Course Offerings
Course Offerings
CHURCH SCHOOL DIRECTOR TRACK
CHURCH SCHOOL DIRECTOR SEMINAR: BASIC This is an introductory course designed for the first-time church school director as well as those directors who have never before participated in the basic seminar. You will receive a CSD Manual and learn the fundamentals of organizing a church school and planning throughout the year. (Kh. Betty Randolph)
INTRODUCING LITURGICAL MUSIC IN THE CHURCH SCHOOL The Orthodox musical tradition, the basics of rhythm and pitch, and methods to engage students will be discussed. Participants will practice the skills necessary to lead singing and learn what is needed to prepare a program for church school. In addition, music will be suggested for beginning such an endeavor. (Elizabeth McMillan)
“TO TITHE IS TO LOVE” 2005 Using Scripture as a guide, this course will explain how tithing is love in action, and explore steps on the way to achieving that goal. New church school lesson plans on tithing will be introduced. (Billie Oldziey)
IMPLEMENTING THE CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL AND USING THE THEME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Attend this seminar and learn new ways to implement the Antiochian Archdiocese Creative Arts Festival in your parish and increase student participation. Lesson plans will be offered along with ideas on using the theme throughout the year. (Kh. Leslee Abud)
*NEW* SMALL CHURCH SCHOOL IDEAS AND RESOURCES The unique needs of the small church school will be addressed. Specific programs, materials and resources will be offered to improve the diversity and quality of Christian education in this setting. (Catherine Sullivan)
TEACHER TRAINING TRACK
TEACHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Please note: In order to receive a certficate in the Teacher Training Track, the partcipant must take all three specified courses. This year, we are offering a certificate in the following areas: Teacher Training I* and Teacher Training II**
Teacher Training I* course requirements are: Overview of Orthodoxy, Introduction to Teaching, and Curriculum and Resources.
*OVERVIEW OF ORTHODOXY
This course provides a foundation in Orthodox doctrine so the teacher may, in turn, properly instruct the students in the basic tenets of our faith. (Carole Buleza)
*INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING Participants will receive instruction in basic teaching techniques and how to write effective lesson plans. Information concerning the developmental stages of children will be provided. (Kh. Linda Funk)
*CURRICULUM AND RESOURCES Small groups will be formed for those teaching the same grade level. Curriculum and resources will be available for review and practice lesson plans will be constructed. Ideas for crafts and games will be shared. Teachers using The Way, The Truth, and The Life will receive special instruction. (Carole Buleza, Myra Kovalak, and Catherine Sullivan)
Teacher Training II** course requirements are: Enriching the Classroom Experience, Utilizing Crafts, and Moral Issues Overview.
**ENRICHING THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE Teachers will be provided with the tools to instruct students in a variety of ways, based on how they learn. The principles of teaching special needs students will also be addressed. (Jacquelyn Fadel)
**UTILIZING CRAFTS Easy arts and crafts ideas will be introduced for use in the church school among various age levels and different degrees of skill. The course will also feature some Divine Liturgy crafts that can be used to help reinforce lessons. (Yvette Ceraso)
**MORAL ISSUES OVERVIEW The Orthodox viewpoint on moral issues will be contrasted with those of our secular society. Major topics of concern to youth will be touched upon throughout the presentation. (Fr. George Alberts)
*NEW* LEARNING THROUGH GAMES Participants will learn how to use a variety of games and activities to reinforce many curriculum topics and biblical concepts. This course will apply to all age levels with an emphasis on the primary grades. (Gail Meena)
COOPERATIVE LEARNING This successful teaching strategy, in which students with different levels of ability are combined into small groups to help each other learn, will be discussed. Class activities that use cooperative learning will be demonstrated. (Joseph Tershay)
ORTHODOXY TRACK
SPECIAL CERTIFICATE
A special certficate is offered this year in Divine Liturgy †. Required course: Overview of the Divine Liturgy. Two elective courses are also required. Choices are: Introducing Children to the Divine Liturgy, Church Architecture and The Bible in the Liturgy.
*NEW* † INTRODUCING CHILDREN TO THE DIVINE LITURGY This course will help both parents and teachers convey the meaning and importance of various parts of the Divine Liturgy to children so they may become active participants. (Kh. Leslee Abud and Sandy Mitchell)
*NEW* THE HISTORY OF ORTHODOXY IN NORTH AMERICA Orthodox Christians came to North America over 200 years ago. They faced the challenges of frontier life as well as challenges to their faith. Learn about the saints and missionaries who established Orthodox Christianity on this continent. (Robert Snyder and Kh. Anna Hughes)
*NEW* INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY BIOETHICAL ISSUES The current issues of stem cell research and cloning are the focus of this course. Definitions of the key terms will be provided as the issues are carefully unfolded. Moral implications will be discussed and a packet of handouts for later reading will give the participant greater in-depth understanding. (Fr. George Alberts)
*NEW* † OVERVIEW OF THE DIVINE LITURGY Both our minds and our bodies are engaged in this ancient service in which we pray, offer, and show our thanksgiving for the gift of salvation. The major elements of the Divine Liturgy will be discussed and their meaning explained. (Fr. George Alberts, Kh. Betty Randolph)
*NEW* † CHURCH ARCHITECTURE The structure of an Orthodox church is filled with symbolic imagery, reminding us of our place within the created order and God’s supremacy. Learn about this symbolism and experience the Divine Liturgy anew when you appreciate the architecture of “God’s House.” (Jacquelyn Fadel)
*NEW* † THE BIBLE IN THE LITURGY Orthodox Christianity finds its fullest expression in the Divine Liturgy, many portions of which are taken directly from Scripture. This course will enhance your appreciation of the Divine Liturgy and help you phrase an explanation of the service to those from Bible-based denominations. (Kh.Linda Funk)