Trinity's Matthias releases new book, "The Cry of the Teacher's Soul"

Trinity International University announces a campus book release celebration Sept. 29 for faculty member Laurie Matthias’ new work, “The Cry of the Teacher’s Soul.”

Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Education and Associate Professor of Education at Trinity, Matthias has dedicated her career to preparing education majors to be excellent teachers in all K-12 school settings. Her scholarship endeavors both draw from and enrich this passion, causing her to focus on integrating theology in addressing the inner life of the Christian teacher.

In her latest work, Matthias recognizes that teaching is hard work, and that increasing external pressures on teachers are leading to high rates of attrition and burnout. Unlike other resources that attempt to address those external factors, “The Cry of the Teacher’s Soul” offers hope by focusing on the key factor of good education: the teacher. It does so by examining the teacher’s inner life – mental, emotional, and spiritual.

'’Matthias has written a thoughtful, reflective, and instructive guide for Christian teachers,” Trinity President David S. Dockery wrote in an endorsement of the book. “While this book has wide-ranging application for educators and Christians in other fields of service, the carefully-designed chapters in this volume provide wise counsel, particularly and especially for those struggling with the very real tensions and challenges of carrying out one’s calling in the classroom each and every day, semester after semester,’' Dockery wrote.

Prior to joining the Trinity faculty in 2007, Matthias earned her Master of Education and Educational Doctorate degrees at Regent University. She is also interested in multicultural education, the theology of work, and international partnerships in Christian higher education.

The book release celebration will include a brief presentation by Matthias, a time for questions and answers, a book signing, and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 4:30-5:00 pm in the McLennan Atrium on the Deerfield campus at 2065 Half Day Road.