Teacher Development Program

Teacher Development exists to help every partner of The Austin Stone know, experience, and respond to God more deeply as they pursue growth in the area of teaching.

We’re all teachers, so let’s be good ones.

Everyone who follows Jesus is called to help others know and love Him too. Whether in our homes, workplaces, communities, or the church, all of us are saying something about who God is. The Austin Stone wants to help you be a better teacher wherever God has placed you.

Start the Teacher Development Program

If you want to dedicate intentional time to grow as a teacher and explore whether you may have a unique gifting in this area, we encourage you to go through our Teacher Development Program happening this fall. This 10-week program focuses on shaping your mind, heart, and skills as a teacher with biblical truths and research-based methodologies. Bible study and other equipping environments are the primary use contexts for this program.

Apply Now Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I contact with program-specific questions?

Please email Val Hamilton with any questions and she'll be happy to help you!

When is the deadline to apply to the program?

Applications are due by May 1, 2022.

Who should apply to the program?

This program is for anyone who wants to grow in their ability to teach others in the contexts God has already placed them. Bible study and other equipping environments are the primary use contexts for this program. Additionally, all applicants must be partners of The Austin Stone.

What does the program cost cover?

In order to cover program costs including facility fees, resources, and deliverables, there is a $225 program fee for each participant. However, we don’t want finances to be an inhibitor of participation. Please contact Val Hamilton to discuss any concerns regarding this fee.

What is the Teacher Development Program?

This program is designed to provide a biblical foundation and tactical approach to teaching for partners at The Austin Stone who desire to grow in this skill within their current spheres of influence. Participants will interact with biblical principles and research-based learning theories (andragogy) while receiving consistent feedback from peers and instructors in a cohort-based environment. The aim of this course is to help partners better know, experience, and respond to God as they pursue growth in the area of teaching.

What is the structure of the program?

This course will run for a 10-week period beginning at the end of August and wrapping up in the middle of November. The curriculum is designed to address the mind, affections, and skills of the teacher through biblical principles along with scientifically supported learning theories and tactics.

Topics covered in the program include the importance of character for teachers, creativity in curriculum, and the structure and delivery of a lesson. Students will be placed in a cohort with others representing their ministry or congregation context who will provide support, collaboration, and feedback throughout the program. The final project will include a 30-minute capstone lesson incorporating the principles from the program to a love audience and program assessors.

When will I know if I am accepted to the program?

You'll receive a confirmation email on completion and receipt of your application. All applicants to the program will receive a final response regarding program participation by August 1, 2022.