The Bible states that the Holy Spirit has given gifts to individual Christians for the purpose of ministering to the saints. Among these gifts are the gifts of administration and teaching (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:5-11, 23-31; Ephesians 4:11-16).
The Christian school, if it is to maintain a reputation for academic excellence, must employ the services of teachers and administrators who are academically qualified to assume their teaching and administrative responsibilities. The proper professional training is a prerequisite to quality education.
Academic preparedness, as important as it is, does not take the place of, nor can it be a substitute for, the spiritual requirements and responsibilities of Christian school teachers and administrators. A balance of spiritual insight, dedication, and love, combined with the academic preparedness to meet the demands of the classroom, are essential ingredients for excellence in the Christian school.
The American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) has developed the Professional Employee Certification Program for the benefit of its member schools. The Program provides objective standards for evaluating and recognizing the preparation of current professional employees.
The AACS Certification Program also provides parents with the assurance that professional educators have examined the credentials of those to whom they entrust their children for academic training. This Program does not evaluate the spiritual characteristics of personnel, except to require that the employing school recommend the applicant and that he/she subscribe to the AACS Statement of Faith.
This AACS service must not be construed as a license to teach or to perform duties in a Christian school. It should never be represented as such to parents or to governmental entities. The AACS Certification Program simply provides a uniform procedure for appraising the professional credentials of teachers and administrators.
A certificate may be revoked at any time the holder is found to be guilty of violating Christian standards of conduct and/or professional ethics. In such cases the person charged with the violation shall be notified of the charges and given opportunity to defend himself/herself, after which the decision of the AACS Accreditation Commission shall be final.