My dad has come up here a few times before (1 2 3), and each time he does I feel compelled to say how much respect and admiration I have for him. He is the principal of a private Christian grade/junior high school which for all intents and purposes he built from the ground up over the last 24 years. Six years ago he and a few others started a school in Tanzania, which he has been diligently supporting and equipping since then. He regularly sends teachers from his school or takes trips himself to train Tanzanian educators. He also sends over books and materials and serves the school in more ways I'm unaware of, I'm sure.
He was also the lead singer of the 60's teenage phenomenon "The Squires," pictured above. (Don't worry, this picture has been submitted to My Parents Were Awesome.)
A few years back while I was in college I had a discussion with a few close friends and the subject of private education came up. I was surprised to hear that my friends were mostly against it; they resisted the idea of ever sending their children to a Christian school. I had so much respect for my dad's work, but at the same time so much love for them, that it kindof upset me to hear this. After a few weeks I spoke with my dad about it and basically asked the question, "why Christian education?" His answer seemed so full of wisdom to me. He said he was not primarily interested in building a Christian school, he was interested in building a good school, and his faith influenced that ambition. He said that when my friends or I settle down and have kids, we should look around and try to find the best education we can for our children. If that's at a public school, great, if it's a private Christian school, that's great too.
About that time I was working in the summers as a janitor at the school (well, actually at the church which houses the school), and one afternoon I was doing some cleaning outside a room where my dad was holding a staff meeting with all the teachers. As I worked I kept being struck by how much laughter there was coming from the meeting. My dad was speaking and it seemed every few minutes there was a chuckle or at times a loud burst of laughter. I remembered the haggard look that many of my high school teachers had in their eyes most of the time, and I wondered how much laughter there was at their staff meetings. I doubt it was much.
I envy the calling my dad has. One of the most significant ways I want to emulate him is by finding a calling similar to his one day. One that God has given me along with the gifts to complete it, one that serves and benefits others, one that will have a lasting impression on those it touches (like his two schools undoubtedly have and will).
But—this isn't why I started this post. I started it to tell you my dad has a blog now, and if you're interested in the wonderings of a wise father who has spent many years not just studying faith and education, but actually getting his hands dirty in the difficult but crucial work of teaching our children well—you should join me in following along.
I am excited to read your dad's blog! As you know, we feel our children receive a good education in the public school they are in now. And I am torn about Christian education, I suppose because I have not seen it done really well. I am eager to read from someone who HAS done it well, and is still in the thick of it. With the way public funding is going in our state, I do fear a problem with the future of our boys' education. It will be good to read an educator's perspective.
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