Six thousand professional Adventist educators from around the North American Division (NAD) converged on Chicago, Illinois, for the NAD Teachers’ Convention, held August 6–9. This was the fourth time since the turn of the century that the every-sixth-year event has been held.
Themed “Encounter Jesus, Experience Excellence,” the convention featured more than 400 presentations geared toward a wide variety of roles, including classroom teachers, administrators, deans and marketing staff. A cavernous exhibit hall, with more than 300 organization represented, allowed educators to mingle and learn more about additional resources.
Organizers spared no details to make those who came feel welcome and inspired. The opening program featured Jesus 101 speaker/director Elizabeth Talbot and music with well-known Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman. Those who stayed until the end of the event found great blessing in the commitment service with the NAD president, Dan Jackson.
A highlight for the Northwest came on Tuesday evening, when Stephen Lundquist, Portland Adventist Academy (PAA) Bible teacher and religion department chair, was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Alumni Awards Foundation (AAF). He was recognized for demonstrating outstanding professionalism, creativity and dedication in the classroom. Lundquist's award included a $2,000 prize, a medallion and a framed certificate of recognition.
Hundreds of Northwest educators attended with critical financial support from the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) education department, led by Dennis Plubell, NPUC vice president for education. These educators came away with a greater understanding of their role within the divisionwide curriculum. Some, especially those from smaller schools, received additional support materials for the new Encounter Bible curriculum. The Christ-centered theme of the gathering directly encouraged them to live it out with their students in the school year ahead.
As Girlie Zunega-Aguilar, principal and fifth- through eighth-grade teacher for Oregon's Scappoose Adventist School, says, "If we don't have that personal encounter with Jesus, it is impossible for us to share the love of Jesus to our kids."
Several Walla Walla University students also attended and benefited from the theme. Talea Shupe, music education major, says, "The thing that stood out the most from the sessions is the overall focus on sharing Jesus to our students."
Andrea Betts, history, religion and education major, understood the choice teachers face each year. "We have the choice to be the teacher who is passive, but we also can choose go above and beyond, who notices the slightest emotional difference in our kids," she explains.
While most who came navigated the miles by auto or air, one Northwest educator literally went the extra mile. Monte Saxby from Skagit Adventist Academy in Burlington, Washington, pedaled more than 2,100 miles to Chicago on his bike, raising more than $13,000 in donations and pledges in worthy student funds. The Saxby bicycle brigade included Monte's son, Craig, and a support team of Monte's wife, June, and Craig's wife, Amanda, a teacher at Cascade Christian Academy in Wenatchee, Washington.
Saxby, who in earlier years attended Mount Ellis Academy in and Walla Walla University, has given back through years of teaching in the Northwest. His students will no doubt hear stories throughout the year about his recent firsthand experience in perseverance.
Invigorating, inspiring and unforgettable would be appropriate words used to describe the impact of this session on educators across the nation. As they continue their work of instruction, mentorship, encouragement and evangelism this school year, the prayers of Northwest members will no doubt bolster their tireless efforts.
Monte Saxby (left), Skagit Valley Academy teacher from Burlington, Washington, nears the finish line of a nearly 2,200 mile ride with his son, Craig.
Sam Leonor, La Sierra University chaplain, led out in morning devotional keynotes.
Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman inspires the crowd on opening night.
Prayer time in the big hall.
Overflow seating at a popular breakout session.
Thousands of Adventist educators enjoy a plenary session together.
Stephen Lundquist, AAF Excellence in Teaching Award winner, celebrates with AAF and Oregon Conference representatives.
Jennifer Wintermeyer, teacher from Upper Columbia Conference, soaks up the inspiration.
One of the many seminars focused on specific areas of need for Adventist educators.
Elizabeth Talbot kicked off the session as the first evening's keynote speaker.
Monte Saxby, Skagit Valley Academy teacher (right), with his son, Craig, at the end of their nearly 2,200-mile bicycle journey from Burlington, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois.
The NPUC education team of Golda Pflugrad, Keith Waters, Becky Meharry, Debbie Hendrickson and Dennis Plubell, takes a rare break.
Christina Orozco-Acosta, Tualatin Valley Academy principal, signs in at the registration desk.
More than 300 organizations packed the exhibition hall, including Pacific Press Publishing Association.
Warm greetings are exchanged at the Walla Walla University booth in the exhibition hall.
Nancy Stinson, Portland Adventist Elementary school teacher, shares a key thought during her presentation with Angela White, Oregon Conference associate superintendent.
Dan Jackson, North American Division president, invites everyone to the prayer service on the final morning.
A circle of NAD educators begins the final morning in prayer.
Portland Adventist Academy (PAA) teachers gather with Oregon Conference leaders for a congratulatory photo with Stephen Lundquist, who received the AAF Excellence in Teaching Award during the convention. Two others in the group, Mechelle Peinado and Mark Smith, have previously received the award.
Talea Shupe, Walla Walla University student
Talea Shupe, Walla Walla University student
Andrea Betts, Walla Walla University student
Andrea Betts, Walla Walla University student
Girlie Zunega-Aguilar, Scappoose Adventist School principal
Girlie Zunega-Aguilar, Scappoose Adventist School principal
