learn and form relationships (Pietsch, 2018).
Implications for Educational Practice
Teachers are charged with the responsibility of educating today’s children to be contributors to tomorrow’s society. In this way, it is important to instill strong morals and problem-solving skills. A Christian philosophy can and should be applied to educational practice through moral education. “If education is to produce something good, then there must be an inclusion of morality (which good emerges from) into that system” (McMahon, 2013). Whether or not educated people decide to pursue the Word of God and adopt a Christian worldview, it is of utmost importance that they are inculcated with a system of morals and values.
Conclusion
A Christian worldview puts God in the center and uses the Bible as the ultimate guide to living a purposeful life (Smith, 2015). All of life’s important questions can be answered through the Scriptures. Applying a Christian worldview to educational philosophy implies that it is important to teach knowledge and instill the skills in students to seek knowledge out themselves and solve problems collaboratively (Pietsch, 2018). In practical application, a Christian philosophy can be utilized in educational practice by instilling a strong moral system and values in students (McMahon, 2013).
References
Jennings, I. (2021, September 15). Why do we go to school? A Christian Philosophy of Education. Christ and Culture. https://cfc.sebts.edu/faith-and-work/why-do-we-go-to-school-a-christian-philosophy-of-education/
McMahon, C. M. (2013). A Christian philosophy of education. Reformed Theology at A Puritan's Mind. https://www.apuritansmind.com/apologetics/introduction-to-the-writings-of-dr-gordon-clark/a-christian-philosophy-of-education/
Pietsch, J. (2018). Character reborn: A philosophy of Christian education. Acorn Press.
Sire, J. W. (2015). Naming the elephant worldview as a concept. IVP Academic.
Sire, J. W., & Hoover, J. (2020). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog (6th ed.). IVP Academic, an imprint of InterVarsity Press.
Smith, C. F. (2015). Developing a Biblical worldview: seeing things God's way. B & H Academic.
Tackett, D. (2020, June 23). What's a Christian worldview? Focus on the Family. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/whats-a-christian-worldview/
Worldview Essay (.docx) 0.03mb Description: During my internship I assisted administrators with the revision and goals in the current school improvement, or SIP. As a building-level administrator, evaluating, revising, and tracking the SIP is an essential part of the job. I had the opportunity to add a goal in 2024 related to school climate and community relations based on data from the previous year's staff/student/parent survey.
HLS 2021-224 School Improvement Plan (.xlsx) 0.14mb CPR, First Aid, AED Training (.pdf) 0.03mb Child Abuse Awareness Training (.pdf) 0.10mb Evidence of the Standard: This website ties into the accountability protocol project, and houses information related to school culture and climate, inclusive practices, and family and community engagement.
Climate and Culture in School WebsiteFaculty Handbook
Emergency Response Plan (not attached due to confidentiality)
Evidence of the Standard:
This year, we made revisions to our emergency response plan, or ERP, to be included in the staff handbook. The ERP was evaluated, proposals for changes were made, and then we participated in a tabletop simulation with members of the security team.
240503102840_HLS_Staff_Handbook_2023_24.docx (.docx) 1.03mb Description: The attached file is the agenda for the school board meeting on April 9th, 2024. The school system is currently going through several program changes, policy revisions, and policy creation, and it is essential that staff stay current on division and school board happenings.
4/9/24 School Board Meeting Agenda (.pdf) 0.16mb Description: I serve as the yearbook coordinator at my current school, and during the internship, I took on a broader role. This included working directly with the yearbook and portrait contacts at Barksdale, planning and communicating logistics.
Meeting Minutes Email (.pdf) 0.25mb Description: I participated this year on the Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Committee. This is a select group of teachers from across the county that meet monthly with division leadership to discuss relevant issues across a broad range of topics. Each meeting also included an open forum with the Superintendent.
4/18/24 STAC Agenda and Notes (.18) 1.84mb The projects embedded within each course allowed me to examine the roles and responsibilities of a building-level administrator in depth. I learned that many aspects of the job occur "behind the curtain" and that what staff and families see constitutes only a portion of the work involved. My practicums and internship allowed me multiple opportunities to participate in eligibility meetings, principal/mentor meetings, and shadowing at other schools.
I started my certification with a clear picture of what I wanted to do with it. However, after completing coursework, I'm still trying to figure out where exactly I will fit in professionally. With a passion for school culture and climate and a desire to bring climate to the forefront of school communities, I'm still determining what building-level leadership position will best fit my strengths. I am confident that my experience from this licensure program will help guide me towards the right position.
Evidence of the Standard: This project meets NELP Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Improvement. It is a comprehensive school improvement plan designed to meet the vision and mission of the school.
School improvement Plan (.pdf) 1.29mb Evidence of the Standard: This project is an extensive case study on mixed-ability grouping in 4th grade math instruction.
ELCC Action Research Case Study (.pdf) 0.43mb Evidence of the Standard: This benchmark project is a set of essays and case studies representing several NELP Standards.
Theory to Practice Exam (.docx) 0.04mb Evidence of the Standard: This project contains several components centered around school finance, including a resource analysis, Financial goal setting, and a resources management plan.
School improvement Plan (.docx) 0.06mb Evidence of the Standard: This project contains a demographic study and data report, needs assessment, a resources report, and an advocacy plan.
Community Resources Alignment (.docx) 0.20mb Evidence of the Standard: This legal entanglement project tackles the rights of transgender students and parents in a Virginia public school system.
Transgender Students and Parental Rights (.pdf) 0.45mb Evidence of the Standard: This project seeks to make the connection between survey results and cultivating a positive school climate, with a long-term plan for addressing school culture.
Accountability Protocol Project (.docx) 0.05mb 
Acronym for Association: ASCD
Date of Initial Membership: May 8th, 2023
Description of Association: Mission & Vision Statement- We empower educators to reimagine and redesign learning through impactful pedagogy and meaningful technology use. We achieve this by offering transformative professional learning, fostering vibrant communities, and ensuring that digital tools and experiences are accessible and effective.
Association's Website: www.ascd.org
Level of activity/Involvement in the Association: Attended the National Conference in Washington D.C. in March 2024.
Discussion: The average score for this test is 162-178, with a Virginia requirement of 146. A score of 183 meets the state standard and is above average.
SLLA Score Report (.pdf) 0.36mb 
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