ACSI Research Fellow Program

91爆料成人片 / 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 91爆料成人片 (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 91爆料成人片, 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

    Classroom Atmosphere That is Out of This World!

    Aug 12, 2025, 07:35 by Edward Tooley
    I tiptoed clandestinely to an empty seat at the back of a social studies classroom. Only a couple of students noticed I had entered. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! The students sat focused on the topic at hand. My focus was on more than the topic. It was also on classroom atmosphere. The teacher I was observing was a veteran educator. They had both a mastery of the content and a mastery of creating a positive and thriving classroom atmosphere. What do we mean by atmosphere? Over many years, I have sat in numerous classrooms. Some teachers work to create a learning atmosphere that both stirs and motivates their students. I compare it to being invited to a dinner party where the host makes a significant effort to make a memorable meal and an unforgettable evening. So, let's take a trip up the atmospheric ladder and see how these effective teachers create an atmosphere that tickles the cerebral matter and encourages students to yearn for more.

    I tiptoed clandestinely to an empty seat at the back of a social studies classroom. Only a couple of students noticed I had entered. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! The students sat focused on the topic at hand. My focus was on more than the topic. It was also on classroom atmosphere. The teacher I was observing was a veteran educator. They had both a mastery of the content and a mastery of creating a positive and thriving classroom atmosphere. What do we mean by atmosphere? Over many years, I have sat in numerous classrooms. Some teachers work to create a learning atmosphere that both stirs and motivates their students. I compare it to being invited to a dinner party where the host makes a significant effort to make a memorable meal and an unforgettable evening. So, let's take a trip up the atmospheric ladder and see how these effective teachers create an atmosphere that tickles the cerebral matter and encourages students to yearn for more. 

      

    Prayer: Taking time to pray before and after school can help significantly. Our Lord will give us strength and guidance if only we ask. PROVERBS 3: 5-6. Take time to sit in the seats of challenging students and pray over them.  

      

    Mastery of subject matter: The atmosphere has a unique vibe when we are in the presence of an expert in their field. The same goes for teaching. Parents, colleagues, administrators, and especially students know when they are in the presence of a master teacher. These teachers not only know their stuff, but they also know how to create student-friendly lessons.  

     

    An attitude that stirs the learning altitude: The teacher's attitude sets the tone for the high or low altitude of the learning environment. Students have difficulty when they encounter a moody or disagreeable teacher. Strive to keep that opposing force outside the classroom. Nothing is more delightful than being taught by someone who loves their students and subject matter.  

     

    Music: A tired or disinterested student can be aroused by a song or piece of music as they enter the classroom. God can use music to stir our souls and refresh our minds. Music can set the mood for a class when students are entering. Playing classical music as students take a difficult test can help students relax and feel more comfortable. 

     

    Prepared: Remember the dinner party illustration? Don't deliver a lesson that is half-cooked. It will make both the students and the teacher nauseous. Being organized creates a rhythm during class that you sure don't want to interrupt. 

     

    Laughter: Laughter creates a classroom where everyone feels more at ease and comfortable. Laughter breaks down negative attitudes and can help students on the fringe feel accepted. A good friend and colleague once remarked that one of his favorite sounds in all the world is sharing a good laugh with his students. I AGREE!!!  

     

    If the walls could speak: The thing about it is that they do. The classroom ambiance can be a day changer for students when it has interesting, motivating, and colorful bulletin boards. As they say, "A classroom of beauty is a joy forever." 

     

    Having an active atmosphere: Making the students participants in the learning process rather than spectators.

     

    RESEARCH: Teachers should break up a lesson with an activity that complements the lesson (AGE + 2 MINUTES). I teach 6th grade. Students are 12 years old. I plan a formal lesson for 14 minutes (AGE + 2 MINUTES) and then plan some activity that complements what I am teaching. TRY IT.........YOUR STUDENTS WILL LIKE IT!

     

    Showcase: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11 talks about an atmosphere maker. Take time to showcase students' work in front of the class. Something miraculous happens when a student's work is singled out for being outstanding. It also helps motivate students to perform at higher levels. What a joy it is to walk into a classroom and immediately sense that the room is filled with an atmosphere that is ( dare I say it ) out of this world. Be ready for extraordinary things to happen when teachers take the time and effort to create an atmosphere that is both student- and learning friendly.