Hovland: Ending Well

Begin the last month of school with the end in mind. Picture it and make intentional efforts for a smooth, rewarding transition into summer, moving, or retirement. more

Tags: Blessings, Celebrations, Endings, Pacing, Philippians 4:8, Relationships, Stephenie Hovland, Transitions

A is for Adversity

By James Pingel. Instead of overcoming adversity, how does a Christian learn how to live with it? What kind of impact can adversity and suffering have on a Christian leader? more

Tags: Adversity, James Pingel, Mindset, Opposition, Relationships, Spiritual Life

Convocation: We Are Close to Being Together!

In the last issue of Shaping the Future, Denise told you how the convocation would be the same yet different. Now it’s time for precise details. Read more about why Together is a good way to grow. more

Tags: Chad Janetzke, Convocation, Denise Rice, Ephesians 2:19-21, Experience Milwaukee, Rehema Kavugha, Scott Hamilton, Sectionals, Together, Wisconsin Center

Restorative Justice: Not, To, For, With: Which Best Shapes the Future?

If we as Lutheran educators are shaping the future, a reexamination of our response to a student’s persistent misbehavior can lead us to horizons of justice that far exceed what is a usual, acceptable, and linear response.Explore how much immeasurably more could have been done to minister and to shape the future of this offending student. more

Tags: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Discipline, Grace, Interventions, Kevin Brockberg, Misbehavior, Restorative Justice, Theology

What About Life?

It’s not uncommon for Christian teachers to be out of step with mainstream society. As children of light and leaders in Lutheran classrooms, God designed you to be beacons of life shining the sometimes unwelcomed truth on our students. This feature article also serves as early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary network articles. more

Tags: Abortion, Abuse, Food Insecurity, Forgiveness, Homelessness, Hope, Human Trafficking, Life, Lutherans for Life, Michelle Bauman, Owen's Mission, Teaching for Life, Y4Life

EncourAGEnet: Fear: The COVID Symptom No One Talks About

By Richard Cohrs. Fear—No matter the century, the circumstances, or the country, fear is common. Read a story of living with it and combating it. more

Tags: Covid, EncourAGEnet, Fear, Richard Cohrs

ECE: Rejoice in the wonder of God’s creation

Young children know, inherently, that babies are special. They rejoice in new births and often want to see and hold the baby. This is a natural age to teach the truth that all life is precious and unique. more

Tags: Babies, Creation, ECEnet, Life, Michelle Bauman

ETnet: Restorative Justice: Helping kids make the right choices

Restorative practices create healing spaces where kids know, “I belong here.” They will make the right choices, change, insure that they are connected, and be a part of something. School can be and should be one stable, accountable connection for all kids. more

Tags: Choices, ETnet, Forgiveness, Kevin Brockberg, Michelle Bauman, Restorative Justice

LDnet: Tips for Effective Conversations with Parents

By Kara Bratton. Let’s talk about some strategies for how to effectively communicate when it comes to student behavior, especially when there seems to be resistance. more

Tags: Conversations, Effective Conversations, Kara Bratton, Parents