What does it really mean to be fluent with multiplication facts? In this session, we will unpack the meaning of fluency and examine a trajectory for how students master their facts. Come explore how we can use Quick Looks, fact strategies, games, and formative assessment strategies to ensure all students develop lasting multiplication fact fluency.
Dr. Gina Kling has been blessed to serve the mathematics education community in a variety of ways throughout her teaching career of nearly 25 years. Gina is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and teaches mathematics... Read More →
Christian Schools International, with the help of CACE, developed and delivers a beautiful work course for teachers. Each of the eight models is now also a full day professional learning that school faculty can journey through together. Why would a school take this journey, and how can your student make more Beautiful Work?
Director of Membership and Operations, Christian Schools International
Teacher, administrator, professional development designer and leader, Christian School advocate; in all the roles God gives him, he strives to cultivate for flourishing lives.
We will look at incorporating Heritage Months into the life of your school to celebrate the diversity of God's creation. We will talk about small steps you can take to incorporate these celebrations at the classroom and whole school level and look at how to grow your work over time to integrate it into the curriculum year round.
In this sectional we will discuss how to plan and lead quality worship in our Christian Schools, both in our classrooms (devotions) and corporately (chapel). We will present on how we can best share ideas in a consistent and beneficial manner among all of those responsible for leading and planning at their respective schools. One such way is WICS. The goal of WICS, Worship in Christian Schools, is to promote collaboration among worship leaders in our Christian Schools and foster discussions on the role of worship. We host a yearly conference, publish a newsletter, and host a google drive, where worship leaders can share ideas.
Join us to hear about various ways we use coding and STEAM with connections to literacy in K-5 classrooms. We hope to make this relevant to classroom teachers as well as technology specialists.
1st and 2nd Grade Technology Teacher, Dutton Christian School
Morgan Swartz has been teaching Technology at Dutton Christian for 3 years. Prior to that, she taught Kindergarten at Dutton Christian as well as K and 2nd grade at Zeeland Christian School for 9 years.
This session deals with selecting quality music literature for performance ensembles (band, orchestra, and choir) at the middle and high school levels, with a focus on programming concerts that include variety while being a cohesive experience for students and audience members.
Doug Pelt (band) and Erin Lanenga (choir) have each taught music for over 20 years. Throughout their tenure at Timothy Christian, they have creatively and intentionally programmed a variety of musical works and collaborated on several concert performances to inspire and challenge... Read More →
What does it mean to be a faithful Christian in a digital world? What do bytes have to do with Christian beliefs? This presentation will sketch how computer technology can be understood within the biblical story and contrasted with how it is often understood within rival stories.
Derek Schuurman worked as an electrical engineer for several years and later completed a Ph.D. in robotics and computer vision. He is currently professor of computer science at Calvin University and author of "Shaping a Digital World" and co-author of "A Christian Field Guide to Technology... Read More →
The secular and the sacred are constantly at odds with one another, especially in the workplace. We have the amazing privilege of creating sacred space in our classrooms and buildings. Come and hear how working in the beer distribution industry has given insight to the importance of building God's kingdom through Christian education.
8 Grade ELA & Bible Teacher, Hudsonville Christian Middle School
Tyler has been teaching ELA for over ten years; five years in Houston, Texas and six years in Hudsonville, Michigan. Tyler and his wife Laura live in Kentwood, Michigan with their two sons, Isaac and Benzy, and their miniature schnauzer Astro.
Kelli is in her 3rd year teaching at SCHS, her alma mater, after having taught 8 years at a public school. She is enthusiastic about trying new ideas in her classroom and is especially excited about giving students more voice and choice in their reading and writing activities.
Christian school leaders and teachers work within one of the most challenging environments to embody consistently the image of God as exemplified in the person of Jesus. A parent sends an angry email to a you about her student's grade and copies a board member; a colleague challenges you in the lounge on who you voted for in the election; a student you've worked with for days lies to you about using ChatGPT on his senior thesis paper. These types of situations happen often, making schools challenging places to be "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Dallas Willard posed in his seminal work, The Divine Conspiracy, that instead of simply learning how to repress hurt feelings and anger, "[s]uppose we devoted our time to inspiring Christians and others to be people who are not offendable and not angry and who are forgiving as a matter of course." In this session, Miles will provide a few ideas and practices that help us to become the kind of people who can both steward our schools and classrooms with accountability while, in equal measure, having a heart that says, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
High School Principal, Holland Christian High School
Miles Colago currently serves as the Principal of Holland Christian High School. Miles originally is from Anoka, MN where he attended Anoka High School. He earned his BA in English and Secondary Education with a minor in International Development Studies and MA in Educational... Read More →
We spend about 70% of our waking moments communicating with others: students, colleagues, supervisors, family, and friends. If you often feel exhausted, frustrated, and baffled by daily interactions, whether in-person or written, help is here! Think about communication differently so you can help others and enjoy your relationships. Brad Brewer will also be providing our Capstone address on Friday.
Brad Brewer helps educators and students overcome communication challenges that ruin relationships. He is a speaker, author, and trainer with 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and foundations. Brad holds a BA in Communication Studies and Leadership from Christopher... Read More →
One of Satan's most powerful tools is having God's children forget how He has been working in their lives. A different look at Mama's Refrigerator from last year, this session will dive into practical ways to help capture moments of faith development in the classroom, including connecting, reflecting, and remembering.
This session will primarily focus on a 40 minute meditation and mindful movement to start your morning feeling aligned, both physically and spiritually, before we step into the second day of CEA conference. Come move your body in a safe and inclusive setting, with a meditation grounded in scripture and a flow set to worship music. We will also touch on a few ways that you can bring similar techniques into your classroom.
1st Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher, Grandville Calvin Christian School
Annalise Larson graduated with her K-12 Spanish Education bachelors from Hope College in 2009. She has been an immersion educator for 11 years, working with both middle school and elementary school ages. She loves immersing her students not only in the Spanish language, but also exposing... Read More →
Telling captivating stories with quality video doesn’t always require professional equipment. What would it look like for teachers to tell the stories unfolding in their own classrooms through video captured with a smartphone? In this session, attendees will learn the basics of smartphone videography and storytelling through real world practice.
Middle School Teacher / Chapel Coordinator, Lansing Christian School, IL
Jason is a middle school STEM, Math, and Social Studies teacher at Lansing Christian School in Lansing, Michigan. In addition to his role as a classroom teacher, he also coordinates chapels and coaches student worship teams. He has taught in a variety of subject areas in both elementary... Read More →
Have you ever received those emails? The ones you shouldn't read at night, but when you do, you can't sleep? Schools often talk about partnering with parents, but sometimes partnerships are challenging and cause conflict. Join us as we talk through practical strategies to navigate challenging conversations. We'll share lessons we've learned and invite you into a process to practice crafting a response you can use in your own work. Just hopefully not too soon.
Aaron and Andrew have had their share of challenging interactions with families. Aaron is the Head of School at South Christian, and Andrew is the Director of Learning at Holland Christian Schools. They are also both parents of children in Christian education and believe in the home... Read More →
Aaron and Andrew have had their share of challenging interactions with families. Aaron is the Head of School at South Christian, and Andrew is the Director of Learning at Holland Christian Schools. They are also both parents of children in Christian education and believe in the home... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Auditorium1st floor
Participants will explore how to take students' writing and oral production to the next level through the integration of faith and culture. Presenters will share an interesting medley of ideas, strategies and useful activities that they have tried in the classroom with success and results during their 50+ years of experience in SI education.
Spanish Immersion MS Teacher & SI Program Assistant Coordinator, Grand Haven Christian School & West Michigan Christian Education Collaborative
Heather has over 22 years of dual language experience as a teacher in every grade level K-8, elementary school principal, curriculum writer, and Spanish immersion program leader. She is passionate about Christian education and the integration of faith in all areas especially in a... Read More →
Spanish Immersion Program Coordinator, West Michigan Christian Education Collaborative
Born and raised in Mexico, Pilar serves WMCEC in the SI program. With a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy and a Master's degree in Human Development, she passionately shares her native Spanish language and culture with the community. With almost 30 years of experience in education, she... Read More →
Join our session, 'Streamlined Classroom,' as we demystify AI tools for teachers. Learn practical ways to enhance your teaching experience without feeling replaced. Discover how AI can be your ally, making your classroom more dynamic and your job more rewarding. Let's explore together!
MS Tech Teacher and Tech Integration Specialist, Allendale Christian School
As a lifelong learner and wife of a 5th grade teacher, Alecia is passionate about the educational experience for both teachers and students. She finds immense joy in equipping them with practical, accessible tools for success! She has 18 years of classroom experience in grades 6-12... Read More →
This session is designed for school leaders who are considering, or who have already begun, a journey in which they would like to transform current classroom practices into deeper learning practices. We will spend time exploring frameworks and tools that will sustain long term change in our teaching and learning.
Director of Teaching for Transformation, Center for Advancement of Christian Education
Darryl DeBoer is both the Director of Teaching for Transformation and the K-12 Director of Education at Surrey Christian School. Beyond these roles, he listens to a lot of Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash as he drives his kids to all their activities. Always wishing he was fi... Read More →
Transform waste into wisdom! Discover the power of student-led composting initiatives. Learn how to integrate composting into the curriculum, engage students in sustainability, and build a supportive community. Empower students to lead with practical implementation guidance. Join in ways to glorify God through caring for His creation.
Director of Nature Based and Outdoor Education, West Side Christian School
Janet Staal, BA in K-8 Education and a Master Naturalist Certification. Her journey from childhood explorations in West Michigan's woods to fostering nature-based education at WSCS reflects a lifelong commitment to teaching and glorifying God. Join us as she shares her passion for... Read More →
In this session, Allison will equip participants to understand the impacts of trauma and the roots of behavior, as well as how to respond to students who struggle. Participants will explore how to create a trauma-informed learning environment and will leave with specific next steps that are relevant for their own unique settings.
Educational Advisor for Trauma Informed Children, Developmental Enhancement Behavioral Health
Allison is a trauma-informed consultant, coach, and educator with a long history of supporting kids and empowering the adults who care for them. She has taught in classrooms from Pre-K through College and has provided trauma-informed and resilience-focused support for hundreds of... Read More →
Since Covid, the rise of anxiety/fear/panic attacks has risen amongst students, along with big questions about what is going on in the world and how to navigate these challenges from a Christian Worldview. I believe having a designated staff member who is available in the classroom and with open hours for pastoral care for staff and students is not simply a luxury, but a necessity as Christian Schools move into the future.
Dr. Charles W. Swanson spent sixteen years working at Cornerstone University in Student Development and for nine of those years as the Dean of Spiritual Formation and adjunct faculty. After leaving Cornerstone, he served eleven years as a pastor of a local church, while also serving... Read More →
Middle School Science Teacher, Byron Center Christian School
Clay is an outdoor enthusiast and is working towards integrating more outdoor learning into his middle school science curriculum. He's had a passion for the outdoors as long as he has been alive and he longs for kids to see the story of creation in creation itself.
The session will ask that each participant bring an elementary music lesson to share. Ideas about classroom set-up and/or classroom resources, songs, movement, classroom routines, lesson outlines etc. are all welcomed and encouraged as we bring, share and take home one another's ideas.
Elementary Music Teacher, Oakland Christian School
Thomas Blue retired after teaching public school choral music 6-12. The choirs Mr. Blue conducted received the highest ratings at both District/ State Choral Festivals. Mr. Blue continues his passion by teaching elementary music part-time at Oakland Christian School bringing... Read More →
Bullying is antithetical to God's love, so it's particularly imperative to deal effectively with it in a Christian setting. What is bullying, and what isn't bullying? We'll explore what to teach students and staff, prevention, investigation, follow up, and well intended common missteps. This session is geared toward teachers, administrators, and counselors/social workers.
Aaron Kauffman, L.M.S.W., has enjoyed training and consulting with educators, parents, and summer camp staff for 25 years. He uses field-tested strategies carefully designed to make kids’ lives better while making adults’ lives a little easier. Aaron serves as school social worker... Read More →
Do you wonder how God can expect you to carry personal burdens and still lovingly teach his children? Do emotions run high and you just don't know if you can tackle another day in the classroom? Come hear strategies and receive encouragement for strength to carry out daily tasks when life gets messy.
1st Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher, Grandville Calvin Christian School
Annalise Larson graduated with her K-12 Spanish Education bachelors from Hope College in 2009. She has been an immersion educator for 11 years, working with both middle school and elementary school ages. She loves immersing her students not only in the Spanish language, but also exposing... Read More →
8th Grade Bible & Social Studies Teacher, Hudsonville Christian Middle School
Jennifer Hoekstra is a passionate, excitable teacher and coach. She is mom to four kids, and wife to a husband who is battling stage 4 colon cancer. She loves to adventure outdoors with her family by hiking, snowshoeing, biking or camping. She loves coaching and pouring encouragement... Read More →
Many believe that AI could lead us toward some sort of paradise. A rival story suggests that the future doesn’t need us and that AI will ultimately threaten humanity. This talk will explore a vision for AI informed by the Biblical story and some recommendations for how we might toward more responsible technology.
Derek Schuurman worked as an electrical engineer for several years and later completed a Ph.D. in robotics and computer vision. He is currently professor of computer science at Calvin University and author of "Shaping a Digital World" and co-author of "A Christian Field Guide to Technology... Read More →
Between elections, culture wars, and the pandemic, we might all be headed for higher blood pressure. A good Christian public witness is more crucial than ever. What role should anger play in a virtuous life? If anger’s rightful target is injustice, how angry and how often should we be angry? Or should Christians refrain from anger and practice gentleness? Are these two stances compatible? To address this puzzle, we'll consider insights from two strands in Christian thought and use the lens of formation to reconcile the two strands. Then we'll explore some field-tested virtuous practices and spiritual exercises for good anger formation in community.
Dr. Rebecca DeYoung (Ph.D. University of Notre Dame) teaches ethics and the history of philosophy at Calvin University. Her books include Glittering Vices (Brazos, 2nd ed. 2020), Vainglory (Eerdmans, 2014), and Aquinas's Ethics (University of Notre Dame Press, 2009). She speaks widely... Read More →
This session will focus on ways to plan fun activities for English and immersion learners within a grade level, with the purpose of honoring God through language and culture, building community, and enhancing curriculum.
2nd Grade SI Teacher, Holland Christian - Rose Park
Melanie Scott and Andrea Cantú began working together when Spanish immersion began in 2nd grade at Holland Christian. They have striven to build community between all 2nd graders after seeing the natural separation that can happen between different language learners. Throughout... Read More →
Melanie Scott and Andrea Cantú began working together when Spanish immersion began in 2nd grade at Holland Christian. They have striven to build community between all 2nd graders after seeing the natural separation that can happen between different language learners. Throughout... Read More →
K-8 classroom teachers will receive recommendations on how to manage differentiation in their classroom along with strategies for effective implementation.
MS Tech Teacher and Tech Integration Specialist, Allendale Christian School
As a lifelong learner and wife of a 5th grade teacher, Alecia is passionate about the educational experience for both teachers and students. She finds immense joy in equipping them with practical, accessible tools for success! She has 18 years of classroom experience in grades 6-12... Read More →
Since second grade, Andrea has always wanted to be a teacher. After spending 14 years in the classroom teaching Science, Language Arts and Bible in grades 5th-8th she transitioned into administration. She now serves as the Assistant Principal at Highland Christian School. She lives... Read More →
The Bible class is an opportunity to draw students more deeply into understanding and knowing God and his word more completely. The methods and activities we use can either move students closer toward that end, or move them farther away. Come to this session to learn some strategies that will help your students engage with scripture and enjoy a deeper learning of who God is and what he is sharing in his word.
Coordinator for Heartland Convention, Heartland Christian Schools
Nicki has been a middle school math, Bible, and language arts teacher for more than 25 years, serving Christian schools in Iowa, California, and Minnesota. She taught the Bible Methods class at Dordt University for several years, and is currently serving as the coordinator for Heartland... Read More →
Make your math time responsive to student needs by using centers or stations with students. We'll talk about the model of math workshop we have been using, ideas for math stations, how to manage the stations and how to efficiently move students through workshop time.
Do you desire outdoor learning experiences for your grade level? Come hear how the K-8 Outdoor Education team at Fremont Christian School extends classroom learning outside. We hope our presentation empowers classroom teachers to find nature as a means to meet grade-level standards.
Outdoor Education Director, Fremont Christian School
Amber Bull, an avid creation enjoyer, loves inviting students to learn outdoors. Whether connecting curriculum to the outdoors or teaching nature-based lessons to elementary students, you will find her outside with kids, no matter the Michigan weather!
Students who struggle with organization need help but it's hard to know where to begin. Come to gain fresh perspective inside the mind of the disorganized child and ways that we can support and encourage them to master their materials and take pride in their classroom spaces.
Brandon is currently the tallest third grader at Grand Rapids Christian Schools and has been teaching there for 8 years. He has also taught 5th grade at Holland Christian and 2nd grade at Hudsonville Christian Schools. The longer Brandon teaches, the more he realizes how much he has... Read More →
Teaching is a calling that involves various daily tasks (grading, modeling, fostering connections with students, email communication). Jordan and Ryan will explore how teaching can be seen as an act of worship and how everyday routines can become intentional worship moments with God.
High School Bible Teacher, South Christian High School
Jordan is a Bible teacher at South Christian High School. Previously, he was involved in high school ministry for over ten years and taught at Cornerstone University and Moody Bible Institute. He is passionate about faith integration and Christian pedagogical practices.
Ryan Vanden Heuvel is an English teacher at SCHS who enjoys reading, hiking, and artistic hobbies. He as taught at SCHS for 23 years, and strives to have his vocation mirror SCHS's mission: to equip students to live Christ-centered lives and serve God to their greatest potential... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
240History and Bible Commons, 2nd floor
By teaching young learners about the Bible through six key lenses—culture, history, geography, literature, language, and visual elements—the Scriptures come to life in dynamic and engaging ways. In this session, we will explore the importance of context and discover practical methods to seamlessly integrate it into your teaching, helping students connect more deeply with the Bible’s message.
Founder of Love God, Love Others Context-Centric Bible Curriculum, Love God, Love Others
Eric Schrotenboer is the visionary behind Love God, Love Others, a Bible curriculum centered on exploring the context of Scripture. A pastor, teacher, and trip leader to the Lands of the Bible, Eric is passionate about helping everyone gain a richer understanding of Bible context... Read More →
Elementary Media Specialist, Hudsonville Christian School
Mary Jo started her career as a classroom teacher and then followed her passion for books into the role of librarian at Hudsonville Christian School. She loves connecting children with just the right book.
Behavior in our classrooms is a dilemma. We love our students, and yet they sometimes cause us stress because of their behaviors. This is a dilemma we often feel like we cannot solve, and this session is not about a neat and tidy solution. Instead, it is about how we hold space for the dilemma. Attendees will walk away with tools to navigate the dilemma in healthy, holistic, but not neat and tidy ways. Join if you're ready to dig into the messy and the uncomfortable of the dilemma.
Mark Taylor earned a B.Mus. in vocal performance, a master's degree in Choral Conducting, and a Ph.D. in Music Education with an emphasis in Wind Conducting. He has taught in Christian schools in Michigan, Florida and Ohio. He has been a music education professor in three Christian... Read More →
Discover various ideas for authentic writing assignments for lower elementary students. Watch students take on ownership to their writing as they discover who will be reading their writings or what audience will hear their written words.
Alice has taught students in Thunder Bay, Sierra Leone, Wyoming, ON, Nova Scotia and Dutton MI. She has taught any grade from first grade to high school English and economics. She grew up in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia and met her husband when going to Sierra Leone and came to Michigan... Read More →
Brad Brewer helps educators and students overcome communication challenges that ruin relationships. He is a speaker, author, and trainer with 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and foundations. Brad holds a BA in Communication Studies and Leadership from Christopher... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 11:20am - 12:30pm EDT
Auditorium1st floor
