Prayer
The Society has chosen to make prayer a priority in its efforts to advance transformational education, which we believe is the single most important support service we provide. Both history and divine revelation teach us that great movements arise from persistent and conspicuous prayer. Like Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Joshua’s struggle with the Amalekites, the Centre figuratively lifts its hands in faith to advance the cause by asking God for transformation and all the resources that are needed for it, believing He will do beyond what we ask or think. Exodus 17; Ephesians 3:20
Research
Our scholars and fellows are involved in research of interest to the CATE Centre. In some cases the focus is on theoretical aspects of transformational education, in others it is on practical aspects that express transformational education in teaching and learning environments. Others, too, are interested in the relationship of theory to practice and vice versa. Although our scholars and fellows represent many perspectives and a variety of scholarly disciples, the unifying theme characterizing this interdisciplinary environment is a commitment to advancing the cause of transformational education.
Scholars
David Durance, MBA, PhD program
Mr Durance is the current President of TeachBeyond and leader of several other educational organizations committed to providing transformational education services on a global platform. He was the Regional Director of Asia for TeachBeyond for five years before his appointment to the senior position in TeachBeyond. He holds an Economics degree (With Distinction) from the University of Regina in Canada and an MBA (BGS Honor Society) from the University of Massachusetts (Amhurst). He is currently enrolled at Trinity International University in its PhD leadership program. His research interests are transformation steward leadership, organizational change, and the embracing of organizational mission-vision-values across cultures.
Fellows
Helen Purgason Vaughan, PhD
Dr Vaughan received her BA in Religion and Secondary Education from Wake Forest University, her MEd in Elementary Education from the University of Florida, and her PhD in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She is a certified COMP (Creating Conditions for Learning) trainer with Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, certified as a presenter for Godly Play, and Mel Levine’s All School Attuned Program for students with learning difficulties. Her past research interests focused on the education of students with emotional handicaps and behavior disorders, post-abortion syndrome, classical education, and wilderness therapy for behavior disorders. Her extensive frontline experience with students includes roles as a parent, teacher, Head of School, counselor, Middle School Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, Bible study leader for youth, and 15 years of consulting in K-12 schools globally. Dr Vaughan is currently investigating the ways in which teachers and students can participate in the Holy Spirit’s work of transformation in an educational setting. Her immediate projects include an articulation of a theory of transformation and a study of why transformation occurs and doesn’t occur, particularly in the lives of children with a Christian heritage.