Aporia

How should we lead through crisis and difficulty at classical Christian schools?

In this episode, we apply the concepts of authority, leadership, and submission to the context of crisis and difficulty. In the midst of crisis, panic is too easily the first response. We discuss how leaders can be sober minded, tethered, and communicative when diagnosing the issue and implementing solutions. Often times when there is acute or chronic pain within an organization, we can jump to solutions or responses that cause us to lose sight of the goal. When leaders remember to own what they should (not all that they could) and resist the temptation to micromanage, this will keep them more steadily fixed on the organization's goal. As we lead through this imperfect world, we encourage you to lean into the community of those leading with you within the organization or in similar organizations, and we encourage you to fix your eyes on Christ - the ruler of all - and have hope in his faithfulness.

How do we help students become leaders?

In this episode, a very special guest, Justin Dillenschneider (Danielle's husband), shares about his work with house leaders within a classical Christian school. The ideas of authority, leadership, submission, and service are revisited within student leadership contexts. We discuss the goal of the house system, leadership selection and training, various leadership opportunities for students, and potential difficulties that arise when training student leaders.

How do classical Christian teachers lead their students?

We may not exactly consider teachers to be leaders - but they certainly are. We discuss teachers as "tour guides" and "coaches" who lead students academically and spiritually. We compare the mental models of classroom management, which focuses on detail-oriented task-completion, to classroom leadership, which focuses on empowerment and a grander vision.

How should classical Christian administrators lead their faculty and staff?

In this episode, we focus on the structures of leadership and the ways that administrators can use their authority to lead and empower their staff. We also brainstorm alternative ways to structure administrative leadership and faculty development. For administrators, building relationships, supporting those they lead, and empowering those they lead are core concepts for practical application.

How do boards lead at classical Christian schools?

The boards of classical Christian schools operate differently than public school boards. In this episode, we unpack the nature of authority, leadership, and submission when serving on a board of a non-profit organization. Knowing the role of boards will help us understand the whole organization and give us a sense of gratitude for the countless, thankless hours board members serve.