Why do we educate, and are we sure we're doing it right?Deani Van Pelt is many things, but first, she is a mother. When her own daughter was very young, she realized quickly that many questions needed to be answered surrounding education. Enter Charlotte Mason education. Charlotte Mason was a pioneer in shifting the way students were viewed and therefore taught. Deani has devoted her life to taking that foundation and making education better for children all over the world. Listen as Deani shares her passion for ensuring excellent education for the next generation of learners. 

NorthStar recently hosted a mission trip to the country of Panama! Listen as Mr. Hester along with students Rachel, Melissa, and Emma recap the trip and the life changing impact it had on them and the community they served. Hear the fears and challenges they faced head on as they met in person for the first time, bonded as a team, and learned how to trust God in a new way. Growth is definitely the theme in this story and we couldn't be prouder of "The NorthStar Nine."

We have one of our very own on the show today! Diana Clay teaches elementary through high school Spanish here at NorthStar and joins us to share her inspiring story. Diana and her husband are the founders of COAH Missions, which focuses on equipping and providing opportunities for followers of Jesus to be on mission together in their local context and internationally.  Currently, Diana lives in the Dominican Republic where her family is able to minister to Haitian refugees. Listen as she shares how God has prepared her for every season of life before she ever knew she needed it. 

We are thrilled to have Lynn Swaner on the show today! Lynn is a Senior Fellow with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as well as the newly appointed President of Cardus U.S., where she will work to grow their education portfolio and provide strategic support for Comment, the  organization's flagship journal. Lynn is passionate about education and connecting research with practice to create a real world impact. Listen as Lynn explains the importance of relationships in our efforts to make school environments flourish.

We are so excited to have course author and teacher Larry Jones on today's episode! Larry joins us to discuss NorthStar's new Astronomy course! Hear what went into creating the course and the new technology that was incorporated. Interested in taking Astronomy at NorthStar? Enroll now to begin as soon as January 2nd! 

We are excited to have NorthStar Principal, Katie Ahmadzai on the show today! Listen as Katie discusses NorthStar's professional development plan for our teachers, specifically surrounding a PLC, or professional learning community. Lifelong learning is not only a desire we have for our students, but also the faculty and staff at NorthStar. Be encouraged as you hear the ways we intentionally grow together as a community of learners!

We are so excited to have David Joannes on the show today! David is the founder and CEO of Within Reach Global! Within Reach Global exists to reach unreached people groups in the 10/40 Window with the gospel of Christ. Their four central focuses are compassion ministries, evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, with the goal of raising indigenous leaders to reach their own people. Each year, NorthStar Academy hosts a fundraiser called The Blessing Project to support a designated organization or cause, and this year, we are partnering with Within Reach Global to reach the unreached.  This year’s theme is “REACH” and our scripture is Romans 10:14-15. Our goal is to raise $6,000 by January 12th. Would you help us? Simply click here to donate and be sure to share with your friends and family! We are so excited to serve in this way and can’t wait to see how God works through our giving. 

What is a testimony? How do you share it? Are you ready to? Listen as Stephanie answers these questions and shares her story with you today! Don't forget to comment, leave reviews, and spread this podcast with your friends!

Stephanie is back this week to share even more of what God is revealing in this season. Last week, we introduced the thought of being present, being curious, and listening well, but what does that look like practically? Listen as Stephanie breaks down ways you can accomplish each of those goals. This episode is full of great wisdom and things you can do today to be closer to God.

Join us today as we hear from podcast host and NSA Director, Stephanie Shafer. Listen as she shares what God has revealed to her recently. Whether you are struggling right now or in a great place, this episode is packed full of encouragement in how to take the right next step!