MID-AMERICA UNION NEWS
K-12 Teachers Gather in Chicago Focus on technology, inspiration and school improvements
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Wintley Phipps. Elizabeth Talbot, speaker/ director of Jesus 101, presented the keynote address. Each morning worship was led by Sam Leonor, chaplain at La Sierra University. General sessions featured technology, inspiration and school improvement. Eric Sheniger from the International Center for Leadership in Education focused on how to design tomorrow’s schools today;
themed Encounter Jesus, Experience Excellence, was the fourth NAD-wide convention for Adventist teachers held since 2000. Music was a major component of the event, with the opening concert presented by Steven Curtis Chapman. Other artists who inspired the educators were Angela Bryant-Brown, Michael English, Jaime Jorge and
Melissa Morris
pproximately 300 MidAmerica Union teachers, administrators, support personnel, retirees and Union College seniors joined some 6,000 educators from across the North American Division at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 6 for three days of spiritual renewal and professional development. This event,
Courtesy North American Division/Dan Weber
Courtesy North American Division/Dan Weber
Mid-America teachers (l-r) Melissa Morris, Heidi Nicholas, Kori Cook, Amber Bower, Karma Roberts, Jennifer Ewers, Jodie Ramirez and Barb Miller recently attended the NAD Teachers’ Convention in Chicago.
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Manny Scott, one the original Freedom Writers, shared his inspiring story; and Brad Geise from Education for the Future emphasized the need for continued improvements. The event culminated with a commitment service led by Dan Jackson, president of the NAD. Six breakouts were scheduled with approximately 170 presentations during each breakout session covering all aspects of Adventist education. Teachers also had time to explore Chicago one evening. Feedback from teachers has been positive, and they left Chicago energized and ready to lead learners in also encountering Jesus and experiencing excellence in their own lives. LouAnn Howard is education director for the Mid-America Union.