Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists teachers and education staff attended the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Educators’ Convention held Aug. 7-10, 2023, in Phoenix, Ariz. This event, only the fifth one held, provides inspiration and continuing education for Seventh-day Adventist educators. With almost 6,000 in attendance, it is a wonderful opportunity for educators to network with other Adventist professionals.
“As a new employee at the Texas Conference, I have only public education professional conferences for comparison,” shares Brandy Barber, a science teacher at Chisholm Trail Academy in Keene, Texas. “After being in Phoenix, I can say without a doubt that it was the best educational professional development I’ve ever experienced. The keynote speakers had me crying just about every session, and the connections I made with other teachers during the breakouts were just on another level. The presenters were a timely reminder of my primary objective to ‘love these kids into eternity’ and have faith that with God’s help and some hard work, we will get to where He wants us to be.”
Kisha Norris, Texas Conference vice president for education, reports that 197 educators attended from the Texas Conference. “Our teachers were able to use this time as a spiritual renewal, a brainstorming session with fellow educators, and a bonding experience with their fellow Texas teachers,” she shared.
“Texas Conference has always made the Educators’ Convention a priority for our educational staff,” added Elton DeMoraes, Texas Conference president. “The Southwestern Union Conference and Texas Conference work together to cover their registration, hotels, meals and travel costs. We understand the importance of them attending an event like this.”
This year, more than 300 presentations were divided into five breakout sessions. In addition, the Educators’ Convention included devotion time, keynote speakers, music and more than 150 exhibitors. New features this year included EdTalks, a series of 18-minute TED Talk-style leadership and education presentations; Spark Tank, a Shark Tank-style event to showcase innovative evangelism projects; and a special track for Early Childhood.
“Innovative, inspiring and motivating!” exclaims Robyn-Anna Grimsley, Texas Conference associate superintendent. “The EdTalks were an experience that I would pay to repeat. The ambiance was exciting and dynamic. The speakers were engaging and provided a clear message about excellent leadership and encouragement for listeners.”
The new Early Childhood track was of particular interest to Ellen Thomas, principal of Burton Adventist Academy in Arlington, Texas, who is a skilled Early Childhood educator. “One of the activities included an ongoing scavenger hunt where 100 early childhood cards were hidden around the convention center,” she stated. “Breakout classes included Accreditation, Creation Kids, How to Play, Movement in Early Childhood, and many more. About 300 early childhood educators attended.”
“My favorite breakout sessions were the EdTalks,” says Rebecca Runnals, teacher/principal, at Tyler Adventist School in Tyler, Texas, and second-time attendee. “The first [EdTalks], in which Laura Story [singer of Blessings] and Carlton Byrd [Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists president] both gave short talks, inspired me. I loved hearing Laura Story’s testimony. It helped me to realize that we all go through trials, but we need to let them bring us closer to God. Dr. Byrd spoke about how we need to model as leaders. He mentioned how important it is to walk the walk that we talk.”
“There is nothing like seeing friends, former classmates, former teachers/students, and current colleagues from near and far,” shares Romina Regalado, academic vice principal for Houston Adventist Academy in Cypress, Texas, who has attended many of these events. “It’s like ‘Teacher Heaven.’” At this year’s convention, Regalado felt the spiritual focus and the mental health aspect stood out to her. The presenters and musicians made it “a very memorable experience because it touched our hearts and souls as educators, while still equipping us with tips and tools, but at the same time understanding how important and challenging the work has become.”
The first Educators’ Convention, formerly called Teachers’ Convention, was held in Dallas, Texas, in 2000. Subsequent events were held in Nashville, Tenn., in 2006 and 2012, and then in Chicago, Ill., in 2018. In 2021, the directors of education at the union level voted to change the name from Teachers’ Convention to Educators’ Convention to be more inclusive. They also voted to host the convention every five years.
The theme for this year’s Educators’ Convention, Something Better, was inspired by author Ellen G. White, who wrote: “‘Something better’” is the watchword of education. … To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy,” Education, p. 296. It is also a great reminder that our schools need to offer something better than the world has to offer.
“It was a pleasure joining our greatest evangelists as they spent this time enhancing their skill sets,” DeMoraes concluded. “I am proud of the wonderful educators in the Texas Conference who make an eternal difference daily in their classrooms. Please keep them in prayer as they strive to provide something better in their communities.”
Visit TexasAdventist.org to find a school near you.
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By Tamara Michalenko Terry, associate director of Communication & Public Relations for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
A condensed version of this article will appear in the November/December 2023 issue of the Southwestern Union Record.
