Teachers Conferences Speakers | Association of Christian Schools International

ACSI Teacher Conference

About the Speaker

Dr. Brian Simmons

President
ACSI

Brian Simmons, EdD, president of ACSI since August 1, 2009, is a man of vision, a man of action, and a team leader who has as his primary goal the cause of Christ through the ministry of Christian school education. ACSI serves almost 23,000 schools in over 100 countries, enrolling a student population of about 5.5 million. Dr. Simmons also currently serves as adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) as well as president and board chairman of Nehemiah Group Outreach Society.

Previously, Dr. Simmons has served as vice president for university relations at IWU, adjunct professor at Columbia International University (South Carolina) and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (Michigan), superintendent of Heritage Christian School (Indiana), and teacher and administrator at Elkhart Christian Academy (Indiana). He has served on and chaired ACSI accreditation teams, presented workshops at many conventions and conferences, established and led the Indianapolis Christian School Association, and served as an ACSI Executive Board member. Brian and his wife, Bonnie, enjoy serving the Lord together, and they have four children.

Dr. David K. Wilcox

Assistant Vice President
ACSI Global

David K. Wilcox, Ph.D., is Assistant Vice President, ACSI - Global. He is responsible for oversight of ACSI offices in Latin America and the Asia/Pacific region and the ACSI accreditation program for those regions. He is also an editor for ACSI’s journal, Christian School Education and is responsible for development of new initiatives such as the establishment of ACSI-Korea and the successful international launching of ACSI’s English as a Foreign Language textbook series: Passport to Adventure. He has written extensively in ACSI publications, and seeks to make ACSI services and publications appropriate for the worldwide community of Christian schools.

Dr. Wilcox graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Economics. He then completed a Masters in Special Education from Illinois State University, and for five years taught Special Education classes for educably mentally handicapped and learning disabled students in Illinois. David served for 7 years in Quito, Ecuador as teacher and then principal at the Alliance Academy and 6 years as Headmaster of Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia. While in Ecuador he earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama, and in 1994 completed a Ph.D. in Education Policy Analysis from the University of Illinois—Chicago. His dissertation was a discriminant analysis on the variables related to international educators’ decision to continue in international service. His and his wife, Erin, have two adult children.

Mr. John Bauer

Christian Musician
Canada

Jon Bauer is a husband, father, worship artist, songwriter, teacher, and follower of Jesus Christ. The heart and message of Jon Bauer, Canada’s Gospel Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year has found favor with a wide audience; that worship is more than music…it’s a lifestyle. From services and concerts, to seminars and schools Jon permeates borders between the church and classroom. Touring as a full-time Worship Artist, Jon has the unique gift to inspire, train and equip both in the church and school setting. Whether singing to thousands or sharing in an intimate seminar setting, Jon’s authentic nature draws people in to worship God. With five popular worship CD’s that have garnered numerous nominations and awards from Worship Album of the Year to Artist of the Year, Jon’s passion is to help all generations know God and make Him known. Not new to the industry, Jon’s U.S. debut entitled FOREVERMORE marks his 5th collection of original music. Produced by one of the industry’s most sought-after producers, this year’s Dove Award-winning producer Rusty Varenkamp (Tenth Avenue North, Meredith Andrews), FOREVERMORE features 10 selections with 8 written or co-penned by Jon. Jon’s songwriting has been likened to familiars in the industry like Chris Tomlin or Casting Crowns’ Mark Hall, with great care to craft corporately focused worship moments that encourage the Church. His warm, emotive vocals and memorable melodies put the finishing touches on a collection that’s as equally accessible on a Sunday morning as it is on Monday’s commute.

Dr. Dennis Nordine

Dean
Cebu Graduate School of Theology

Dr. Dennis Nordine is the Dean of Cebu Graduate School of Theology. He has been an ACSI keynote speaker and workshop leader for several years and speaks to thousands of teachers and students each year. He has taught in the Philippines for over 20 years and has also taught in Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the USA and Cananda. Dennis and his wife Melody live in Cebu City. They have 3 children, all living in the US, and an 4 year old granddaughter.