One of ICSV’s goals in our Strategic Vision is to build up our faculty and staff by “fostering a culture of continual improvement.” We have been working hard to develop a strong professional development program that provides in-house professional development, makes available conferences and seminars, and allows individuals to take additional university courses or to receive training in their area of expertise. On April 11, the entire ICSV faculty and administration travelled to Prague in order to spend three days at the ACSI Teacher Conference. This was a time of professional growth and networking with other Christian educators from around the world. Three of our teachers, Christine Sipos, Greg Brobst, and Joel Alba, had the opportunity to present sessions on using technology in the classroom and how to roll out a BYOD program.
Today, 49% of our teaching staff hold advanced degrees, and we are excited to share that we have several staff members who are enrolled in or have recently completed masters and doctoral programs. Mrs. Barbara Dax received her Masters of Science in Information and Library Studies (with distinction) from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. She was awarded the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (UK Library Association) Award for having the highest grades in her field of study. Miss Devan Mizzoni has just completed her Master’s degree. Devan says that she has always wanted to pursue a Master’s degree in International Development and was pleased when she had the opportunity to do so here at Uni Wien. Miss Mizzoni attends church at New City Wien.
The desire to use one’s God-given gifts is not limited to the ICSV staff. Board member, Anna Gryskiewicz, recently defended her doctoral dissertation at Southeastern University, earning her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. Her husband, Tony, is also a doctoral student, studying at Biola University. Dr. Gryskiewicz says that it was a middle school teacher who believed in her and encouraged her to “dream big!” Today she is passionate about teaching, especially those who experience learning challenges. She also loves training and equipping young people to fulfill their God-given calling. She and her husband serve on the pastoral team at Vienna Christian Center as youth pastors.
We extend our congratulations to Dr. Gryskiewicz, Mrs. Dax, and Miss Mizzoni for showing grit and grace through the education process and for glorifying God with the lovely minds that God has given to them. We extend our thanks to Miss Sipos, Mr. Brobst, and Mr. Alba for sharing their knowledge and experience with other Christian educators from around the globe. Part of my personal vision for ICSV is that we will become a leader among the international Christian schools. I believe that it is our responsibility to bless others as God has blessed us here in Vienna. Our staff members are doing this very thing.
Because of His Faithfulness,
Sharon Brobst, Ed.D.
Director