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Latest News

  • Cultivating Faithful Growth: Education Report 2021—2025

    June 08, 2026, by Keith Hallam
  • Following the Holy Spirit's Rain: Hispanic Ministries Report 2021—2025

    June 08, 2026, by Peter Simpson
  • I Choose Joy

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Print magazine

Cultivating Faithful Growth: Education Report 2021—2025

By Keith Hallam, June 08, 2026

The North Pacific Union education department is committed to cultivating schools where the seeds of faith and learning can grow. As educators pursue continuous spiritual and professional growth, model Christlike character and provide high-quality, purposeful learning, they help prepare the ground for the Holy Spirit’s rain to take root in the lives of students. 

This work matters because every student — 100% of NPUC students — should be loved, challenged and prepared to live, serve and share with confidence in God’s purpose.

The education ministry focus has been:

  • Growing leaders and teachers spiritually and professionally.
  • Developing positive school cultures.
  • Advancing standards-based learning, grading and reporting.
  • Providing spiritual encouragement and holistic training for students.

This report is offered with expressed appreciation to our conference and school leaders and teachers who have united in purpose and collectively collaborated to grow spiritually and professionally. They are the heroes of Adventist education.

Ministry Highlights

Teaching and Learning

  • Led the adoption of a shared teaching framework across NPUC schools
  • Provided focused leadership training that fosters spiritual growth and enhances professional skills in teachers

Leadership Development

  • Strengthened principal leadership for standards-based learning and expanded leadership meetings to include all full-time principals
  • Established spiritual retreats for superintendents and principals, supporting renewal and connection
  • Deepened partnership with Walla Walla University School of Education to train new teachers and first-year principals

Data and Continuous Improvement

  • Implemented School Culture 360 Survey and integrated data into continuous improvement for goal setting and planning
  • Improved accreditation oversight for elementary and junior academy schools across NPUC

Mission and Access

  • Sponsored NPUC Youth Prayeradigm Shift retreats
  • Established the Helping Others Pursue Education scholarship to support immigrant, indigenous and underserved families
By the Numbers
  • 521 educators hold North American Division educator certification processed through the NPUC education department.
  • 115 institutions of learning: 20 early childhood programs, 79 K–8/10 schools, 16 academies (five boarding and 11 K–12). 
  • 206 students celebrated baptism in the 2024–2025 academic year, with 22 coming from non-Adventist families. 
Mission Priorities

Looking ahead, we are seeking to expand access to Adventist education by strengthening financial support for families, thoughtfully evaluating the future of the boarding school model in our territory and continuing to affirm the vital role of Adventist education in shaping students’ spiritual growth and life values from kindergarten through higher education.

Image

Keith Hallam, NPUC vice president for education

Credit
José Segovia
Image

Brian Harris, NPUC secondary education director

Credit
José Segovia
Image

Becky Meharry, NPUC elementary and curriculum education director

Credit
José Segovia
Image

Renae Young, NPUC early childhood education coordinator

Credit
José Segovia
Image

Debbie Hendrickson, NPUC education certification registrar and administrative assistant

Credit
José Segovia
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Featured in: July/August 2026

Author

Keith Hallam

North Pacific Union vice president for education
Section
Feature
Tags
Education

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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