At CISF, CPE is understood as formation as well as training. While students develop clinical skills for spiritual care, the deeper aim is the development of pastoral identity, self-awareness, and relational presence.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Formation-centered pedagogy

• Relational supervision and reflective group process

• Integration of theology, psychology, and lived experience

• Contextually responsive curriculum development

Educators are encouraged to bring their own supervisory voice and scholarly interests into the learning environment. We value intellectual curiosity, thoughtful teaching, and the ability to help students connect clinical encounters with deeper questions of meaning and vocation.

CISF values educators who approach supervision with intellectual seriousness, professional humility, and respect for differing perspectives.

Students come from a variety of institutional settings, including healthcare systems, ministry contexts, and public service environments. Educators should be comfortable guiding reflective dialogue across theological and cultural differences while maintaining a professional learning environment.

CISF also welcomes context-specific or themed CPE units built around particular populations or ministry contexts. These units are clearly identified so students understand the focus and expectations of the program.

Our core units remain broadly accessible to students from a wide range of traditions and backgrounds.

CISF is structured so educators can focus on teaching and supervision rather than administrative burden.

Support includes:

• National Faculty leadership

• Administrative coordination and program logistics

• Technology infrastructure for online CPE units

• Center-managed marketing and student recruitment

• Team support for course development, digital platforms, and program materials

Educators may supervise military cohorts, civilian cohorts, or a combination of both. Orientation and context training are available for those new to military chaplaincy environments.

Certified Educators supervise CPE units and guide students through the central elements of clinical pastoral education.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising online ACPE CPE units

• Facilitating group process and individual supervision

• Supporting students in integrating clinical experience, theology, and self-reflection

• Developing or adapting curriculum within ACPE standards

• Participating in program collaboration and evaluation

Educators have considerable freedom in shaping their supervisory approach and curriculum within the center’s formation-focused framework.

CISF tends to be a good fit for educators who value reflective teaching environments and the formative dimensions of CPE.

Successful educators here typically demonstrate:

• Comfort facilitating reflective group process

• Intellectual curiosity and respect for diverse perspectives

• Ability to work with students from different institutional contexts

• A collaborative approach to teaching and program development

CISF values educators who bring steadiness, maturity, and depth to supervision and who can help students grow in their capacity for spiritual care.

CISF is intentionally structured so educators can focus on formation and supervision rather than running every aspect of the program.

The center provides administrative, technological, and creative support that helps translate ideas into well-designed learning experiences while maintaining a collaborative team environment.