School of Education Archives - 91łÔąĎ /category/news/academics/education/ Walk a different path. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:28:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Education Students Serve Global Workers in Hungary /hungary-mission-trip/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:34:57 +0000 /?p=100873 A team of 13 from 91łÔąĎ, including 11 students and two faculty members, recently traveled to a small town outside Budapest, Hungary, to serve at a Family Education Conference hosted by SHARE Education Services. Led by Diana Schmell and Judy Severns, the group supported global worker families by assisting with the children’s program and engaging with parents throughout the event.

SHARE exists to “help English-speaking families serving in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East meet their children’s educational needs.” Through this mission, SHARE seeks to serve global workers to enable them to remain where God has called them. Cairn teams have long partnered with SHARE in this mission.

Many of the children at this conference are considered Third Culture Kids. This year’s Cairn team included four TCK students, who were able to bring personal understanding and insight into the unique experiences of the children they taught and served. Throughout the week, the team demonstrated consistent Christ-centered service, humility, and energy. Evening debriefs revealed deep spiritual growth, seen by one student’s reflection on the importance of missions: “I just don’t want to waste my life.”

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91łÔąĎ Hosts the 2025 Empowering Educators Seminar /cairn-university-hosts-the-2025-empowering-educators-seminar/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:19:07 +0000 /?p=95400 91łÔąĎ hosted its annual Empowering Educators Seminar on Thursday, March 27, 2025. 135 educators attended the seminar, eager to hear about this year’s topic and to reunite and fellowship with those who share the same calling. 

The theme for this year was “Including All Learners in Christian Schools.” Keynote speaker spoke about inclusive education techniques. Her background as the CEO of All Belong, a center for inclusive education allowed her to address and provide solutions for the issues many attendees could identify.

Christian schools often struggle to have the necessary resources to support learners of all styles. Tubergen addressed these struggles and encouraged educators to start where they are with the students they have. She spoke about tapping into the strengths of struggling students instead of exclusively focusing on their areas of struggle. Tubergen also encouraged educators to think about how they could practically apply her points to their schools through a three step process focused on seeing, thinking, and doing. In both sessions, Tubergen emphasized the necessity to care for students and families through inclusion as a partnership. Her final encouragement to educators was to “toil in the gap.”

In addition to the main sessions, seminar attendees had the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions. Topics for these sessions included, “Engaging English Learners in the K–12 Classroom,” “Universal Design for Learning,” “Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders: Characteristics, Strategies, and Support,” and more. Each breakout session offered educators a chance to engage more deeply with a specific topic under the theme.ĚýĚý

91łÔąĎ was pleased to encourage and support educators this year and looks forward to next year’s Empowering Educators Seminar.

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Trends for the Future of Education: How Cairn’s EdD Equips You to Lead /trends-for-the-future-of-education-how-cairns-edd-equips-you-to-lead/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:11:49 +0000 /?p=93389

The provides insights into trends for the future of education and educational careers, including job outcomes and skill requirements. We’ve evaluated predictions, trends, and other useful information and assessed how Cairn’s EdD prepares you to meet these emerging demands.

BLS Data on the Future of Education

future of education graph

Postsecondary Education Administrators

.ĚýIncreasing college enrollment will drive demand for roles such as admissions officers, provosts, registrars, and student affairs professionals.

Top Executives

ĚýThis makes leadership positions like CEO or CFO in higher education an excellent opportunity for EdD graduates.

Postsecondary Teachers

Even if you yourself are not interested in full-time teaching, those interested in an EdD will be responsible for leading this fast-growing group of professionals.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

While one of the few careers in the educational world projected with a measure of decline, those with the right educational background will be set up for success.

*data as of January 2025

Other Relevant Trends

Some general trends in the coming years point to promising opportunities for those looking to earn an EdD, especially in leadership and specialized teaching. Key insights include:

Career Growth in Leadership Roles:

Median Salary
$ 90000

EdD holders are well-positioned for administrative and leadership positions in higher education, such as deans, provosts, or school superintendents. As seen with the career trends above, most positions will see growth. These roles are associated with competitive salaries. For example, the .

Career Security:

0%

Employment Rate (those holding a doctorate)

Doctoral degree holders experience low unemployment rates— With an EdD, you gain a competitive edge and long-term job security in education.

Lifelong Learning and Micro-Credentials:

for lifelong education. EdD professionals with expertise in these innovative and niche educational models find themselves better prepared, able to lead others with vision and confidence.

Research-Driven Decision Making:

Unlike a masters, which highlights more general application, an EdD dives into research-based methodologies. Focused and technical courses prepare you to both research and apply, taking you to the next level of leadership.

For those pursuing or holding an EdD, aligning skill sets with these emerging trends—particularly in leadership, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning strategies—ensure robust career growth and influence. But what are those key skills?

The Future of Education: Are These Necessary Skills on Your Resume?

future of education

Understanding trends in education careers is vital, but equally important is mastering the skills these roles demand. According to BLS, these are the key skills essential for success across educational leadership roles:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and relationship-building are critical for administrators at all levels to work effectively with staff, students, and stakeholders.

  • Data Proficiency: Administrators must adapt to using education management systems and data analysis tools that inform decision-making.

  • Organizational Skills: Managing complex systems like student records and coordinating large teams are key requirements.

  • Leadership in addressing various challenges is increasingly important across all levels of educational leadership.

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  • Problem-Solving: Schools and institutions face constant challenges, from addressing the pandemic’s aftermath to navigating student learning difficulties. Leaders need experience and expertise to solve these problems effectively.

Cairn’s EdD Sets You Apart and Up for Success

The future of education is in the hands of leaders like you. An EdD is a way to holistically prepare you for today’s challenges, deepen your knowledge, and cultivate skills that propel your career. Cairn’s EdD is prepared to equip you with these skills and tools—and much more. These unique program features will shape you into a leader that is set apart and prepared for the future of education:

Specialized Tracks

Cairn’s EdD program offers two specializations within the EdD program that serve the needs projected for the future of education. This customization allows you to tailor specific skills toward the career you want to have.

K–12 Leadership

With courses such as School Law, Organizational Theory and Team Building, Data Analysis, School Improvement for Educational Leaders, and others, this track prepares you to navigate the K–12 educational sphere at any type of school.

Strategic Leadership

In the Strategic Leadership track, you will take courses like Leading in Complex Environments, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cultivating Organizational Creativity and Innovation. These allow you to tackle a broad scope of skills while still honing in on particular and crucial leadership qualities.

Early Dissertation Support

The nature of a doctorate requires research. While some programs (especially online ones) have minimal guidance, Cairn works with you on your dissertation right from the start. This allows you to not only have better control of your busy schedule, but also to research and present the best possible dissertation.

Christ-Centered Worldview

Today’s schools are not immune to the complexities and issues of the rest of the world. Addressing topics like truth, identity, and other challenges well proves difficult, especially for someone responsible for leading others. Cairn’s EdD curriculum won’t compromise on the truths of Scripture. Instead, it is the source that instructs you how to treat others in love, find compassion in a broken world, and prize humility in leadership. This instruction sets you up to balance interpersonal skills with problem solving that models Christ.

Flexible, Unique Program Model

By blending online format with a select few cohort training days (which can be attended online synchronously or in person), you will receive training tailored to you. You’ll reap the benefits of the flexibility of online school with the personal nature of our cohort model to both learn well and better know your peers and professors.

Ready To Be A Leader?

You have the power to shape the future of education. By pursuing an EdD, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead with integrity and wisdom. Explore Cairn’s EdD program today and take the first step toward transforming education—and your career!

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91łÔąĎ Receives MSCHE Approval for New Doctor of Education Program /cairn-university-receives-msche-approval-for-new-doctor-of-education-program/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:37:09 +0000 /?p=93331 On Friday, December 6, 2024, 91łÔąĎ announced that the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) officially approved the University’s initiative to implement a Doctor of Education (EdD) program. This approval marks a significant milestone in Cairn’s mission to expand its program offerings and serve future students with a distinctively Christ-centered approach.

91łÔąĎ’s faculty and staff have worked diligently to assemble the necessary faculty, curriculum, and resources to launch this groundbreaking program. The EdD was conceived not merely for the advancement of the institution, but to meet the needs of instructors and educational leaders seeking affordable, flexible, and personal doctoral education grounded in Christ and His Word.

In today’s complex cultural climate—where issues such as objective truth, morality, and identity are often contentious topics in classrooms with some of our youngest—educators can feel unsupported, isolated, and unprepared. Cairn’s EdD program will directly address these challenges by equipping its students to be leaders with the knowledge and skills to direct with confidence and purpose, guided by the grace and truth of Scripture.

Following the program’s approval, 91łÔąĎ President Dr. Todd J. Williams shared his thoughts:
“The launching of new doctoral degree programs at 91łÔąĎ has been a long time coming, and we grow very excited to get it underway. This approval by our accrediting body is the result of much hard work on the part of our faculty, staff, and administrators, and they are to be congratulated. We have always been encouraged by the interest people have shown in wanting to pursue their advanced graduate studies with us. I believe this approval will open new doors of opportunity for Cairn to serve those graduate students looking to earn a terminal degree at an institution that is unwavering in its core commitments to Christ and the Word.”

Cairn is currently accepting EdD applicants for the fall 2025.

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Dean of the School of Education Dr. Stacey Bose Receives Award for School Foundation /dr-stacey-bose-receives-award-for-school-foundation/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:53:46 +0000 /?p=86860 91łÔąĎ is proud to recognize a special achievement of the dean of the School of Education, Dr. Stacey Bose. Dr. Bose and her husband received a special award for their work of starting and supporting Brasilia International School 25 years ago.

As part of the Network of International Christian Schools, the Boses found that God was directing them and their work to Brasilia, Brazil. Initially, they had their heart set on Buenos Aires, Argentina; however, when they saw the need for a school in Brasilia, they followed God’s clear directive. In 2000, the couple were hired as teachers. But when Brasilia’s original set-up team needed to return to the United States, the Boses unexpectedly took over the school plant project. Within the first year, they saw the school grow from 10 students to 30. In the following few years, the school grew exponentially, enrolling 120 students from over 20 different countries.

A decade later, the Boses still found themselves at Brasilia International School. They had witnessed God do amazing things during their 10 years there, including the school gaining accreditation, moving buildings, and renovating building spaces. After all this work, the Boses saw that their mission had been accomplished. Since then, they have not found their way back—until this past May, when the Boses accepted a surprise invitation to the school’s 25th anniversary celebration.

As Dr. Bose reflected on her trip, she shared a cherished moment from the celebration: “We were able to directly see and hear how God took our feeble efforts and multiplied them in unexpected ways. At the celebration, a Brazilian couple we had never met before came up to us with their 9th grade son. They said, with tears in their eyes, how grateful they were that we were willing to make the sacrifices that we did early on so their son—many years later—could study at a school that is firmly established on the truth of God’s Word. As I reflected on the event, I felt like I had a small glimpse of what heaven will be like, where we will meet people from all stages of our lives and together celebrate the goodness of God!”

Congratulations, Dr. Bose!

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91łÔąĎ Hosts the 2024 Empowering Educators Seminar /cairn-university-hosts-the-2024-empowering-educators-seminar/ Wed, 01 May 2024 13:54:53 +0000 /?p=84660

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, 91łÔąĎ held the second Empowering Educators Seminar. The seminar hosted over 160 teachers, making the event a sold-out success. 

Keynote speakers Dr. Marti MacCullough and Dr. Beth Ackerman presented materials and resources for educators to for this year’s theme, “Classroom Management in a Post-Covid World.” In the midst of educators confronted with new challenges perpetuated by the lingering impact of Covid, many are seeking answers to new questions. Dr. MacCullough’s seminar focused on “Flourishing in the Classroom: Classroom Management and Student Discipline Informed by a Christian Worldview.” She outlined the challenges and issues educators face with their students and how to represent Christ in everything they do, including classroom discipline. Dr. Ackerman’s presentation aimed to take Dr. MacCullough’s ideas to the next step. Her topic, “Tools for Helping Students Manage their own Behavior,” provided a way for teachers to help students recognize their responsibility in managing themselves in order that they might positively contribute in the classroom not only for the sake of the student, but also for their peers.

Alongside the main sessions, participants also had an opportunity to choose a subject-specific breakout session. Options included “Mental Health and Puzzling Classroom Behaviors,” “Management and Mentorship: Building Impactful Relationships with your Students,” “Technology Management: Engaging Distracted Students and Promoting Human Thinking,” and other informative sessions.Ěý

91łÔąĎ was pleased to encourage and support educators at this year’s conference and looks forward to next year’s seminar.

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91łÔąĎ School of Education Graduates Achieve 100% Title II Pass Rate /cairn-university-school-of-education-graduates-achieve-100-title-ii-pass-rate/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:26:47 +0000 /?p=82567 Every year, the Department of Education reports the rate of students who have completed a teacher education program and if, upon completion of the program, they received a Pennsylvania instructional certificate. In the recent report for the 2022–2023 school year, 91łÔąĎ’s School of Education is excited to announce that those graduates achieved a 100 percent pass rate. This surpasses the state average of 76 percent, indicating that every School of Education graduate who took the Pennsylvania exams received a teaching certificate, being well prepared for the tests they need to complete for certification.

The School of Education celebrated this accomplishment, stating: “We are so proud of our students and their academic achievement. Our graduates are not only biblically minded, but also well-educated and professionally competent in their certification areas.”

Congratulations to the School of Education class for this amazing achievement!

You can learn more about the Title II Program here:

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100% of Cairn’s First-Time BCBA Candidates Passed the Exam in 2020Ěý /100-of-cairns-first-time-bcba-candidates-passed-the-exam-in-2020/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 18:08:01 +0000 /?p=44207 91łÔąĎ is among a small number of colleges and universities who had 100% of its exam-taking students pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam on their first attempt in 2020.Ěý
Of the 201 BCBA programs worldwide, Cairn was one of only 29 schools that had 100% of its exam-taking students pass the exam in 2020. Among this group, Cairn is one of just four schools that offers a fully online BCBA program and is the only Christian university to boast this accomplishment.* A total of eight Cairn students attempted and passed the exam.
This exam is highly rigorous, as evidenced by the fact that only 66% of first-time exam candidates passed the exam in 2020. Students sit for this exam in order to receive the highly regarded and sought-after Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential. Applied Behavior Analysis, which is practiced by BCBAs, is the most research-supported scientific treatment for autism and is highly effective for individuals with other disabilities as well.
91łÔąĎ offers two graduate programs that meet the coursework requirements for the BCBA exam: Master of Arts (ABA) and Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Cairn was the first Christian university worldwide to offer a program with extensive autism training and be verified to meet BCBA exam coursework requirements. Both programs are offered fully online and in 7-week modules to increase schedule flexibility.Ěý
This accomplishment is a testament to the exemplary curriculum, dedicated faculty, and high caliber of our graduate students. If you’re interested in studying with us in either the master’s degree or certificate program, you can inquire here or apply here. The next start date is August 30. Learn more at cairn.edu/special-ed-programs.ĚýĚý
*Only programs included in the are represented in this report.

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Community English Language Program (CELP) Set to Begin New Semester on Zoom /community-english-language-program-celp-set-to-begin-new-semester-on-zoom/ Fri, 04 Sep 2020 19:50:43 +0000 /?p=40849 Since 2018, the Cairn School of Education has hosted the Community English Language Program (CELP). CELP is a free program offered to members of the community who are looking to develop their English language skills. This semester, it will take place on Zoom.Ěý
Headed by Marika Ravin, ESL program advisor and assistant professor, CELP brings together English speakers and English learners for an interactive classroom experience. The teaching staff is a team of Cairn education majors and other volunteers, providing a great learning opportunity for both the language learners and Cairn’s growing educators.
CELP in 2018

Participants are organized into five levels of instruction ranging from Level 1 (little to no English) to Level 5 (Advanced English). The levels ensure that language learners receive beneficial instruction no matter how much English they currently speak.Ěý
The program draws in community members coming from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, creating a unique and engaging environment for all involved.
“It’s been a real blessing to see the program grow over the last few years, watching people from various cultures interact and develop friendships,” Marika explains. “There’s a real sense of community.” Through getting the word out, especially by word of mouth, participants have created an inclusive educational environment by inviting friends, families, and neighbors.Ěý
Though the program is typically held on campus, this year it will be available via Zoom on Wednesdays from 6:30–8:30 pm. Classes will run from September 9–December 2, and students can join at any time.Ěý
For more information or to sign up, visit cairn.edu/celp. If interested in volunteering to help with English instruction, please email mravin@cairn.edu.

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New Programs in Art, Education, Business, and Ministry Added for Fall 2020 /new-programs-in-art-education-business-and-ministry-added-for-fall-2020/ Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:50:05 +0000 /?p=39423 91łÔąĎ is excited to offer several new academic programs in Fall 2020. These new majors will prepare students for important and growing fields in education, business, and ministry.Ěý
The new Special Education PK–12 major is designed for future educators who specifically want to teach students with special needs. Students will learn to be effective educators who can serve students well by taking courses in Applied Behavior Analysis and completing 200 hours of integrated special education field experience and practicums.
Also offered through the School of Education is the new TESOL (BA) major. In this program, students will learn how to properly teach English to those who are not fluent through a study of linguistics, culture and community, grammar, and pronunciation.Ěý
Another new education program is the BA in Studio Art and MS in Education dual-level program, which will nurture devoted artists into effective educators. The five-year program offers a course load that both feeds artistic passions and develops the skills needed to teach art to others.
Offered through the School of Business, the new Finance major teaches students essential financial management skills in a field projected to grow by the US Department of Labor. A dual-level finance program was also added, allowing students to earn both a Finance (BS) and an MBA in just five years.Ěý
The School of Divinity will also offer a new dual-level program for their Master of Divinity (MDiv). Just like the BS in Bible (Christian Studies) and MDiv program launched last fall, students can study youth ministry and simultaneously complete the MDiv in just five years in the new BS in Youth and Family Ministry + MDiv dual-level program.Ěý
Whether it’s education, art, finance, or ministry, all of the University’s new programs will produce biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character.
Start your Cairn experience with a virtual tour of campus at cairn.edu/virtualtour.

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