Fifteen teachers from four conferences participated in this workshop held at the Lake Union Conference headquarters in Berrien Springs, Michigan. [Photos by Katie Fellows]
Fifteen teachers from four conferences participated in this workshop held at the Lake Union Conference headquarters in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Nicole Mattson, Lake Union associate education director, said that the aim of the training is to provide resources, information, expert input, and collaborative experiences to prepare teachers to lead their students on an exceptional learning journey emphasizing a personal relationship with Jesus and individual readiness to serve in a 21st-century world. The four days represents “a busy, fast, and furious time,” she says, “but it's also lots of fun and a great opportunity for teachers to build professional relationships.”
Emphasis was placed on standard-based learning (SBL) and the educators received a plethora of information and tips toward assisting them in tracking their students' progress towards a set of clearly defined prioritized standards.
Presenters included Wadzanai Bepe, Mishawaka School District instructional coach; Kalicia Clements, teaching principal at the Charlotte Adventist Christian School; Yanina Jimenez, teaching principal at Downer Grove Adventist School, Becky MeHarry, North Pacific Union director for elementary schools; Alexandria Miller, teaching principal at South Suburban Adventist Christian School; Lisa Rhodes, teaching principal at Cross Street Christian School; Jody Siegal, Niles Adventist School teacher; Sally Smith, retired teacher and former associate superintendent of education for Michigan Conference; along with the Lake Union education team of Ruth Horton, director; Nicole Mattson and Sue Tidwell, associate directors.
Many of the attendees said they felt more prepared to focus on teaching their students to understand and then discover what they can do with that understanding, a shift from traditional instruction, which is often task-based, leading to teaching based on productivity rather than comprehension and ability.
“I think SBL makes sense for the reality we are living now,” was the feedback from one of the participants. “This is totally student-centered and gives the teachers the flexibility to choose the materials according to their capacities, interest, creativity, and for the students’ benefit.”
While it may be a new concept for some, one educator wrote that they felt confident to move forward in integrating SBL in various lessons and topics. And if they get stuck, there’s always help. “I can ring someone.”
The session closed with a prayer of consecration offered by Lake Union President Ken Denslow. In reflection Mattson says, “It was a moment of spiritual reflection to be reminded of the "why" of this ministry of education and to dedicate heart, body, and mind to our Savior as we embark on the mission for the year.”
There are 53 small schools within the Lake Union territory. Small schools are defined by the North American Division as schools with three or fewer teachers.
If you’re searching for an Adventist school for your child or someone you know, here’s a useful link:
https://adventisteducation.org/schools
View photos from the small school intensive training at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakeunionherald/albums/72177720319274453
