Education policy. Curriculum Requirements. Censoring books. Resource equity. Teacher strikes. Arming teachers. School safety. Teacher shortages.
There is no shortage of controversy in America’s education system. Teachers today are educating in an increasingly challenging environment. The heart of Geneva College’s mission is the ministry of education; we care deeply about the challenges teachers face daily.
Our Education Department, led by Dr. Deana Mack, leads with the mission of educating our teachers to step into the challenging and important role of a teacher, as well as be able to navigate the controversy of the day from a biblical perspective.
“Our goal in the education department is to make sure each of our students are prepared to teach and teach well for all teaching environments, whether that be public, private, homeschool, or even abroad,” says Mack. Classes are structured to expose our students to a wide variety of teaching situations. “Here in Beaver County, we are blessed with a wide variety of school systems and types of districts within a very close radius, so our students are able to experience a lot of different teaching environments.”
Dr. Mack stresses the importance to her students that their job is to recognize the different backgrounds and needs of their students to help them succeed, even when it is hard or inconvenient. She does not only teach this, but models it in her own classes. After the first week of class, she gives each of her students a form to fill out that asks what parts of the course they are most hesitant about, what kind of activities they would like to do to learn the content, and if there is anything else about them she should know. Dr. Mack explained that this is so valuable because she learns about the student’s learning preferences, whether they are an athlete, if they have jobs, and so much more.
“Learning this information helps me design how we spend our class time. What the students say does not always line up with my favorite way to teach, but that is how they will be able to learn best. There is always balance, I cannot always please everyone, but this shows the students I really care about their success. If students know you really care about them, they will be more likely to engage in activities they don’t like and put their best foot forward.”
Recently, Mack had her students learn the big names in education history by performing skits and the rest of the class guessing who they were portraying. “The next activity this week is Jeopardy!” While all classes cannot be this fun, putting forth extra effort to be creative and have fun develops deeper relationships with students.
This type of individualized education is what Mack says relates closely what they teach on trauma-informed practices. Trauma-informed practices are an important part of classes taught, and centers around the idea of really knowing your students and their struggles, and changing how you teach based on that knowledge.
One key principle emphasized in all our Education classes is leadership. Through student-teaching, student-teaching seminar, and other classes, our Education faculty enforce the importance in being a leader in your classroom and school, being a “teacher-leader.” As many of our students are stepping in to environments that are under-staffed, sometimes under-qualified, and riddled with division, Geneva students can enter with calling, with purpose, and with confidence that they can be a leader and influence their class and the world around them.
“Our students have a lot to offer. They are prepared to teach using their faith in any setting. They are taught best teaching practices, most effective ways to teach, what tools and resources are available to them in schools, along with laws and regulations about what you can do or say when it comes to faith in a public school. We coach students on how they can still practice and share their faith without losing their job.”
Unique to Geneva’s program is the possibility for specialization. Mack often encourages her students to audit or take other classes that will help them pass later tests in subjects they would like to become certified to teach in, such as math or social studies. “Students can really individualize their time here and pair it with other things for them to specialize and leave here with more knowledge and experience when they enter the workforce.” Every class at Geneva, even outside of a student’s major, is purposeful, and intentionally develops skills that will allow them to thrive in any workplace.
Beyond qualifications, classes, student-teaching, and our excellent faculty, one of the biggest differences in Geneva’s education program is the lens of lifelong mission. Our students are not only becoming educators to teach children math, but we also push our students to become educators as a calling, fulfilling their lifelong mission.
“When I taught 6th grade I taught English, writing and grammar. I had test scores of students, and that told me something, not everything. I would always make a point to look at other information about the student- where they lived, their home life, other things about them and their school besides test scores. I myself grew up in a poor area. A lot of times kids that come from these backgrounds think that is their only option, or that they only job possibilities were what their neighbors did. I wanted to make sure they knew it wasn’t. There is nothing wrong with it, but you don’t have to be stuck there if you don’t want to.
I would have my 6th graders actually publish their books. Lots of kids who maybe didn’t always get the best grades, or view themselves as the best writers, would often get published. It would make such an impact and really change their perspective. I wanted each of my students to know that with enough hard work they can follow their dreams and callings and achieve more than they could imagine.”
Dr. Mack is just one of the many passionate faculty members at Geneva College who, just by spending a few minutes with, it is evident views their profession as their lifelong mission. Our program seeks to empower our students to step in courageously to lead, even in difficult situations.
Through academic excellence, integrating faith and life, in a connected community, our students go on to serve God and neighbor boldly in their classrooms, schools, homes, and community. The world may fluctuate, but our mission remains the same.
Learn more about Geneva College.
Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.
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