Some of us may have experience building our own house. Even without that lived experience, we all may understand intuitively and agree that constructing a strong house requires complex planning and detailed execution. Every construction project not only needs a solid blueprint but also a team of skilled laborers, sufficient resources, the right tools, an achievable timeline and Gant Chart to plot the overlapping phases of construction, and strong project management skills. A sturdy house cannot be completed if any of these elements are missing.

There are very few educators with a completed to-do list—there is always more to plan and implement, and every day creates new challenges to add to issues from yesterday that are still unresolved. As we look back at the school year (that either just finished or will finish soon), there are certain to be items we had to leave unchecked.

It’s that time of year once again. As the sun sets on the familiar halls that echo with laughter and locker doors clanging shut, a mix of emotions hangs in the air. High school graduation, a milestone marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood, is an event brimming with nostalgia, anticipation, and the promise of new beginnings.

Over the years, I’ve asked hundreds of school leaders and boards for their opinion on strategic planning. The response has varied, to say the least. Some roll their eyes and recount failed attempts in the past that led only to frustration. Others shrug it off as a nice thing to do when there’s plenty of time to do it, but certainly not now. Some show their frustration at trying to write and implement plans that took more time and energy than the benefit they provided. Still others take a strangely detached spiritual approach by saying something like, “We just follow the leading of the Holy Spirit; we don’t need a plan.” The minority who strongly advocate for a plan will admit that the one they have doesn’t really serve them the way they had hoped.

Hear from Dr. Larry Taylor at the International Educator Leadership Conference in Budapest, and from Phil Hills, Executive Regional Director of ACSI Western Canada, ahead of this September's Public Policy & Advocacy Summit.

Emily Pigott emphasizes the importance of leading by example through biblical leaders Nehemiah, Deborah, Ruth, and Moses. She highlights various leadership traits such as integrity, humility, and perseverance.

Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School, shares actionable insights on how to handle the shortage of quality Christian educators.

Jerry Nelson discusses the purpose and goals of Christian education, emphasizing the need for divine guidance over external influences.