Timothy Leaders Share Best Practices on a National Stage

At Timothy Christian Schools, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between academic excellence and a Biblical worldview—you can have both. Timothy’s data-driven model of targeted instruction is drawing attention from Christian educators across the country. This year alone, several schools have visited Timothy to see Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in action, eager to understand how Christ-centered, excellence-driven academics can work seamlessly together.

That same commitment to excellence recently took Timothy to the national stage. In June, Director of Teaching and Learning Kris Wise, along with Director of Educational Support PS-8 Laura Groenewold and Director of Technology Kevin Hackert, presented at Wheaton Academy Institute’s Best Practices conference at the Q Center in St. Charles. Laura and Kris led the K–8 Curriculum Development and Instructional Practice cohort, guiding four sessions for Christian school leaders from across the country. Kevin also presented a session on AI in Education, exploring how this rapidly changing technology is shaping both teaching and learning.

 

For Kris, the opportunity was more than just professional—it was personal. “Every one of our sessions was built on the professional development and experiences happening here at Timothy,” she said. “Amazing things are happening, and it was invigorating to share them. Schools reach out to us often to learn more about what we’re doing—word is getting out that Timothy is a place where best practices are not just talked about, but lived out.”

Those best practices have been years in the making. Timothy has invested heavily in professional development that equips teachers to meet the needs of every student. Much of that work is anchored in MTSS—a system where every child receives exactly what they need, whether that’s extra support, enrichment, or additional challenge. Three times a year, teachers gather for “Data Days,” digging into grade-level assessment results from tools like MAP Growth and aimswebPlus. These meetings aren’t just about numbers—they’re about celebrating growth, spotting opportunities, and creating instructional plans that keep students moving forward.

 

Laura shared how meaningful it was to bring this process to the national stage. “Looking back at the professional development we’ve provided to our staff—and now being able to use that same material to train other school leaders—was incredibly affirming,” she said. “The work has been challenging but purposeful, and the fruit of that labor is evident in the growth of both our team and our students.”

One highlight for conference participants was learning Timothy’s step-by-step approach to reviewing student data. Leaders were eager to hear how careful analysis allows teachers to know each student by name and need, adjusting instruction in ways that are both academically rigorous and deeply personal.

Another session, “Ready, Set, Engage!”, focused on student behavior and classroom engagement. Rooted in research and practical application, it highlighted how critical it is for students to be actively involved in their own learning. Laura and Kris shared strategies Timothy teachers use every day to make lessons interactive, meaningful, and joyful—drawing from training with experts like Robert Marzano and Jon Eckert to increase engagement across all grade levels.

 

The conference wasn’t just about sharing knowledge—it was about exchanging ideas. By presenting to and learning from other Christian educators, Timothy’s team returned home with fresh perspectives, renewed enthusiasm, and affirmation that what we are doing works. “It reminded me of the strong calling we have—to serve students with excellence, both academically and spiritually,” Laura said.

For parents, the takeaway is simple: your child’s education is being shaped by a faculty who are not only deeply skilled, but also nationally recognized for their expertise. They’re using the best available research, combining it with a Biblical worldview, and delivering it in classrooms where every student is known by name, challenged to grow, and equipped to thrive.

At Timothy Christian Schools, the best education shapes both the mind and the heart—and that’s something worth sharing.