New Resource: Integration of Faith and Learning

Integration of Faith and Learning, edited by Shawna Vyhmeister, Safary Wa-Mbaleka, and Prema Gaikwad (Madrid, Spain: Safeliz Publishing, 2025). Contact [email protected] for more information.

Author and educator Parker Palmer said, “We teach who we are.”* This adage is true for the Seventh-day Adventist educator. Whether in our physical or virtual classroom spaces, we encounter our students from the position of our faith. We don’t just “shut the door and teach,” blocking out seemingly extraneous controversies such as politics, culture wars, or sensitive topics. No—we aspire to burst open doors of knowledge of how to successfully live in this world and faithfully prepare for the next. We integrate our faith with the process of learning, and model for our students how to do the same in their journey toward life-long learning and relationship with Jesus Christ. And, for this, we now have a manual. A carefully cultivated collection that captures the “why” and “how” of Integrating Faith and Learning (IFL).

Published by Safeliz Publishing, launch and distribution of this resource took place at the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session held in St. Louis, Missouri. The two-volume more than 800-page handbook, supported by the GC Department of Education, was carefully curated and developed over three years. More than 60 educators from six continents, from various teaching levels and multiple subject areas of content contributed chapters that trace the foundations of IFL and provide practical examples of implementation. Also featured in this compilation are sections on IFL in online education as well as for administrators and non-teaching staff. The work is suitable for use as a textbook for teacher education programs, as a basis for faculty/staff in-service sessions, as support for research, or simply as personal inspiration. These volumes are intended to provoke thought, promote discussion, and inspire action in Adventist classrooms around the world.

The editors of this resource have years of experience in Adventist education and IFL. Shawna Vyhmeister, PhD, is a Professor of Education with degrees in elementary education, teaching English as a second language, and curriculum and instruction. An experienced educator, she has taught at all levels and in multiple countries—Rwanda, Argentina, the United States, the Philippines, Kenya, and Lebanon. She has authored and co-authored several articles and books. Her most recent project is this resource, of which she served as the Managing Editor. She writes from Loma Linda, California, U.S.A. Also on the editorial team is Safary Wa-Mbaleka, PhD, who currently serves as Research and Evaluation Manager in the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research (ASTR) of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. He is an educator and educational administrator, having served as a high school teacher, college and university professor, program director, and dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at the Adventist University of Africa (Kenya). The third member of the editorial team is Prema Gaikwad, PhD, who is a professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Research. With a background in math, physics, and curriculum and instruction, she has served as an educator and educational administrator at Andrews University (U.S.A.), Spicer Adventist University (Pune, India), and currently teaches at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS)  in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. Her experience as an educator spans all levels and several countries.

This two-volume manual is an essential tool that must be in every educator’s toolbox. Shaped by the perspectives, experiences, and hard-earned lessons of practitioners in the field, this collection provides a tangible, quantifiable road map toward good practice. From the veteran educators to the beginning warriors of classroom instruction, whether a teacher or administrator, educational support staff, or yes—even a student, everyone can find something that will inspire, motivate, and revolutionize their education practice. Read on!

The Integration of Faith and Learning handbook is now available for order at a cost of $35 + tax per set. Contact [email protected] for more information.

*Palmer, P. J. (2007). The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life. Jossey-Bass. 

Author

Faith-Ann McGarrell

PhD, is the Editor of The Journal of Adventist Education®. Prior to this appointment, Dr. McGarrell served as Associate Professor of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and Program Director for Curriculum and Instruction. Over the past 20 years, Dr. McGarrell has taught at all levels—elementary through graduate.