Joshua Institute

THE JOSHUA INSTITUTE

A place for kids who learn differently By Gaye Bunderson

For some students, learning is easy. For others, it’s profit organization, now 13 years old. challenging but doable with some effort. For others still, In 2015, the Institute moved to its learning is a constant struggle, even though some students current location at 2150 W. Cherry in that group are far from lacking in mental abilities. Lane in Meridian. It survives through

Connie Risser, founder of The Joshua Institute, was a student tuition, but also through donations in the latter category. Now in her late 50s, Risser can still recall and grants to help those who cannot the difficult school days when she was overlooked and often afford tuition. Seventy-five students blamed for her lackluster academic performances. It wasn’t until attend the Institute (either in the TI later in her life that she discovered she is dyslexic. Suddenly, her Academy or individual services), and school days were put into perspective. It wasn’t that she couldn’t learn. She just couldn’t learn the traditional way that was 15 professionally trained educational coaches work to help them succeed. Connie Risser comfortable for almost everyone else. Being dyslexic herself, Risser understands the students’

Risser has an impressive record of achievement despite her challenges and how they learn best, because they’re just like dyslexia. She and her husband Jason are missionaries with her. “I am a visionary, a big picture learner. I see the bigger Mission Aviation Fellowship. The Risser family – Connie, details, with a lot of color and description,” she said. “But Jason and their three children – lived and did mission work in memorizing is hard.” Africa for 15 years. In 2004, when Risser’s 9-year-old daughter She said she would inevitably do poorly on a multiple-choice was unable to read, her mom contacted the Member Care exam, but when she first conceived of JI, she could visualize Department of Mission Aviation Fellowship in order to get some the whole thing in her mind – with “description,” as she puts help for her child. it. She also feels she’s a communicator, and dyslexia only

As it turned out, both Risser and her daughter have the same enhances her ability to get her message across to others. learning difficulty. Thankfully, the MAF staff members had Describing the methods at the Joshua Institute which recently attended a conference for children where dyslexia was benefit the students most, Risser said, “We use methods discussed. They referred Risser to the National Institute for known to help students with learning difficulties. But it’s very Learning Development (NILD.org) and told her, “It would be individualized; it is focused on NILD multi-sensory techniques good for you to come and get some training.” that are research-based and accredited by the International

She did go through their training – all three levels – and realized Dyslexia Association. Testing is required for every student. We in doing so that her own academic challenges could be traced then look at the data and design a plan that is tailored for each back to dyslexia. That knowledge, and the subsequent training student’s needs. We thrive at closing the gap between what she received, were a godsend. The now-informed mom returned they can do and what they struggle to do.” to Africa and worked with her child. “Within 10 months, my The Institute is for any child who’s struggling with learning, daughter was reading ‘The Chronicles of Narnia,’” Risser said. according to Risser. She also wants people to know: “The

Risser had already acquired a degree in international ministries Institute’s Academy is a Christian school.” A child doesn’t from Moody Bible Institute. She then went on to receive her have to come from a Christian background to attend. Every graduate degree beginning with NILD, and eventually child is welcome. But, Risser stated, “We long for every child a master’s degree in education. to know they are dearly loved by God and that He created

Risser was raised in a Christian family in Minnesota and them ON purpose and FOR a purpose. We get to walk knew from an early age that she was going to be a missionary. alongside them to help them figure that out.” Even after leaving Africa and moving to the Gem State, her As with all schools that are dealing with the consequences missionary calling remained intact. After living in Idaho for a of COVID-19, JI put some necessary protocols in place few months, someone told her, “There’s an unreached people according to State Department of Education specifications; group here called ‘dyslexic children’.” and there are never more than 8 students per class, which

Helping students who struggle is still part of her God-given automatically helps with social distancing, Risser said. purpose. For more information about the Joshua Institute, go to www.

She began working with children with dyslexia from out joshuainstitute.org. It’s an all-year institution with a two-month of her home. “I started in my living room with a handful of break in late summer. There are often staff openings. “I will children,” she said. A year later, she became the founder and continue to need more educational coaches as we grow,” said director of the Idaho Learning Center, which later changed Risser. Information about qualifications and other relevant job its name to the Joshua Institute. In 2008, it became a non- specifications are also available on the website. 4 JAN/FEB 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine