“How I wish I could have had this invaluable resource at the beginning of my career as a Christian educator! Currivean and Acevedo provide readers with an exhaustive introduction to the ‘conversation’ about education in general and Christian education in particular that has been going on since the beginning. More than simply arming readers with a list of correct, orthodox answers, this book encourages deep reflection on the questions they can and should be asking, in order to become not just ‘educators who are Christians’ but truly 'Christian educators.’”
Dr. Chris Ross
Entrepreneur, former humanities teacher, former university professor
“Dr. Currivean and Connie Acevedo provide researched-based connection between quality education and Christian values. Every educator would benefit from reading how to view teaching through God’s lens.”
Derald Glover
Assistant Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA), former public school superintendent, & board member of the Association of Christian Administrators (ACA)
"It’s been said that the best teachers teach students how to think, not just what to think. Maybe so, but who teaches teachers how to think about teaching? In this welcome contribution, Currivean and Acevedo ensure this otherwise rhetorical question comes with a practical answer. If you want to be a better teacher, a better thinker, and a better thinker about your teaching, read this book."
Dondi E. Costin, PhD
President, Liberty University,
Major General, US Air Force (Retired)
"I can see the need for this book.
And you definitely have the chops to tackle it!
...I think it’s brilliant!
...great book!"
Drew Dyck
Editor, Moody Publishers
"Proverbs 18:15 tells us that an intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. If you seek to hear from experienced voices in the field of Christian education, then Think, Teach, Thrive is a must-read as it brings valuable, seasoned knowledge that will help every Christian educator navigate the everyday challenges, yet blessings that come through teaching through a biblical worldview."
Geri Gilstrap
Superintendent of Stilwell Public Schools (Retired) & Christian school head
"So many teachers in Christian schools were trained in secular institutions and need a tool to help them bring Christ into their teaching and their overall way of thinking. Dr. Keith Currivean and Connie Acevedo have prayerfully crafted such a tool. Think, Teach, Thrive: A Handbook for Teachers in Education is a perfect text for the Christian school teacher…or any Christian wanting a deeper understanding of the process of renewing their mind for Christ."
Dr. Patrick Otto
Senior Professor, Oral Roberts University, College of Education, Christian school teacher, leader, & accreditation officer
"Think, Teach, Thrive, is an excellent guide for teachers as a resource support for training and continued learning, as teachers are life-long learners. When working on a lesson and you wish to enhance the experience with students (Elementary through High School), I would use this book as a good source for ideas, definitions, and planning. It was a wonderful experience to read this book—the introductions and short stories draw you into the chapters.”
Rebecca Allende
Public school master teacher, extended-day program supervisor, & curriculum writer
“This is a must-have for all Christians Educators and Professors. This book not only expounds on biblical truths, but it also fosters real-life applications at the end of chapters that explain the essence of how to apply these concepts and values in your life. This book contains strong biblical truths that are centered around God's holy Word, which validates and substantiates the purpose of the book. I highly endorse this book, along with being placed on the desk for references and not the bookshelf.”
Roy Rodgers
Assistant Professor & certified course evaluator, Liberty University
"I loved the application suggestions for each group…I think the verses picked out to go with the philosophies were great at complementing how it works in conjunction with the Word."
Taylar Ziegler
Children’s Pastor, teacher, Bethany Church (former elementary school teacher)
"The beauty of this handbook for teachers is how it captures 'every thought to make it obedient to Christ,' (2 Cor 10:5). Just as an artist has many media and colors available to her in the studio, so an effective teacher has many historical and philosophical perspectives to draw upon and put to work in the classroom under the Lordship of Jesus Christ."
Gary Arnold
Christian school consultant, NextEd, LLC,
founding member of the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA)
"As a whole, I thought the Manuscript was well thought out. Each topic was well defined to keep the reader on topic, and not guessing about specific meanings (This is especially important in today's world, where words and phrases have taken on a whole new meaning). It is apparent that a tremendous amount of research has gone into this manuscript. Due to the fact that your manuscript is Biblically based, it is vital that staying true to Scripture is vital…I think this would be an awesome curriculum to educate middle school, high school, college, and those who conduct Church-organized Bible studies."
Greg Tillery
Christian Writer, lyricist & poet (USMC Veteran)
"Ideas have consequences. What is taught in the classroom in one generation eventually becomes the prevailing philosophy of the next. Regardless of whether the consequences are positive or negative, consequences nevertheless follow. As disciples of Christ, Christians are called to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). However, there is often a disconnect between a Christian’s formal education—whether secular or Christian—and the implementation of a Christian worldview in the classroom. Currivean and Acevedo seek to bridge that gulf with their Think, Teach, Thrive: A Handbook for Christian Education."
Dr. Jason D. Crowder
President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics & Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Lone Star College-CyFair,
(Author of Philosophy, Who Needs It? A Layman's Introduction to Philosophy)
Authors Currivean and Acevedo deliver a timely teaching guide grounded and steered by God's sovereignty, designed to equip educators for the imminent educational shift. This essential resource serves as a catalyst, the edge that invites a new beginning in education. Through in-depth research that includes seminal behaviorists’ philosophies (whose works are missing the key element: God’s sovereignty), the authors invite readers to the edge, including God’s divine intervention that introduces the new beginning. The book is essential for the imminent shift in educational climate that the world needs! …inviting educational shifts that reshape relationships and help teachers and leaders make space for all children, spiritually and culturally. This guidebook includes applications to encourage teachers to relax and be well…Think, Teach, Thrive: A Guidebook for Christian Educators, a veritable primer for teachers and leaders, guides thinking in the heat of battle in education’s social-cultural milieu from a Christian perspective for a time such as this!
Dr. Brenda Davis
Chief Student Success Officer & Director of Admissions, Omega Graduate School
"Education is the act, the process, or the product of giving or gaining knowledge or of developing skills, understanding, or virtues—thereby preparing oneself or others for a mature and flourishing life."
Chapter 1: What is Education?
Think, Teach, Thrive: A Handbook for Christians in Education