Guiding Your Staff to Be All They Can Be: Developing a Strategy for Optimum Professional Growth in Christian Preschools
Dr. Suzie Mohler, Senior Coordinator for Early Education, ACSI Western Division
Small, consistent actions lead to lasting transformation. In Christ-centred early education programs, the growth of staff is inseparable from the growth of students. Developing a thoughtful, intentional strategy for professional growth is not merely an operational task – it is a ministry responsibility.
Building a Strategy for Growth
An effective professional growth strategy begins with clarity of vision. What does excellent teaching look like in your context? In a Christian early education program, this includes not only strong instructional practices but also the intentional integration of biblical worldview, nurturing relationships, and whole-child development.
In Christian early education, professional growth is not simply about improving instructional technique; it is about shaping hearts, refining calling, and stewarding the responsibility to “teach them diligently” (Deuteronomy 6:7). When educators are intentionally developed, they become more effective not only in pedagogy, but in reflecting Christ to the children and families they serve.
A Biblical Foundation for Professional Growth
Scripture calls educators to pursue growth with intentionality and humility:
- “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”(Colossians 3:23)
- “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
- “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
These verses frame professional development not as an obligation, but as worship – an offering of excellence to God and a commitment to those we serve. When educators flourish, classrooms become places where truth, wonder, and transformation thrive.
Key Elements of an Effective Growth Strategy
To move from aspiration to implementation, leaders must build a system that is intentional, sustainable, and aligned with both mission and practice:
- Clarity of Vision:
- Define what excellent teaching looks like in your preschool. This includes active engagement, purposeful play, critical thinking, and authentic integration of biblical truth.
- Personalised Development Plans:
- No two educators grow in the same way. Use observations, self-reflection, and coaching conversations to create individualised pathways that address both instructional skill and spiritual formation.
- Coaching and Reflective Practice:
- Growth is accelerated through feedback and reflection. Establish regular coaching cycles that encourage teachers to examine their practices, celebrate progress, and identify next steps.
- Embedded Learning Opportunities:
- Professional development should live within the daily life of the classroom – through collaborative planning, peer observations, and shared problem-solving – not just in occasional workshops.
- Spiritual Formation:
- A teacher’s effectiveness flows from their relationship with Christ. Prioritise time for prayer, Scripture, and spiritual encouragement as part of your professional growth model.
Common Challenges and How to Address Them
Even the most well-designed strategies encounter obstacles. Consider these common challenges:
- Time Constraints:
- Teachers often feel overwhelmed. Address this by embedding growth into existing structures rather than adding more tasks.
- Resistance to Change:
- Not all staff will immediately embrace new practices. Respond with patience, modelling, and clear communication rooted in Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
- Inconsistent Follow-Through:
- Without accountability, growth stalls. Establish clear expectations, regular check-ins, and measurable goals.
- Spiritual Fatigue:
- Ministry work can be draining. Guard against this by fostering a culture of encouragement and rest (Matthew 11:28).
Develop a Culture of Growth, Not a Checklist
Sustainable professional growth is not about implementing a program; rather, it is about cultivating a culture where learning, reflection, and spiritual maturity are ongoing priorities. Leadership plays a critical role in modelling this mindset through humility, teachability, and a commitment to excellence.
Call to Action for Educators and Leaders
This month, take deliberate steps to strengthen your staff’s growth:
- Identify one focus area and align your team around it.
- Conduct one meaningful coaching conversationwith each educator.
- Incorporate Scripture and prayer intentionallyinto your next professional development time.
- Challenge each teacher to implement one new strategy that enhances student engagement and biblical integration
As you invest in your staff, you are multiplying impact – equipping educators to shape young hearts and minds for God’s glory. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Your role is to faithfully guide, support, and challenge your team – and one another – as they grow into all they are called to be.
