Erika speaks on the following topics:

Identity

  • Who is this Lord we serve, and how does a deeper understanding of the theology of God change the way we teach?
  • Who are we as educators, and how does a biblical view of ourselves change the way we approach curriculum, assessment, and teaching?
  • Who are these students of ours, and how does a biblical view of our students change the way we approach curriculum, assessment, teaching, and building a classroom community?
  • Join Erika for an engaging talk that encourages teachers!  It's really full of good news - several attendees say they'd like to hear this talk every semester. 
  • Audience: Ideal for all educators, parents, homeschooling educators, Christian educators in public school settings
  • Timeframe: Half day ---> full day deep dive with discussion

 

Faith Integration

  • What does it actually look like to 'integrate faith with all aspects of education' or offer a 'gospel-centered education'?  How can we bring this goal of ours from lofty words into tangible practices?
  • Learn three ways faith integration is often defined and implemented, and explore a suggestion for a more authentic way.
  • Audience: school boards members and principals of Christian schools, teachers at staff retreats, homeschooling educators
  • Timeframe: One hour talk ---> four hour deep dive with discussion

 

The Purpose of Christian Education

  • What is the purpose of Christian education?  How can we achieve this purpose when each day is so full already?
  • Hear the helpful analogy Erika uses to clarify purpose, as well as stories and examples of the tangible steps along the way.
  • As a staff, become more aligned as you head in the same direction together. Be encouraged and inspired.
  • Audience: school boards and principals of Christian schools, teachers at staff retreats, full staff in an August in-service to help frame the upcoming school year, homeschooling educators
  • Timeline: Two hour talk ---> full day deep dive with discussion

 

Vision and Mission

  • Our beautifully crafted mission and vision statements often end up looking pretty on our website while otherwise forgotten. What if there's a way to frame your mission and vision statements so they are actually and authentically applied to daily practices?
  • Audience: board members, school leadership team, educators
  • Timeframe: One-two hour presentation, can be added to the talk on purpose!

 

Philosophy of Education 101

  • Yes!  Learn it all!  Although it might sound dry, Erika brings stories and laughter to her review of what it means to be a Christian school.
  • Cover all aspects of a philosophy of education from a biblical perspective:
    • the nature and role of the teacher
    • the nature and role of the student
    • our purpose as educators, and as a school
    • the nature and role of curriculum
    • the nature and role of assessment
    • the nature and role of teaching and learning
    • the nature and role of community
  • Audience: educators, board members, principals, homeschooling educators, teacher conferences, new teacher training
  • Timeframe: One- ---> two-day workshop, or spread out over a year with seven one-hour sessions

 

To see if Erika is available to speak for your staff or present at your event, please reach out to her at erikaknightbakker@gmail.com.