CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
7:15 - 7:50 AM: Registration | Coffee | Fellowship
7:55 - 8:10 AM: Praise & Worship
8:10 - 8:30 AM: Welcome & Introductions
8:30 - 9:20 AM: Main Session 1
9:20 - 9:40 AM: Break
9:45 - 10:30 AM: Main Session 2
10:30 - 10:40 AM: Announcements
10:45 - 11:30 AM: Breakout Session 1
11:30 - 12:30 PM: Lunch
12:30 - 1:15 PM: Breakout Session 2
1:30 - 2:45 PM: Peer Networking Groups
3:00 - 3:15 PM: Closing Session
Artificial Intelligence: Legal and Practical Applications
Emergent Literacy: What is it and Why is it Important
God’s Story in the Classroom: Strategies for Biblical Integration in the Classroom
How to Lead Change Through the Story of Nehemiah: Timeless Lessons for Modern Leaders
Intentional Tech for Teaching & Learning
Leading with Grace: Sustainable Leadership Through Service and Stewardship
Making Learning an Adventure: Project Based Learning
More Than Likes: Using Social Media to Reflect Christ and Grow Your School
Pizza Rhythm: How to Teach Rhythm to the Rhythmically Challenged
Strengthening Your Schools Operations and Finances
Student Engagement Strategies to Use in the Classroom
Teaching with Purpose: Living Out ACSI’s Early Education Core Value
The Cross Generational Challenge
Victory Formation
Why Students Hate Math (And What Actually Helps)
Why Your Classroom Needs a Fish Tank
You Bother Me! Dealing with the Difficult People in Your Life
Artificial Intelligence: Legal and Practical Applications
Room Number: H187
Presenter: David Ray, ACSI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken over our world, affecting technology, media, information resources, education, even the culture in which we live. Trillions of dollars are being spent annually to create and improve AI platforms. What should our response be to this as educators, as we train future generations and instill in them goals of impacting our world for Christ? In this workshop, we will share the legal and practical applications of AI, as well as research that reflects some current usage of this tool by Christian schools. Come prepared to share what you are doing in your own school regarding policies and practices.
Emergent Literacy: What is it and Why is it Important
Room Number: H218
Presenter: Nikki Manning, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Did you know our brains are not wired for reading. The circuits that make reading possible in the brain must be built through intentional interactions and intentional teaching. Everything we do in the early years is geared toward constructing a solid foundation in oral language that children need to benefit from reading instruction when they are older. In this session, we will look at what the early foundational steps are to literacy and how to incorporate these skills in the classroom.
Story in the Classroom: Strategies for Biblical Integration in the
Room Number: H184
Presenter: Grace Postorino, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
As Christian educators, our goal is to help our students develop a biblical worldview. But where do we start in that process? Join SFCA’s BWI Specialist, Grace Postorino, for a 45-minute session that will define biblical worldview integration, equip you with tools to utilize in your classrooms, and allow you to work with others to identify how God’s story informs everything you teach in your classroom.
Room Number: H203
Presenter: Rachel Moore, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Change is not just about strategy, it’s about people, vision, and perseverance. Long before modern change models, Nehemiah led one of history’s most remarkable rebuilding efforts amid urgency and opposition. This session explores leading change through Nehemiah’s leadership decisions.
Room Number: H219/220
Presenter: Amanda Doerr, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
With an overwhelming amount of websites, apps, and tech tools at your fingertips, how do you decide what’s actually worth it? This workshop will explore different tools while focusing on how to make intentional choices that support both teaching and learning. Together, we will discuss ways to narrow your focus, keep learning goals front and center, and walk away with strategies you can use in your classroom right away.
Room Number: H186
Presenter: Candace Furiosi, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
In every school and ministry environment, operational excellence and servant leadership go hand-in-hand. Drawing from over 25 years of administrative experience across business and ministry, this session explores practical ways to build effective systems, empower volunteers, and lead with a heart for service. Participants will learn strategies for managing people and processes with clarity and compassion while maintaining personal balance and avoiding burnout. Together, we’ll examine how grace-filled leadership fosters healthier teams, sustainable rhythms, and long-term organizational success rooted in purpose and faith.
Presenter: Brittany Medeiros, Summit Christian School
Teachers often want to bring richer, more purposeful engagement into their classrooms but aren’t sure how to begin. This session will walk participants through a practical, teacher-friendly approach to planning and managing hands-on, projectbased learning experiences. Through real classroom examples—including the development of a student-created escape room—we’ll explore how to design projects that are rigorous, meaningful, and adaptable to a variety of classroom settings. Participants will leave with step-by-step strategies they can implement right away, regardless of grade level or subject area.
Presenter: Tricia Coggins, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
More Than Likes explores how Christian schools can use social media as a tool for storytelling, marketing, and community building. Attendees will gain practical strategies, content ideas, and tips to create posts that reflect Christ, build trust with families, and support enrollment goals.
Presenter: Michael Bradam, First Baptist Academy of Naples
Have you had students that had trouble reading musical rhythms, such as when they are playing guitar? Well fret no more! Pizza rhythm is here! Using parts of a pizza, you can teach your students how to perform various rhythm combinations using the flow of words related to pizza. It's fun! It's educational! And it's delicious! It's Pizza Rhythm!
Presenter: Dave Buckles, Paragon Consulting Group
Why might growth not equal financial health? Where are we unknowingly wasting resources or missing opportunities for efficiency? Who tracks financial trends — and how early should we see warning signs?
Room Number: H202
Presenter: Alyssa Steffens, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Teachers will learn a student engagement strategy to take back to their classroom. This strategy can be used in all grade levels and with all subjects. Educators will learn a strategy called Quiz-Quiz-Trade and Stand Up-Hand Up-Pair Up.
Teaching with Purpose: Living Out ACSI’s Early Education Core Value Room Number: H216
Presenter: Tammy Hicks, ACSI
This session equips early educators to intentionally integrate ACSI’s Core Values into Christ-centered classrooms. Grounded in Scripture, this training encourages faithful teaching practices that nurture young children as image-bearers of God and pursue excellence for His glory.
The Cross Generational Challenge Room Number: H100
Presenter: Emily Pigott, ACSI
What happens when five generations—Boomers to Gen Alpha—collide within one Christian school community? From boardrooms to classrooms, each generation brings distinct values, communication styles, and expectations that can either create friction or foster flourishing. In this engaging session, we’ll explore how generational dynamics impact leadership, culture, and collaboration in today’s schools. Through real-world examples, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to navigate generational differences with grace and intentionality. Discover how to foster mutual respect, strengthen communication, and unite your school around a shared Christ-centered mission. Whether you’re leading a board meeting, mentoring teachers, or discipling students, this session will equip you to lead across generations with clarity, empathy, and vision.
Victory Formation Room Number: H207
Presenter: Billy Sparacio, True Victory Consulting
Being intentional about biblical integration throughout your sport season. Have a clear plan, create rhythms of devotion times with your team, link your faith to the practices and games and find teachable moments, while modeling it as a coach.
Room Number: H207
Presenter: Billy Sparacio, True Victory Consulting
Being intentional about biblical integration throughout your sport season. Have a clear plan, create rhythms of devotion times with your team, link your faith to the practices and games and find teachable moments, while modeling it as a coach.
Room Number: H183
Presenter: Kelly Coser, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
In this breakout session, we’ll explore why so many students say they “hate math” and what actually helps them become more confident and engaged. I’ll share practical, classroom-tested strategies that have helped my students begin to enjoy math, through strong relationships, predictable routines, and a simple lesson structure that builds consistency and success. Participants will leave with actionable ideas they can implement immediately.
Room Number: H185
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Dupeé, First Baptist Academy of Naples
Simple solutions to having strategic, transparent conversations with the people in your life. Learn how to take a biblical approach to reconciling differences and disagreement.
Room Number: Meet in Fellowship Hall
Presenter: David Asfour, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
The science department chair of my alma mater used to say, “A biology lab should have living things in it”. Even though this statement was in reference to collegiate science labs, I believe this principle is even more applicable to K-12 science classrooms. The addition of God’s creatures to the classroom not only fosters fascination with His creation, it can also provide creative new ways to teach students science content and Godly stewardship. Join me on a tour of some of the fish (and land animal) tanks that are used to enhance the learning of students of all ages. Participants will also get a tour of our school’s aquaponics setup used for the aquaculture class.
All About the Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
Artificial Intelligence in Christian Education: Classroom Policy, Practice, and Purpose
Biblical Integration in EE: Faith-Based Teaching Practices
Classroom Management
Crossing Swords: Conflict Resolution in Kingdom Education
Dealing with Difficult People God’s Way
Empowering Classrooms with Student Engagement
Equipping Yourself for the Inevitable Battle
How to Compose Music
Lessons Lived Not Lectured
Questioning for Engagement vs. Questioning for Understanding
Respecting the Journey While Achieving the Outcome
Retrieve and Remember: The Science of Making Learning Stick
Welcome to the Podcast: Real Talk on Teaching Well
Why We Do What We Do: Impacting Children and Young People for the Kingdom
Why Your School Should Adopt an Official Creation Statement (And Why It Should Be "Young Earth")
Winning Together: Creating a Positive, Christ-Centered Team Culture
All About the Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
Room Number: H204
Presenter: Lindsey Hussey, Fort Myers Christian School
We will discuss setup, routines, procedures, behavior modification, including families, activities and more!
Artificial Intelligence in Christian Education: Classroom Policy, Practice, and Purpose
Room Number: H203
Presenter: Rachel Moore, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
As AI tools become increasingly accessible to students and educators, Christian schools must thoughtfully discern how to engage with this technology. This session introduces a faith-based framework for AI use that prioritizes human dignity, academic integrity, stewardship, and discernment. Participants will leave with clarity on what AI is (and is not), how it may be used appropriately in classrooms, and how to guide students toward responsible and ethical use.
Biblical Integration in EE: Faith-Based Teaching Practices
Room Number: H216
Presenter: Tammy Hicks, ACSI
This session equips early childhood educators to intentionally integrate biblical truth into daily teaching and classroom culture.
Room Number: H186
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Parrott, Mt. Zion Christian Academy and Performing Arts
Good classroom management should aim to: Create an organized and functional environment for the teacher and students. Establish opportunities for academic learning and personal growth. Reduce bad classroom behavior and other disruptions.
Crossing Swords: Conflict Resolution in Kingdom Education
Room Number: H184
Presenter: Dr. Wesley Scott, NAACS
En Garde! You are an educator in God's Kingdom; conflict is unavoidable. Let’s talk about the different types of conflict you may face and how to resolve them the Kingdom way. “Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.” Max Lucado
Room Number: H185
Presenter: Oliver Phipps, First Baptist Academy of Naples
In every school, classroom, and ministry, we encounter people who will challenge our patience and test our faith. But as Christian educators, we are called to respond differently, not with frustration, but with grace, wisdom, and the love of Christ. My session will equip educators with biblical principles and practical strategies for handling difficult students, parents, coworkers, and situations. I will help educators discover how God uses challenging people to grow our character, strengthen our witness, and remind us that grace still works, even on the hardest days.
Room Number: H218
Presenter: Nikki Manning, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Student Engagement. Student empowerment. Student-led teaching. We have heard it called many things. Studies show that all these techniques are key ingredients to achieving our educational goals as a teacher – student growth and meaningful student outcomes. Transforming traditional classrooms into dynamic hubs of critical thinking and deep learning doesn’t have to be a difficult or overwhelming task to execute. Let me show you how!
Room Number: H209
Presenter: Tamar Miller, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
You're not weak. You're worn out from fighting the same battle every school year. Perhaps it's time for a different approach. Spiritual warfare on campus is real, creating havoc among students and staff, but are you adequately prepared for it? The Bible provides timely tactics for educators to be armed and ready to fight for the hearts and minds of our next generation. You may be surprised to learn of the weapons of war that can make a difference for standing firm in your faith and training students for life's challenges beyond the classroom.
Room Number: H205
Presenter: Michael Bradam, First Baptist Academy of Naples
Have you ever written a song but didn't know how to actually write the music? This course will help you compose and write music using traditional music writing techniques mixed with a four step modern music writing technique. Music made easy!
Room Number: H207
Presenter: Billy Sparacio, True Victory Consulting
Billy Sparacio of True Victory Consulting will be sharing the Life Lessons that are learned by students when they participate in the Athletic Program.
Room Number: H202
Presenter: Alyssa Steffens, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Presentation on strategies used for questioning to increase engagement, versus using strategies to question for understanding. This presentation is to give teachers tools to be able to use both and know the difference between both.
Room Number: H183
Presenter: Melissa Rose, First Baptist Academy of Naples
What if the key to student success isn't teaching more, but practicing recall differently? Explore the science of retrieval practice and learn why bringing information to mind strengthens memory better than any other study strategy. In this interactive session, you'll gain practical techniques to help students retain learning long-term and walk away with a concrete implementation plan for your classroom.
Room Number: H215
Presenter:
Dave Buckles, Paragon Consulting Group
Helping leaders understand their leadership style and how to effectively use it. This session is adapted from Primal Leadership. I will also be using Korn Ferry's “Six Dimensions: Understanding Leadership” involving recognizing personal strengths and their impact on team environments. Korn Ferry’s “Six Dimensions of Organizational Climate” offers a framework for assessing the emotional and functional tone set by leadership, which influences employee motivation, innovation, performance, and retention.
Room Number: H219/220
Presenters: Amy Clydesdale, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Sarah Taylor, Summit Christian School
Sarah and Amy worked together at the same Christian School for 5 years, and although God has led them to teach at different Christian schools, they still attend church together. Each week, after church they have a discussion that they affectionately call "the podcast." This session will feel like a podcast where our hosts discuss ways to maintain a high student engagement ratio, asking rigorous questions, integrating technology, curbing student foolishness regarding AI, and maintaining their sanity in the classroom. This session will be a fun combination of relatable conversation and practical tips.
Room Number: H187
Presenter: David Ray, ACSI
As Christian educators, have you ever considered why we do what we do? Why has God called us into this ministry, why have we been chosen to impact children and young people for God’s Kingdom? This workshop is designed to encourage all of us in the calling that He has given us to be Christian educators by integrating research, humor, some practical suggestions, and biblical reminders. Come prepared to share some of your own reflections.
Presenter: Eddie Rogosich, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
In this session, coaches will learn practical strategies for building a team culture that reflects Christian values and promotes positivity both on and off the field. We will demonstrate ways to engage players, parents, and the broader school community in fostering unity no matter the score. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to inspire their teams, strengthen relationships, and create a lasting impact that goes beyond wins and losses.
Presenter: David Asfour, Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Hot Take: The Bible clearly teaches a universe younger than 10,000 years old, and your entire school should be teaching exclusively from this point of view! If you read that statement and you felt the urge to yell out, “Amen!”, this breakout is for you. If you read that statement and it made your blood boil, this breakout is also for you. Join us as we discuss why it’s important for a school to have a Creation statement in writing, why it’s important that teachers of all subjects teach in accordance with that statement, and why the only position consistent with the Biblical worldview is the “Young Earth” position.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor!
Thank you to our Silver Sponsor!
A special thank you to ACSI and NACS for their collaboration and support.
Thank you to our Bronze Sponsor!
Save the date for next year’s conference!
Friday, February 12, 2027