Lakeland Christian School - Teaching Fellows Guide
TEACHING FELLOWS GUIDE
Thank you for your interest in the Teaching Fellows Program at Lakeland Christian School! We have crafted a unique opportunity for first-year educators who want to start their careers with significant support structures in an environment with a Biblical worldview.
What better scenario than to have your first professional year be one of transition with college professors remaining on your team along with LCS administrators and mentor teachers supporting you in your first months in the classroom.
The goal is to provide a balance of preparation and continued education. Ideally, it should be done with financial support, competitive compensation, and housing for those new to the Lakeland and Central Florida area.
This is what we are excited to offer in our Teaching Fellows Program here at Lakeland Christian School. We are dedicated to develop the next generation of faculty who are experts in their fields of study, as well as confident guides for their students who will be taught in the light of God’s Word. If you know someone who fits this description, please share news of this program.
-MIKE ZAVADA DIRECTOR OF UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMICS
MISSION
The mission of Lakeland Christian School is to educate students in the light of God’s Word to equip them for a lifetime of learning, leadership, service and worship.
VISION
To be a Christian school of influence, characterized by academic excellence and caring community.
CORE VALUES
Wisdom Through Learning
Christ-Centered Community
Spiritual Cultivation
“I love teaching at LCS because we have a common foundation of faith that allows us to walk through life together ministering and encouraging each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.”
-Kristi Stacy, Upper School Teacher
“In 2009 , Matthew Springer, at that time the Director of the National Center for Performance Incentives at Vanderbilt University, stated , “The single most important [in school] determinant of a student’s success in the classroom is the teacher.” We believe this to be true and established the Teaching Fellows program with this in mind. Recruiting and developing the very best Christian school faculty is our top priority. Experience has taught us that Covenant College shares this vision. Thus , in partnership with Covenant College, we launched the LCS Teaching Fellows program. We believe the benefits to the new teacher in our Fellows program are representative of our firm commitment to cultivating the next generation of highly committed and impactful Christian School teachers.”
- Mr. Bryant Black, LCS Head of School
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Teaching Fellows Program at Lakeland Christian School offers MAT students the chance to teach three classes and an advisory period which will provide them with hands-on teaching experience under the mentorship of experienced faculty members This program not only supports MAT students in completing their degree but also integrates them into our school community and the broader Lakeland area.
The Teaching Fellows Program at Lakeland Christian School represents a proactive approach to addressing the needs of both aspiring educators and our institution. By providing opportunities for MAT students to gain teaching experience, complete their degrees, and integrate into our community, we aim to cultivate a talented and dedicated teaching staff while supporting the professional development of future educators. Through strategic partnerships with esteemed Christian colleges, we ensure a continuous supply of high-caliber candidates for the program, further enhancing its success and impact.
KEY PROGRAM FEATURES
KEY FEATURES:
Teaching Responsibilities: Each fellow will teach three classes and an advisory period to gain practical teaching experience while pursuing their MAT degree.
Financial Support: Fellows will receive a commensurate salary for their teaching load to ensure financial stability during their participation in the program. Additionally, the school will cover half of the MAT program costs upfront to reduce financial barriers when pursuing further education.
Housing: The program includes housing support to alleviate concerns related to accommodation for participating fellows.
Option
for
Full-Time Employment:
Upon completion of the program, the school reserves the option to offer fellows full-time teaching positions for the following year. If this option is exercised, fellows will receive an additional 25% of the MAT program cost as a bonus to incentivize a long-term commitment to Lakeland Christian School.
Mentorship and Support: Fellows will receive close mentoring from experienced faculty members to provide a supportive environment for professional growth. Additionally, support will be provided for completing MAT school work and assimilating into the school community and the greater Lakeland area
Partnership with Esteemed Christian Colleges: Lakeland Christian School will partner with esteemed Christian colleges to identify potential teaching fellows to create a pipeline of highly qualified candidates for the program
“Truly a blessing to teach at LCS! The faculty cares for one another like family. I have been blessed to have my two daughters graduate from LCS. I love the opportunity we have to point students to Jesus."
-Mike Carl, Lower School Teacher and Coach
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:
Born-again Believer: Candidates must be born-again believers who seek to grow as they walk with Christ.
Statement of Faith: Candidates must be in agreement with the Lakeland Christian School Statement of Faith and staff qualifications.
Enrollment in MAT Program: Candidates must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at an accredited institution, preferably at a like-minded Christian university.
Teaching Experience: Candidates with prior teaching experience or relevant work experience in educational settings may be preferred.
Communication Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Adaptability: Teaching requires the ability to adapt teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students and respond to changing circumstances.
Passion for Learning: Ideal candidates should exhibit a passion for lifelong learning and a dedication to their own professional development.
Professionalism: Candidates must exhibit professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of their roles as educators.
st 17 years has been an incredible journey. The supportive community, Christ-centered environment , and passion for nurturing both students' minds and hearts make this a truly special place to grow as an educator. I'm continually inspired by the dedication of my colleagues and the lifelong impact we ' re able to have on our students."
-Cheryl Norris, Upper School Teacher
“At LCS , we strive to provide an environment where teachers not only have the opportunity to educate , but also to inspire and disciple students for Christ. Our teachers are supported by a strong community of faith , professional development opportunities, and the joy of shaping young hearts and minds to be Kingdom-oriented. If you ' re passionate about teaching and discipling the next generation, LCS is the place for you. "
-BRYANT BLACK HEAD OF SCHOOL
”Knowing that I am coming to work in a place where the teachers , parents, and students are working together under God's authority each day means so much to me. ”
-KIMBERLI FAGAN LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER
LCS FACULTY:
“The LCS fellowship has given me the wonderful opportunity to gain authentic teaching experience in a supportive environment while being financially supported through my master's degree. It’s been a joy to work alongside people who are skilled in their craft as educators and committed to the spiritual well-being of students and faculty alike.”
-LYDIA DORMAN TEACHING FELLOW
”Over the past eight years at Lakeland Christian School , my experience in teaching and coaching has been a rewarding journey of being able to share the gospel and teach my subject matter in a biblical way. Together, we ' ve fostered a spirit of The Lord , built character , leadership and teamwork , and hopefully provided tools for lifelong success. "
-MILTON LYONS
UPPER SCHOOL TEACHER AND COACH
IN THEIR WORDS
STUDENTS PK-2 THROUGH GRADE 12
UPPER SCHOOL CLASS OFFERINGS
14:1 100+
STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO
39
ATHLETICS TEAMS IN 20 DIFFERENT SPORTS
Lakeland Christian School believes that a quality education begins with talented, compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional teachers.
The Lakeland Christian School Teaching Fellows Program was created to develop such teachers by immersing fellows in the life of LCS. Each fellow works directly with a lead teacher to provide instruction to students, and for those fellows with broader interests in the arts and athletics, there are opportunities to direct and to coach in the school’s extracurricular and elective programs.
WHY LAKELAND?
Why Lakeland is Ideal for Teachers:
Affordable Living: Enjoy a lower cost of living while earning a competitive salary with more disposable income for what matters most.
Vibrant Local Community: Lakeland is full of character that includes our historic downtown, lakeside parks, and cultural hubs. It’s the perfect place to balance work and leisure.
Quality of Life: Spend your weekends enjoying the outdoors with beautiful lakes, nature trails, and plenty of sunshine year-round.
Make a lasting impact in a place that values education and community In Lakeland, you’ll not only be teaching—you will be part of something bigger.
Great Dining Options:
Casual: Palace Pizza, Black & Brew
Upscale: Nineteen 61, Scarpa’s, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Coffee & Pastries: Concord Coffee, Born & Bread
Farm-to-Table: Cob & Pen
Local Attractions:
Saturday Downtown Farmer’s Market
Lake Mirror & Promenade
Hollis Garden
AGB Museum of Art
Bonnet Springs Park (trails, recreational areas)
Spring Training home of the Detroit Tigers
Find out more aboutLakeland!
If you ’ re an educator looking for a place where you can truly make a difference, Lakeland, FL, is the perfect place. It offers a warm, welcoming community and the opportunity to shape young minds at LCS. Nestled between Orlando and Tampa, Lakeland combines a rich educational environment with a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle.
