ACSI Research Fellow Program

Association of Christian Schools International / Thought Leadership / ACSI Research Fellow Program
Program Overview

The Research Fellowship program at ACSI offers a unique opportunity for talented researchers to contribute to advancing the field of Christian education while addressing critical global challenges. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative research, the program aims to make a significant impact on the world stage.

Program Aims:
  • Create a vibrant and inclusive international research community.
  • Foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative solutions to address both US and global challenges through research projects in Christian education.
 
Program Oversight:
  • The fellows will collaboratively work with ACSI’s research department and Thought Leadership and the Research Director will oversee the program.

 

ACSI Fellows Collaborate on Research to Advance Faith-Based Education

ACSI Fellows collaborate with the Thought Leadership team (Research Department) to develop research and Working Papers on important topics in education, spirituality, and culture, focusing on their impact within the realm of Christian education. Their work addresses current trends and challenges, offering valuable insights for advancing faith-based learning.

Research in Brief

RiB is a biannual publication by ACSI, aimed at sharing the latest research findings and insights on the Christian school sector. It is available exclusively to ACSI member school and is managed by ACSI Director of Research.

 

Current Fellows
Lynn Swaner

 

Lynn Swaner Ed.D.

President of Cardus USA – ACSI Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Lynn Swaner is the President, US at Cardus, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good. She also serves as a Senior Fellow for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Dr. Swaner is the editor or lead author of numerous books, including Future Ready: Innovative Missions and Models in Christian Education (Cardus & ACSI, 2022); Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools (Eerdmans, 2021); and MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education (ACSI, 2019). Dr. Swaner holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University and a diploma in strategy and innovation from University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. She previously served as a professor of education and a Christian school leader in New York.
Matthew Lee

 

Matthew Lee, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University - ACSI Senior Research Fellow
Matthew Lee is Clinical Assistant Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University. He previously served as the Director of Research at the Association of Christian Schools International, where he helped develop the Flourishing Faith Index. His peer-reviewed research on Christian education has appeared in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Journal of Religious and Health, International Journal of Educational Development, and the Journal of Religious Education. He is co-author of Future Ready (ACSI/Cardus 2022) and co-editor of Religious Liberty and Education (Rowman & Littlefield 2020). He earned his Ph.D. in education policy at the University of Arkansas.
Francis Ben

 

Francis Ben, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Head of Postgraduate Coursework and Research at Tabor College Adelaide Australia – ACSI Global Research Fellow
Francis has more than 30 combined years of experience in secondary and tertiary education. He has an undergraduate qualification in Civil Engineering, and postgraduate qualifications in Physics and Education. At secondary schools in North Carolina, he taught mathematics and physics subjects. He also taught Physics, Research Methods, and Education-related subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. His research and publications include Physics Education, Educational Measurement, large-scale studies (e.g., PISA). He is currently Head of Postgraduate Programs and Research in the Education Faculty at Tabor College of Higher Education in South Australia.
Alison Heap Johnson

 

Alison Heape Johnson

PhD candidate at the University of Arkansas – ACSI Junior Research Fellow
Alison is a PhD candidate and Distinguished Doctoral Fellow at the University of Arkansas where she studies education policy, with research interests in school finance, school choice, and teacher/administrator pipelines. She previously taught in both public and Christian schools and has a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language. She and her husband Blake reside in Arkansas with their newborn daughter and enjoy exploring the beauty of the Natural State and gathering with their church where Blake is a pastoral resident.
Become A Fellow
    Eligibility:
    • Understanding of Christian education.
    • Strong academic credentials (e.g., relevant degrees, publications, minimum a Ph.D. candidate in education programs for Junior Fellow and a Ph.D. or Ed.D. for Senior Fellow).
    • Demonstrated research excellence.
    • Experience in international research collaboration.
    • Excellent English communication skills.
    • Minimum five years experience of doing research.
     
    Nomination and selection process:
    • The selection of the fellows is done through ACSI’s internal nomination.
    Blog

    When Least Expected: Those “Oh No Moments!”

    Feb 4, 2025, 10:25 by Tom Hughes
    You’re sitting at your desk just before a major school event when a parent stops by and says,” Do you have a minute?” A minute turns into 45 as she reveals troubling information that is bothersome. Or imagine your school year is off to an amazing start when all of a sudden, you receive a phone call from a parent who informs you that one of your students has posted a threat on social media. How about when an accusation against a member of your staff is presented to you? Now what?

    You’re sitting at your desk just before a major school event when a parent stops by and says, "Do you have a minute?” A minute turns into 45 as she reveals troubling information that is bothersome. Or imagine your school year is off to an amazing start when all of a sudden, you receive a phone call from a parent who informs you that one of your students has posted a threat on social media. How about when an accusation against a member of your staff is presented to you? Now what? 

     

    As a school leader, you understand that unexpected moments come with the territory; however, these situations are the ones that will keep you up at night. They are real and will occur, if not already, at some point during your tenure.  

     

    Managing the unexpected requires a blend of preparation, calmness, and timely action. Each situation demands a unique set of skills.  

     

    First, understand that interruptions in your schedule are inevitable and often come at the least convenient time. Rest assured; your comfort zone will not remain comfortable. 

     

    Then, remember that the welfare of each student and staff member under your leadership is paramount. Any situation that threatens that responsibility must be addressed swiftly and discreetly.  

     

    Finally, it is crucial to assure the person bringing the issue that their concern is being taken seriously, that school policies will be followed, and that a thorough investigation will be conducted. Your credibility as a leader is on the line.  

     

    The question then becomes, “How should we manage unexpected situations?” What are the critical steps that need to be taken? 

     

    Preparation:  

    Start by inviting God into the mix. Wisdom comes from God. Ask Him for guidance. Psalm 112:7 states: They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Who are they? You are. You have been placed in a position to serve others through leadership. We can find assurance in Ephesians 6:18-19. The Apostle Paul wrote: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.  

     

    As school leaders, we can trust that God has not abandoned us and He knows the outcome. We can find peace in the fact that everything is part of His perfect plan. Pray in the Spirit that truth will prevail and for the well-being of those involved. 

     

    Here are a few practical steps to follow: 

     

    • Rely on your past experiences. Your journey in leadership has prepared you for this moment.  

       

    • Involve key team members in assessing the situation and crafting a plan of action. Diverse insights will serve the school well when navigating a complex situation. 

       

    • Decipher truth from rumor. Verify the source. Were there witnesses? What exactly was said or done? 

       

    • View unexpected issues as opportunities for growth. Difficult situations, when properly addressed, can lead to positive change. There is a strong possibility that your school will benefit from the information brought forth. When conducting a SWOT analysis, we learn that threats can also be turned into opportunities for growth. 

       

    • Consult legal counsel when necessary. Many schools often have legal advisors available for such situations. 

       

    Calmness:

    Maintain a state of calmness at all times. Acknowledge the concerns presented. To you, it may seem like an interruption or an inconvenience, but for the individual presenting the issue, it is important. In all situations, be polite, listen attentively, and display empathy.  Every detail is crucial when moving forward. Avoid interrupting. Ask meaningful questions. Clarify what you’ve heard by repeating it and then asking for confirmation. Above all, remember James 1:19: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  

     

    Timely Action: 

    Not all situations require immediate action. Proceed skillfully and with caution. The urgency in managing the situation is your professional call. It is, however, imperative that you convey to the concerned parties that the matter in question will be investigated promptly, with confidentiality, and transparency, all while upholding the school’s core values. 

     

    Relationships with your stakeholders will be enhanced when situations are handled professionally. By responding effectively, you will be seen by many as one committed to the welfare of your school community.  

     

    Your well-laid-out schedule for the day will be disturbed, causing you to change course; however, knowing this may also help you eliminate a few blind spots.   

     

    C.S. Lewis once wrote: The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own’ or ‘real’ life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life—the life God is sending one day by day.  

     

    The least expected interruptions are your real life. Stop what you are doing and serve!