October 25 Home Communicator – I trust that everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable fall break over the extended weekend. Hopefully it was a time that was spent with family and friends. Our Hudsonville Christian School teachers and staff had an enjoyable fall break as well. Teachers and staff attended the Christian Educators Association (CEA) conference in South Bend, Indiana on Thursday and Friday. Christian school teachers gathered from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan for a time of fellowship, learning, and worship. “Restored and Renewed” was this year’s theme for the 2022 CEA Convention. As teachers, staff, and administrators in a Christian school, we confront a variety of things. Sometimes the “things” of the world become heavy and hard to carry. This year’s theme is a great reminder that we can come together before our Heavenly Father. We can hope in Him and His power. It is through Him that our souls can be renewed and restored so we do not have to grow weary in our good work. We are restored and renewed to bring about His good and perfect work in Christian education.
The keynote speaker was Gary Schmidt, who is an author and has taught at Calvin University for the last 38 years. His address took a look at the Bible and at his life to share amazement in how God works, does, and shows us. The infused biblical stories used and his shared testimony are reminders that educators should not stop being amazed by what God is doing and what He has done. Teachers had 96 sectionals to choose from that were geared to their interests and fields of study. A few sectional titles were “We’re Going to Need a Bigger Boat -School Culture after 2020”, “Immerse for Schools: Reading the Bible Together”, “What Does Being Reformed Have To Do With My Lesson Plans? (Everything) ”, and “Tips and Tricks for the Outdoor Education Classroom”.
Another valuable aspect of the teacher convention is time to discuss educational matters with co-workers. Riding back and forth to the convention while carpooling with teachers gave time to discuss what was heard at the conference, share what has been happening in the classrooms, and plan to implement in the classrooms and school. This was also done around the tables at mealtime, as well as other down time throughout the day and evening. I am looking forward to a time of reflection with staff members in the coming days and weeks.
Teachers come back from the annual convention hopefully a little more refreshed, challenged, restored, renewed, and filled with ideas to use in their classrooms. They are very appreciative of the opportunity to learn and grow in their faith and in their profession at these well-done educator’s conventions.
In His service, Devon Brinks, Superintendent
