On Aug. 10–12, 2026, more than 100 Upper Columbia Conference educators gathered at Camp MiVoden for UCC In-service to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year. There, teachers and administrators were able to learn, connect with colleagues and worship together in a beautiful outdoor setting.
“This year we had a unique opportunity to hold our August UCC In-service at MiVoden," said Adam Littell, Upper Columbia Conference vice president for education. “Our teachers and staff were extremely grateful for the hospitality MiVoden offered at their beautiful space.”
Much of the event consisted of interactive presentations from several speakers regarding topics related to professional development. Presentations began on Monday afternoon, starting with Mindy Salyers, UCC counselor.
Salyers began with information on special education, including a discussion of the referral process, best practices for addressing special education needs within standard teaching and understanding what resources are available. Salyers continued by covering conflict management skills, including applications for conflict that may arise in the classroom, with leadership and with parents.
Tuesday’s professional development was led by Brian Hartman, Walla Walla University associate professor of education, who gave an overview of artificial intelligence skills for educators. Hartman’s presentations provided general information on AI and large language models, opened dialogue regarding professional use of AI tools, discussed necessary security protocols for sensitive information and more.
“The data provided was clear and had good research backing it,” said one teacher afterward. “I felt like both sides of views on AI were well addressed in the examples given.”
On Wednesday, Littell gave an overview of the practical application of UCC Instrument for Professional Growth and Student Outcomes. The instrument, composed of the Danielson Framework for Teaching combined with additional faith-based components, provides a rubric for evaluating individual teacher performance in all areas of Adventist education.
“We want our teachers to excel,” Littell explained. “Acknowledging individual strengths and weaknesses allows for intentional growth from both our teachers and administrators.”
The instrument can be used by teachers to self-identify areas of potential professional growth in the context of holistic education standards, emphasizing student development in mental, physical, emotional and spiritual capacities.
Speaking about instituting the growth instrument, one teacher said, “We should have done this five years ago!”
During in-service, UCC’s information and technology services and human resources departments offered support services for educators. UCC office staff helped with management software, paperwork, information regarding policies and employment benefits, technical support and more.
Incoming teachers new to UCC also received additional orientation in preparation for the school year, providing guidance and answering additional questions.
In addition to professional development, educators enjoyed several of MiVoden’s summer activities, facilitated by MiVoden staff.
MiVoden staff also provided morning and evening worship programming at the Fire Bowl Amphitheater, including a shortened adaptation of the typical five-night play that integrates spiritual themes through a theatrical narrative.
Mindy Salyers leads a presentation on special education.
Archie Harris, UCC associate superintendent, prepares to welcome teachers.
Teachers plan for the coming school year.
Camp MiVoden staff lead daily worship during in-service.
Brian Hartman, Walla Walla University associate professor of education, discusses the topic of artificial intelligence.
