Monday, Aug. 3
Swathed in a school culture of belonging—that’s how I felt Aug. 3–6, 2026, in Frisco, Tex., while attending the Southwestern Union Educators’ Convention. Arriving on Monday afternoon, I walked through the hall of exhibits while greeting friends from all over the union before attending the first general session.
After a beautiful concert/sing-along, Southwestern Union President Elton DeMoraes, D.Min., introduced several individuals, including Southwestern Adventist University’s new president, Nelu Nedelea. Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Education Director Tim Kripps, who just completed his Doctor of Education degree from Liberty University, was hooded by DeMoraes and Southwestern Union Vice President for Education Kisha Norris, Ed.D. After that, speaker Ruth Horton, Ed.D., the North American Division vice president for education, spoke on “Fostering Proof Positive School Culture.” Horton’s talk served as the anchor point for the convention.
This was also the second educators’ convention to feature EdTalks, short presentations in which teachers share successful programs, strategies, projects or ideas. This year, I had signed up to give one. My two minutes onstage wouldn't come until Wednesday evening, but I was already thinking about it.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Each of the six general sessions was hosted by a different conference, and each morning began with an inspiring worship service. So many of our teachers are talented musicians! I was warmed by the songs and the passion that each school group brought to worship. Cedric Belcher, D.Min., was our daily worship speaker. Tuesday’s topic was “The Heart of School Culture: What We Believe Shapes What We Build.” He has an enthusiastic stage presence that really drove his point home.
The speaker after worship was Mario Acosta, Ed.D., from Marzano Resources. His topic was “Creating a Culture Where Students and Staff Thrive.” After lunch, we gathered for our third general session and John Almarode, Ph.D., a professor of education at James Madison University, spoke to us about “Culture First, Learning Second: Creating a Context for Operating as One.”
Tuesday afternoon was the start of our three breakout sessions, and I first chose the journalism track with Southwestern Union Communication Director Gerson Pancorbo. He showed us the new Record Newsroom website created for students to learn writing and media skills and showcase their work. My journalism minor brain is being reawakened as I am teaching this class to grades 7–8 this school year.
My next session was with Sarah Shepherd, high school teacher at Parkview Adventist Academy in Oklahoma City. She gave us some very helpful templates for aligning our lesson plans with standards-based learning (SBL) and helped some participants find the P-Scales and “I Can” statements necessary for integrating SBL into our curriculum.
Everywhere I went, there were teachers and education staff meeting and reconnecting. There was such an aura of camaraderie that pervaded our meeting spaces, and it was a delightful taste of a future heavenly reunion.
After my brain was full, I tagged along with many other teachers to the Victory Vault, a room full of brand-new clothing from JCPenney, shared by Southwestern Union Adventist Community Service Directors Bo and Debora Gendke. They allowed every teacher to select four items of clothing. I was astonished that we could receive such a generous and useful gift!
Wednesday, Aug. 5
For worship, Belcher spoke to us on “The Habits of School Culture: Relationships Build the Culture Students Experience.” Teaching is my third—and hopefully last—career, and it is definitely the most fulfilling. This fulfillment comes in many forms: seeing students improve in writing, speaking and communicating with each other and occasionally receiving cards of gratitude from students and parents. But the Number one relationship builder? Listening to my students!
The fourth general session was given by Robyn Jackson, Ph.D., the CEO of Mindsteps Inc. She spoke on “Building a 100 Percent Culture,” walking the educators through steps to success.
Afterward, there were many breakout sessions to choose from, including retirement advice, AI guidance, and technology in the classroom. I attended another SBL workshop. This one was geared for elementary grades, but the principles of SBL instruction apply to all grades. In this workshop, we made cupcakes out of Play-Doh to illustrate the importance of explaining each step. Some teachers were very creative with their cupcakes!
In the afternoon, the Oklahoma schools met with our education superintendent, Tara Bailey, and we also enjoyed Oklahoma Evangelism Director Edward Bryan’s inspiring story of his path to Jesus.
Speaker Stephen Mackey shared his “Six Pillars of Championship Character” during the evening general session. His pillars hit home, as did the realization that I was speaking directly after him, a famous professional speaker. Gulp.
Then it was EdTalk time, and I was up first. My topic was about writing by hand and the positive impact it has made on my high school students’ writing capabilities as well as their improved reading and language skills.
After my presentation, Sabrina Samuel, teacher at Scenic Hills Christian Academy, spoke on “More Than Fake Money: Real-World Skills in the Classroom,” and then Sandra Small, teacher at North Dallas Adventist Academy, explained how to set up an unforgettable experience with “Reading Day in a Language Class.” Alwina Kindo, teacher at Houston Adventist Academy, shared “Using AI to Make Teachers’ Lives Easier and Transform Student Learning,” and Jacquelyn Muse, from Burton Adventist Academy, described her “Bible Buddies” program. Parkview Adventist Academy Principal TJ Roberts made us stand up and do jumping jacks while he nearly breathlessly taught us about “Physical Activity in the Classroom.” “The Lost Art” was Houston Adventist Academy Teacher Ismael Castillo’s EdTalk, and the last presenter was Michelle Saker, also from Houston Adventist Academy, with “Get Out of the Way: What Happened When I Stopped Teaching and Students Started Becoming.”
Afterward, one of my former public speaking students, now in college, gave my EdTalk a grade of “95.” Guess I’ll keep working on my skills!
Thursday, Aug. 6
This morning’s worship hour was extra special with Belcher discussing “The Heritage of School Culture: What We Build Today Shapes Who Students Become.” No pressure on us teachers, right? It was an important reminder of the impact of our relationships with Jesus and our students.
Andrews University professor Ingrid Slikkers was the last presenter, and the mood was quite personal as she focused us on our own needs with her talk, “Wired for Well-Being: The Brain, Connection, and the Educator.” Slikkers led us through Scripture and breathing, a way to pause and rely on God when our emotions are overwhelmed. The exercise proved moving for some teachers as they recognized their stress. Slikkers had us imagine that Jesus was kneeling in front of us, arms outstretched, asking us what He could do for us in a difficult moment. This simple exercise brought tears to my eyes as I pictured Jesus wanting to help me in such a personal way. I will be practicing this action in the future!
The last event was the educators’ consecration with DeMoraes leading out and conference education superintendents circling up with their teachers. DeMoraes’ topic was “Designed for More: Consecrated to Shape Lives, Culture, and Eternity.”
Norris and her predecessor, Carol Campbell, along with their dedicated education team; the Southwestern Union technology team; and all of the teachers and students who sang, prayed, presented, and exhibited made this week a blessing for my brain and my body. I left feeling empowered to be a teacher who will look to Jesus before every interaction with my students.