This month’s podcast features Dan Beerens and Erik Ellefsen, who are co-editors of the new book MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education, along with podcast host Lynn Swaner. The editors discuss their two-year journey with over 60 leading educators through a Christian education “mindshift,” which is a transformational process of dialogue and exploration pioneered by futurist Rex Miller. With nearly 11,000 copies of the book picked up by educators since its release in early fall 2019, schools and leaders are eager to not just face the challenges of today’s marketplace and educational environment—but also seize new opportunities to provide a deeper and more authentic Christian education, share stories of love and hope with their neighbors, and catalyze the growth of the church and the Kingdom.
Additional Resources:
- Pick up a copy of the new book, MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education.
- Read a chapter excerpt from the book, on the transformational process of moving from Fear to Hope.
- Visit the MindShift in Christian Education website to learn more, including the Seven Principles referenced in the podcast.
About the Host
Dr. Lynn Swaner is the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at ACSI, where she leads initiatives and develops strategies to address compelling questions and challenges facing Christian education. Prior to joining ACSI she served as a Christian school administrator and a graduate professor of education. Dr. Swaner serves as a Cardus Senior Fellow and is the lead editor of the books MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education and PIVOT: New Directions for Christian Education, co-author of Bring It to Life: Christian Education and the Transformative Power of Service-Learning, and editor of the ACSI blog. She received her EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City. She can be reached via email at lynn_swaner@acsi.org.
About the Guests
Dan Beerens is an educational consultant, author, international speaker, and educational leader. Before starting DB Consulting in May 2010, he served as vice president of Learning Services and Director of Instructional Improvement at Christian Schools International. Prior to that, he was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Holland Christian Schools. Dan has also worked as teacher and principal in urban and suburban public and Christian schools in Wisconsin and Illinois. Dan regularly presents on teacher evaluation and professional growth, curriculum design, school improvement, technology integration, faith integrated learning, and student faith development at regional, national, and international conferences. He is a co-editor of the book MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education and the author of Evaluating Teachers for Professional Growth: Creating a Culture of Motivation and Learning published by Corwin Press. He can be reached via email at danbeerens@gmail.com.
Erik Ellefsen has served in education for 21 years as a teacher, coach, consultant, Grievance Chairman for the American Federation of Teachers, Dean of Academics at Boston Trinity Academy, and as Principal at Chicago Christian High School. He currently serves as an Academic and College Counselor at Valley Christian High School (San Jose, CA), a Senior Fellow for CACE, a Senior Fellow for Cardus, a podcaster for Digical Education, and as Vice President of CCEI. He is a co-editor of the book MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education. Erik regularly organizes Christian school leadership seminars and speaks on issues pertaining to academic programs, student leadership, and organizational development. He can be reached via email at eellefsen@vcs.net.