Supported by Trusted Voices in Christian Education
The Teacher Leader Masterclass is honored to be supported by the Iowa Association of Christian Schools, CESA, CSI, and StoriED, organizations committed to strengthening Christian education.
Why Principals Choose the Teacher Leader Masterclass
The Teacher Leader Masterclass is earning strong endorsements from Christian school leaders across the country. Principals and heads of school recognize its unique value in equipping teachers to lead with clarity, compassion, and Christlike vision. The voices below highlight why leaders across Christian education are choosing the Teacher Leader Masterclass as a pathway to strengthen their best teachers, multiply their mission, and invest in the future of their schools.
Kristen Newell, K-5th Principal
Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
"We need excellent leaders in classroom teaching positions! I am so grateful for the Teacher Leader Masterclass program that supports teachers right where they are to become invaluable leaders in their schools and communities. Training and equipping teachers to lead from their current positions creates stronger, well-rounded schools."
Alex Reid, Middle School Principal
Hebron Christian Academy
Dacula, Georgia
"The TLM is an innovative and engaging new avenue for high-impact teachers to receive meaningful professional development that helps them right where they are. Our teachers have more influence over the students than anyone on our campus, and Teacher Leader Masterclass gives them the tools to be excellent leaders both in and out of the classroom."
David Haynes, Upper School Principal
Trinity Lutheran School
Bend, Oregon
"TLM has the potential to produce stronger teacher-leaders, healthier school communities, and ultimately, to strengthen the future of Christian education by raising up teachers who lead with wisdom, humility, and conviction. I know Cory personally and can say with confidence that he is exceptionally qualified to guide teachers on their leadership journey."
Aaron Meckes, Head of School
South Christian
Grand Rapids, Michigan
"Developing teachers as leaders -- without administration as the end goal -- is an overlooked gap in education. The Teacher Leader Masterclass has transformative power because it allows teachers to learn and lead right where they are planted. No hypotheticals, no role playing - just doing the hard and important work of leading their school."
Monica Remer, Associate Head of School for Academics
King's Ridge Christian School
Alpharetta, Georgia
"For those who have chosen to remain in the classroom, not because they lack ambition, but because teaching is their calling, meaningful, high-level professional development is essential. They do not need one-size-fits-all training; they need focused, expert- level support that respects their experience and sharpens their practice. That is exactly what Cory Nikkel has created with the Teacher Leader Masterclass program."
Josh Bowar, Outreach Director
Iowa Association of Christian Schools (IACS)
"I am thrilled that the Teacher Leader Masterclass will be offered to teachers across the nation. There are many teachers who will benefit from these efforts, those who desire that next step in leadership but still want to remain active in the classroom. Cory is a fantastic leader, one who gets it and is deeply committed to personal growth and Christian education."
Nathanael Hope, Head of School
Manhattan Christian School
Manhattan, Montana
"I will be sending my own master teachers to TLM in order to continue to strengthen their abilities, which will, in turn, deepen the solid Christian education at Manhattan Christian."
Tawanna Rusk, Assistant Director
Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA)
"Cory Nikkel leads with both credibility and humility, drawing out the God-given potential in teachers and giving them the skills to influence beyond their classrooms. Backed by the proven wisdom of Tim Elmore and the vision of OneBody3, the TLM is a powerful resource for schools committed to multiplying their mission through their people. Those who participate will not only be transformed as leaders but will also bless their colleagues, students, and entire school communities for years to come."
Ben Dirksen, PK–8 Principal
Pella Christian School
Pella, Iowa
"Too often, teachers are asked to lead only after stepping into new roles or titles. TLM empowers educators to develop their God-given leadership gifts within their current context. Having worked with Cory in a variety of settings, I can wholeheartedly endorse his wisdom, heart for Christian education, and deep desire to see people flourish where God has planted them."
Becky Parks, Director of Learning
Chicago Christian Schools
Chicago, IL
"If you want to learn and grow as a classroom teacher, it sometimes feels like the only path to growth is through getting another degree. While college or university level learning isn't always a bad option, it shouldn't be the only one for teachers that desire to learn and grow. The Teacher Leader Masterclass provides a highly accessible option for busy teachers that are trying to balance personal growth with the demands of a classroom. I'm so excited to send some of my own teachers to this program!"
Tyler Eatherton, VP of Academics & Head of MS/JH
Little Rock Christian
Little Rock, AR
"In many Christian schools, we aim to produce the next generation of servant leaders, however, we mistakenly assume our teachers are equipped to impart and model biblical leadership skills. Teacher Leader Masterclass removes this training gap and elevates our teachers to steward the school's mission, parents, learning communities, teams, and students. As a result, our schools will run smoother and teachers will have a greater sense of calling."