7 Questions with Christian school leaders

Name: Ken Faffler

Current title: VPEM

Current organisation: Dallas Christian College

Having had enrollment success at every level and at three different institutions, I have been blessed to be part of teams that have increased enrollment and lowered tuition discount rates, while building strong, enthusiastic teams. I love the impact that faith-based education can have on a student's life. The impact over the next 75 years is incalculable.

Name: Silvester Henderson

Current title: Professor of Music, Director of Choral/Vocal Activities

Current organisation: Los Medanos College in California

Recently honored with the A2MEND Educational Leadership Award -2020, Professor Henderson is also the recipient of the Albert Nelson 2019 Marquis “Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award”. Professor Silvester Carl Henderson is a nationally recognized Professor, educator, conference motivational speaker, business owner, respected real estate investor, community artistic organizer, musician/artist, internet radio blog personality, and conductor of the Gospel Song. Professor Henderson earned his Bachelor of Music and his Master of Arts Degrees from San Francisco State University. Additionally, he taught there as a Professor/Lecturer of Piano and Music Theory. Professor Henderson was recently elected to the “ASCCC Executive Committee” as an At Large Senate Representative. He previously served as the District Academic Senate President for the Contra Costa Community College District, as well as the Academic Senate President for Los Medanos College.

Currently Henderson serves as the President of the Academic for California Community College’s (ASCCC) Foundation Corporation. He is also the Chair of the “ASCCC Faculty Development Leadership Committee” as well as Full-Time Tenure Professor of Choral/Vocal Activities/Keyboard Studies and Emeritus Chair of the Music Department at Los Medanos College, located in Pittsburg, California. Professor Henderson directs the College Chorus, Chamber Chorale, and the Gospel Choir. Professor Henderson developed a “Gospel Piano Curriculum”, which was the only collegiate academic course of its type in the State of California. Mr. Henderson is also an Emeritus Professor/Lecturer of African American Studies and Music from the University of California, Berkeley, where he served as the original director of the internationally acclaimed Young Inspiration Gospel Choir from 1985 – 2005. Professor Henderson organizes “Grand Scale” community concerts and he has performed with celebrity classical opera artist, gospel, jazz, and broadway stars, and rhythm and blues greats such as Richard Smallwood, Reverend Daryl Coley, the late Walter Hawkins and the Love Center Choir, Kurt Carr, Quincey Fielding, Ron Kenoly Sr., V. Michael McKay, the late Helen Stephens and the Lighthouse Singers of Marin, Ca, Micah Stampley, Jon Gibson (the artist who paired with Stevie Wonder for the remake of “Have a Talk with God”), Billy Porter (New York Broadway Star and Soundtrack Artist for Bette Midler’s “First Wives Club”), James Iglehart (New York Broadway Star from Aladdin), Vesta, Howard Hewett, Kenny Lattimore, Gerald Albright, LaToya London, Chris Walker, Kathy Taylor Brown, Kevin LeVar, Anita Wilson, and most recently Keisha Renee.

Named as the “Most Influential African American Educator” by the Intel Corporation and the City Flight News magazine, Professor Henderson has been presented with a massive number of awards, resolutions, certificates and proclamations from Legislative members such as Congressman Pete Starks, Congressman Eric Swalwell, Assembly Members Johan Kleh, Jim Frazier, Susan Bonilla, Senators Liz Figueroa, Ellen Corbett and Mark DeSaulnier. This is because of his extraordinary musical achievements and his academic work and accomplishments. Professor Henderson is the recipient of the “Art Recognition Award” from the Contra Costa County Arts and Culture Commission. Professor Silvester Carl Henderson’s educational objective is to ensure a permanent academic home for African American Music within Higher Education. Professor Henderson married Cecile Henderson during his early twenties. The Professor resides in Pleasanton, California and is the father of three daughters named Carlena, Celisse and Charde.

Name: Colleen Traniser

Current title: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Assessment

Current organisation: Diocese of Joliet

I have had the privilege of serving in Catholic Education throughout the tenure of my career. I began my career teaching third grade. Upon completion of my doctorate, I served as principal and now as Assistant Superintendent.

Name: Andy Carter

Current title: Head of School

Current organisation: Tupelo Christian Preparatory School in Mississippi

I have been in my current position at TCPS since January 2020, and have been in Education for 18 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator. I have been married for 20 years to my wife, Rebekah, and have one daughter Sydney. I also serve as an elder/pastor at Providence Church in Falkner, MS.

Name: Nathan Teigland

Current title: Principal

Current organisation: Southeast Christian School in Colorado

I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs but never in a million years had considered going into education. Through the years, I have had some incredible mentors and experiences that have brought me to where I am now. After graduating from Evangel University in 2001, I accepted a position as an associate pastor in the Denver area. During this time I was able to attend Denver Seminary and, in 2006, I transitioned out of pastoral ministry and entered Christian education as a chaplain.

I fell in love with the environment and have not looked back. In 2017 I completed my Master's in Education (Leadership Emphasis) from Cairn University and was also able to complete ACSI's Leadership U. Both programs allowed me to further equip myself and to better serve those around me. In 2017, I left the classroom and started my career as a K-8 Administrator.

God has blessed me with a loving wife (18 years) and 3 incredible children. Every day I am amazed at how He has worked to bring me into this field and I count it a blessing to serve in this way!

Name: Ron Hoch

Current title: Head of School

Current organisation: Redeemer Classical School in Virginia

Ron Hoch (MA Reformed Theological Seminary, MS University of Pennsylvania) is the Head of School at Redeemer Classical School just outside of Harrisonburg, VA. In 2011 he coauthored the book, "Old School, New Clothes: The Cultural Blindness of Christian Education." He and his wife have four children.

Name: Paul Watson

Current title: Vice Principal

Current organisation: Mater Dei College - Western Australia

Currently Vice Principal of Mater Dei College in Western Australia, I am also the President of the Catholic Deputy Principal's Association of WA and the CEWA representative on the Department of Veteran Affairs Children's Education Board.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Post Graduate Certificate in Religious Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management. I am passionate about life long learning and have undertaken a number of Micro Credentialed Courses through Harvard X, Modern Learners - Change School and LinkedIn Learning.

An advocate for bringing about considerable change to the Australian education system in order to enhance student engagement and thus improved outcomes, I have spoken at numerous conferences and have been a regular contributor as a writer for LeadershipEd.

Name: Scott Vandenberg

Current title: Principal

Current organisation: Providence Christian School in the US

Scott has worked in Christian schools, Distributed Learning (blended home school and classroom), and public schools. He earned a Masters in Administration & Leadership and a Masters in Educational Leadership. His passion is training - training children in experiential learning and training parents & teachers in good practices.

Name: Dr. Christopher J. Dorais

Current title: Assistant Principal

Current organisation: West Highland Christian Academy in Michigan

20+ years of teaching experience in public and private education. BA and MA from the University of Michigan. Ed. D. from Liberty University. Author of two books: Detox Memoir and The 12 Step Detox.

Name: Phillip Nash

Current title: Principal

Current organisation: Green Point Christian College in Australia

Phillip has been in education for 35 years and in Christian schooling in New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia for 29 of those. He is currently at Green Point Christian College in New South Wales, Australia and enjoys helping schools focus on their purpose in the lives of students.

Name: Neil Meehan

Current title: Executive Headteacher

Current organisation: Laleham and Ashford Church of England Primary Schools Partnership

Neil Meehan has fifteen years experience as a headteacher, and since 2013, has worked in Church of England Primary Schools. He has been Executive Headteacher over a partnership of schools since 2018, based in Surrey, just outside London, and, increasingly, he works collaboratively with other local church schools. He has a passion for Christian education and putting prayer and worship at the heart of the school community.

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