Lake Union Education Director Ruth Horton at the Board of Education meeting held on November 19, 2024. [PC: Katie Fellows]
He appointed some to be. . . teachers. . . to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, GNT), and for the Lake Union education team, this divine attribution is a high and humbling commission.
From providing teacher trainings and leadership development to facilitating school accreditations and providing targeted financial support, we aim to advance four priorities—continuing collaboration, focused support, growing empowerment, and responsive accountability. With enrollment of just over 2,900 students in 78 schools and education centers, the Lake Union Conference (LUC) education team gratefully embraces educational service through partnerships.
The current school year ushered in the Department’s support for and participation in the Believe the Promise International Camporee. Administering an unexpected worthy academy student scholarship gifted for the 24-25 school year and benefiting from a Science Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) grant reminded us, that our earth is the Lord’s, and too, its fullness.
Small Schools’ week-long Intensive provided annually for newly hired educators, a one-day Registrars and Administrative Assistants’ conference, Science Teachers Professional Learning Community (PLC) forum, AU-LUC STEM Day for K-12 educators, AU-LUC Teachers Professional Day held for AU pre-service teachers, annual LUC Secondary Leadership Conference for academy student leaders combined for a robust 2024 summer-fall season.
Our Early Childhood and Curriculum Advisories led by associate directors, Sue Tidwell and Nicole Mattson, provide direction and guide the framework, planning, and cohesiveness for administering support in early childhood education (ECE) and curriculum. Christ-centered, age and developmentally appropriate NAD curricula and resources are reviewed and made available for Centers, Daycare programs and Preschools. From Standards-based Learning (SBL)and training resources, mental health supports to the Science of Reading, the focus and curricula direction are more clearly defined. A newly retained special education coordinator and instructional coach, Wadzanai Bepe, PhD, has begun attending to the special education learners’ needs through her work with our educators. Additionally, in her new role, Luz Otero serves the education department and field with fervor, humility, and delight.
We take to heart that in our schools, educators serve in loco parentis, and to the best of their abilities, shield the vulnerable in their care. Two fall 2024, trainings on child sex abuse prevention, Darkness to Light, provided for the LUC Early Childhood Advisory members as well as K-12 education leaders highlight added avenues of field support. . . . All for equipping students, staff, teachers, and educational leaders; for building up the body of Christ; and for the glory of our Savior.
Ruth Horton, EdD, is director of Education for the Lake Union Conference.
