Speaking
Are you looking to address harmful peer cultures and negative group dynamics in a Christ-centered learning environment? My seminars and workshops draw on relevant research, biblical principals, and practical classroom experience to offer meaningful, faith-informed solutions. Through real-life scenarios and open dialogue, I aim to foster a collaborative space where questions and fresh perspectives are always welcome.
Recent and Upcoming Sessions
The neurobiology of classroom dynamics. How does the nervous system contribute to contagious behavior and teacher reactivity? How can we account for biological tender spots in the ways we manage learning spaces?
Help your students set boundaries. Agape love is central to the Christian faith. Sadly, a misconception of self-sacrificing love can lead to imbalanced relationships and harmful classroom dynamics. How do we help children show care without caving to the influence of peers?
From motivated to invited. Why do some learners prefer to squat at the edge or wade in the shallows? How can we craft invitations that help kids forget themselves and dive into learning?
The hidden roadblock to classroom motivation. How do dominant children thwart others’ needs for autonomy, competence, and belonging? How can teachers support these motivational drives when learners feel their worth is tied to peer approval?
Hope for a hurting classroom culture. Why does the notion of creating classroom culture expose our learning communities to breakdowns? How can a posture of healing restore hope in what schooling stands to offer?
Delicate conversations. Today’s technologies often expose children to distorted views about human relationships. How do we respond when pop culture’s notions about sexuality worm their way into classroom dynamics?
Powerful, but not pushy: The gentle nudge of storytelling. Why should educators add storytelling to their classroom management repertoire? How can we craft and deliver stories that shift mindsets and redirect collective behavior?
Managing the status drive. What makes prestige a universal human need? How can we manage learning communities when earning cool points supersedes a desire to grow and develop?
Attitude Germ and How to Treat It. What causes attitudes to spread like contagions? How can educators fortify themselves amid infectious behavior and restore wholeness to learning spaces?
Help! My students won’t participate! Oddly, a silent bunch can unnerve a teacher just as quickly as a crew that doesn’t sit still. What are some factors that contribute to learner aloofness? How can we keep learning alive when children disengage?
Heartland Christian Educators’ Conference
International Christian Community for Teacher Education Conference
Christian Deeper Learning Conference
Christian Educators Association Conference
Endorsements
Al Bandstra has served as a session presenter at the Heartland Christian Educators Convention for several years. His topics have reached teachers in positive ways and his sessions have received outstanding comments such as:
Al Bandstra is a phenomenal teacher, and showed us practically how we could craft stories to use with our students.
I absolutely loved Al Bandstra's session! He shared several personal stories that made it such an engaging session. He also taught us more about how to use storytelling as a behavior management tool.
Al is such a great leader. He is so easy to listen to. I appreciate his honesty and his advice on how to handle certain situations.
Al Bandstra's session was an excellent blend of research and connections to teaching experiences. A Biblical worldview was evident! I gained future understanding of the why behind both student actions and teacher responses as well as ways to respond differently to meet student needs.
Al has encouraged and mentored teachers by sharing stories and ideas on how to Biblically frame student and parent interactions. He stands out as a leader in Christian education today.
Nicki Kuiper, Heartland Christian Schools , Dordt University
