Geoff Beech

Christians as Teachers Geoff Beech

How does teaching Christianly differ from other forms of teaching? How might a Christian teach, in a biblical way, some commonplace set of facts from a mandated secular curriculum? This book considers what a biblical approach to teaching may involve as it emerges from a biblically grounded life and what that might look like in the classroom. Rather than speaking of integration of faith and learning, it starts from a foundation of Christ, the Truth and Lord of all, and moves to the development of a framework for classroom practice that includes a need to try to see things from God's perspective. All truly Christian education is seen, therefore, as a profoundly biblical pursuit leading to the revelation of God. To do this, the book explores the underlying theology and principles out of which our education should flow. These principles then allow us to examine such areas as the consideration of a Christian way to teach subjects such as geography and mathematics, or even what might be distinctive about the way a Christian teacher may do something as mundane as picking up a pencil. ""From the experience of teacher, missionary, school leader, teacher educator, and philosopher, Geoff Beech has written this profound and practical book on Christian education. . . . [T]his book is no simplistic 'how-to' manual. Rather, through stories, examples, and principles, it provides a framework and launch points for the serious Christian educator to faithfully pursue his or her call in education."" --Ken Dickens, Principal, National Institute for Christian Education ""This book is a welcome addition to the Christian teacher's library. Drawing from the Bible and a wide range of writers on Christian education Beech develops a carefully reasoned biblical approach for classroom practice. . . . [A] very readable resource for all involved in Christian education."" --Pamela Harvey, Dean of Education, Morling College ""This book will provide an important connection between some books which provide theological and philosophical foundations for Christian education and the practitioner in the classroom. . . . I commend this book as an important resource for practicing Christian educators to bring together their beliefs and the practice of teaching Christianly."" --Ted Boyce, Principal, Pacific Hills Christian School ""Geoff Beech describes with insight and clarity what a Christian teacher is and how having a biblical understanding of our place in God's creation, redemption, and purpose can shape teaching a mandated curriculum of subjects such as geography, mathematics, and the sciences. A worthwhile book for teachers to use in group discussions."" --Gloria Goris Stronks, Professor of Education, emerita, Calvin College Geoff Beech, PhD, taught in schools in Australia and in South America as well as working in the master's of education program at the National Institute for Christian Education in Sydney, Australia. At the moment Geoff is working with TeachBeyond as an education missionary once again. Geoff currently lives near Sydney, Australia, and is a widower with three adult children.