June 04, 2024

Creating Impact: How School Retreats Can Cultivate Connections with Caroline Anderson

27 minutes

“With all the stuff that [middle schoolers] are going through…they struggle…they just want someone on their side. They want someone to love them and value them and show them they're important. So this retreat was twofold for me: it showed these students we're going to emphasize Christ.”- Caroline Anderson

In this heartwarming episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with dedicated middle school teacher and principal at Jacksonville Christian Academy, Caroline Anderson. Caroline shares her heart and mission behind creating a middle school retreat. After the 2020s impact on public schools, Caroline saw an increase in student enrollment in the private Christian school and recognized the need to create quick connections and establish biblical foundations to incoming students. By providing a more enriching community for the students and teachers at the beginning of the school year through implementing the retreat, Caroline has seen a deepening in students’ biblical understanding and connection to Christ.

Throughout the encouraging conversation, Jenny and Caroline discuss:

Recognizing the need for a retreat

How do you prepare for a student retreat?

One of the most important keys to a successful retreat

Advice for schools thinking about starting a retreat for their school

Inspiring schools to consider implementing retreats, Caroline discusses the benefits at the high school, middle school and even elementary levels. She reminds us as educators that we play an important role in the minds and hearts of students. Caroline’s strong commitment to her students and creating retreats emphasize that education extends beyond the classroom inspires teachers and administrators to do the same.

“This is an event in which we want God to be honored and we want these students to see the love of Christ.” Caroline Anderson

About the Guest

Caroline Anderson is middle school principal and teacher at Jacksonville Christian Academy in Jacksonville, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Missions and another in Secondary Education. She also earned a Masters Degree in Education in Teaching and Learning. Caroline grew up in New Bern, North Carolina and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephew. Her passion is communicating the Gospel and a Biblical worldview to her students.