2024 CEA Convention: Full Schedule

9:00am PDT

Keynote Address "Soul Matters"

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am PDT

Peter Jonker, pastor of LaGrave CRC, will be delivering our keynote address during the opening worship on "Soul Matters."
2024 is the 100th anniversary of the CEA. The first CEA was held in 1924 at LaGrave CRC. We are thrilled to make a re-connection with LaGrave for CEA's 100th anniversary with Rev. Peter Jonker.

Speakers

Peter Jonker

Minister of Preaching, LaGrave Ave Christian Reformed Church

Peter Jonker is the minister of preaching at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. He's been a minister in the Christian Reformed Church for over 30 years, and is the author of the book, Preaching in Pictures. He is married to Linda Jonker who teaches kindergarten at Grand Rapids... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am PDT
Auditorium 1st floor

Keynote Address

10:45am PDT

Book Buzz: Picture Book Edition

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am PDT

Auditorium

This fast-paced session will introduce you to the best new picture books and give you some suggestions for how to use them in your classroom and enhance your curriculum.

Chairperson

Maria DeJong

Delavan Christian School

Speakers

Tricia Kiepert

Elementary Principal, Hudsonville Christian School

Tricia Kiepert is the elementary principal at Hudsonville Christian School. She is an avid reader of children's books and loves sharing the great titles she finds with others.

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Auditorium 1st floor

Session

Audience General
Subject Book Buzz

1:50pm PDT

Book Buzz: Grades 3 - 6

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Auditorium

Come hear the latest and greatest book titles for your upper elementary and middle grade readers in this fast paced session.

Chairperson

Julie Heldman

Grand Rapids Christian Schools

Speakers

Mary Jo Staal

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.

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Auditorium 1st floor

Session

Audience 2nd - 7th
Subject Book Buzz

3:00pm PDT

BookBuzz Español

Thursday October 24, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Auditorium

BookBuzz Español gives recently published titles and book suggestions to educators, librarians, and administrators in Spanish. Session is delivered en español.

Handout

Chairperson

Annalise Larsen

Grandville Calvin Christian School

Speakers

Brooke Elenbaas

Spanish Immersion Coordinator and Teacher, Grand Rapids Christian Middle School

Brooke Elenbaas has a life long love of books and languages that create a deeper understanding of people. She enjoys working through comprehension and creating a deeper insight of language and culture through literature with students. After all, understanding begins with hearing... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Auditorium 1st floor

Session

Audience K - 8th Grade
Subject Book Buzz

9:00am PDT

So Parents... Navigating Challenging Conversations with Parents and Families

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Auditorium

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.

Chairperson

Rachel Mefor

South Christian High School

Speakers

Andrew Kleyn

Director of Learning, Holland Christian Schools

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 Meckes

Head of School, South Christian High School

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Auditorium 1st floor

Session

Audience General
Subject Counseling
Area Administration

11:20am PDT

Capstone Address "Thoughtful Communicators and the Lead of Love"

Friday October 25, 2024 11:20am - 12:30pm PDT

Auditorium

Brad Brewer will present our Capstone Address "Thoughtful Communicators and the Lead of Love" during the Closing Worship.

Speakers

Brad Brewer

President, LegacyKept

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 PDT
Auditorium 1st floor

Capstone Address