Nearly 200 Christian school administrators and teachers from around the world are on the campus of Columbia International University this week for the 40th International Institute for Christian School Educators (IICSE). They're attending general sessions, seminars, prayer times, and taking advantage of numerous networking opportunities. Also called "Summer Institute," the event is a formal and informal training experience focusing on the philosophy of Christian school education as well as professional and spiritual development.

The event is co-hosted by CIU and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

This year's keynote sessions are being led by Dr. Kevin Washburn, executive director of Clerestory (pronounced: CLEAR-story) Learning. Clerestory Learning provides excellence in professional development and training programs by creating effective instructional solutions based on sound applications of multidisciplinary research.

Some of the seminars topics available to the educators include: Past, Present and Future of Online Learning, Understanding Our Times: Preparing Students for the Battle of Truth and Maintaining the Joy of Teaching.

The week began Sunday evening with a special presentation to CIU alumnus and current CIU education professor Dr. Jack Layman for his many years of service to the education community. He received The Kingdom Impact Award from the CIU Alumni Department. Layman has been teaching at CIU since 1983, and has been a regular faculty member at the Summer Institute. Layman is also a former headmaster of Ben Lippen School, a Pre-K to 12th grade ministry of CIU.