At the front of my classroom hangs a simple poster with three words: “Kind Vibes Only.” At first glance, it might seem like nothing more than a fun reminder to be kind. But over the course of the school year, those three words come to mean something much more to my students. Through the books…
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Teaching for Transformation
What is it?
Learning at EC is designed to be both meaningful and purpose-driven. Through the Teaching for Transformation (TfT) framework, students engage in real, meaningful work as they ask big questions and make connections, discovering how Christ is present across every subject and every part of their learning.
This approach empowers teachers and students to see their daily work as part of God’s redemptive story and how they can use their learning to meet real needs in the world.
The TfT Framework
Deep Hope
A deep hope is a statement of purpose and calling. Each EC teacher creates a deep hope that demonstrates a commitment to shaping students beyond academics alone.
Storyline
Each classroom at EC has a unique storyline. Storylines are brief phrases that invite students to consider how God’s story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration is evident in their daily learning.
Throughlines
Throughlines are the discipleship habits and practices that shape who our students are becoming while equipping them to impact God’s world around them. They give students, teachers, and parents a shared vision for what it means to live as faithful disciples within God’s story.
FLEx
Formational Learning Experiences (FLEx) are opportunities for learners to practice living the Kingdom Story by doing real work that meets the real needs of real people.
Does your student connect his or her faith to learning on a daily basis?
Schedule your personal tour to explore what this looks like firsthand or contact Leah Genuario, Director of Enrollment, at (973) 427-4729 or admissions@easternchristian.org to learn more about Eastern Christian School.
Throughlines at EC
God Worshiper
Learners extend, both in daily tasks and in deliberate times of praise, their words, actions, talents, and thoughts in awe and celebration of God, who is worthy.
Idolatry Discerner
Students learn to recognize things that can take the place of God in their lives. By discerning idols in our lives and our culture, we can resist their deception and place our trust in God alone.
Servant Worker
Learners follow the example of Christ’s selfless love through exercising kindness, empathy, and compassion. They diligently labor to serve others motivated by their love for God.
Community Builder
Learners build communities of grace and purpose, making space for the belonging of others, responding with a love for God and neighbor. This is the result of God’s love for them.
Image Bearer
Learners mirror God’s goodness through who they are and what they do, and delight in the image of God intrinsic in all people.
Steward of Creation
Learners delight in God’s qualities: his external power and divine nature exhibited in what he created. As a result, learners will steward all God has created by pursuing and practicing new ways to tend and care for his creation.
Justice Seeker
Learners pursue restorative transformation, seeking to bring wholeness where there is brokenness. They will seek justice in a way that reflects God and recognizes that HE will ultimately bring justice.
Order Discoverer
Learners seek and find God’s fingerprints in the intricate, purposeful design of what he has created, and will seek to bring order as God intended.
Beauty Creator
Learners engage in beautiful work that enriches the world and reflects God’s heart for diversity, complexity, and creativity.
“TfT has transformed the way I plan and teach. Rather than adding faith to my lessons, I begin with a Throughline—a way we can know and respond to God as a classroom community—and build my instruction around it.”
– Karyn Baitzel, Teacher
Interested in learning more about the Christ-centered education at EC? See what spiritual life looks like here.
Teaching for Transformation Blog Posts
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