Educators Technology Summit Sparks Innovative Teaching
The Educators Technology Summit, hosted by the Southwest Region Conference, was a groundbreaking event that brought together educators, administrators and technology experts to explore innovative educational strategies. The summit, themed “Empowered to Show Up as Your Best Self,” drew inspiration from the story “After the Fall,” which illustrates the journey of overcoming challenges and embracing new possibilities through faith and renewed strength. The goal was to inspire and equip educators with the tools needed to enhance their teaching practices and address the evolving needs of their students.
The summit featured a diverse array of sessions designed to provide practical insights and hands-on experiences. Attendees enjoyed a combination of robotics and reading literacy workshops, demonstrating how technology can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Education Superintendent Lawanna McCoy shared, “This event was planned to inspire and motivate educators to embrace innovation, push boundaries and uplift students through purposeful education.”
Robert Henley, the keynote speaker and presenter, played a pivotal role in the summit. As the director of innovation for the Florida Conference Office of Education and associate director for Excellence in STEM Experiential Education (EXSEED) at Loma Linda University, he shared insightful sessions on using innovative technology as a tool of faith. Henley also met with administrators to discuss creatively developing educational technology plans for their schools.
Carisa Carr, associate director of education for the Mid-American Union, presented on how innovation in reading can help students soar. She conducted a breakout session focused on building literacy skills and phonics instructional strategies, providing valuable tools for educators to implement in their classrooms.
Renee Whiting, associate director of education at the Southwestern Union, presented sessions on differentiating lesson plans in the multigrade classroom and conducted a reader’s theater, showcasing creative ways to incorporate storytelling and performance into literacy education.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion featuring experts from Southwestern Adventist University, Dell Technologies, EXSEED and Southwestern Union Information Technology Services, as well as a consultant who works with AI. These professionals shared insights on innovative ways to incorporate technology in small schools, offering strategies that educators can implement in their classrooms.
The summit concluded with a heartfelt pinning ceremony, honoring the dedication and commitment of esteemed Southwest Region Conference educators, who have completed 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service for a combined total of 120 years. To God be the glory for these dedicated individuals who continue to minister! Additionally, a forum with the conference administrators provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing attendees to discuss key issues and share best practices. The conference administrators genuinely expressed their full support for elevating education, and their willingness to assist in any way possible.
Overall, the Educators Technology Summit was a success, empowering educators to show up as their best selves and equipping them with innovative strategies to enhance their teaching practices. The Southwest Region Conference looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in the years to come.
