The teachers and staff at Ignite Christian Academy recently attended the Heartland Christian Educators' Convention at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. Teachers from around the area came together to listen, learn, and grow in their commitments to excel as Christian educators in both knowledge and spirit.
The theme of the convention was "deeply rooted" and was based upon Jeremiah 17:7-8. "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
The convention's main speaker was Dr. Joe Martin. In his keynote address, he stressed that teaching is not a job, but instead a calling. Dr. Martin challenged the audience to be different and work hard to bring about different results in education.
"Dr. Martin challenged me to honestly extend grace and service to my pupils and my colleagues in attitude as well as actions," noted Mr. Gesch.
Martin also spoke about the importance of a teacher in a child's life. Next to parents, teachers have immeasurable influence on children, and they cannot take that for granted. Martin spoke of the teachers who made a difference in his life and how important it was to realize a child's potential no matter what the circumstances.
"We are in the business of removing blindfolds and showing them their greatness," Martin said.
Three of ICA's own presented at the conference. Dr. Secord and Mrs. Inlow gave a presentation about virtual education. They spoke about the experience of working with students from all over the world and how ICA teachers have developed unique ways to connect with their students. Mrs. Blind also gave a presentation that outlined the benefits of inclusion practices for students with exceptionalities.
Attendees had the opportunity to pick from many different classes to attend during the two day event. Some of the classes offered focused on new innovative technology, behavior management, and teaching techniques. Mrs. Holland thought the conference was very beneficial, and she particularly enjoyed the session on brain-based research because it explained the importance of visuals during instruction.
"I was able to take away a number of great activities that I can incorporate into my online classrooms," she said.
Sessions were also geared directly towards motivating teachers to keep their passion and energy for Christian education going strong.
"I learned a great deal from the speaker and in my individual sessions," Mrs. Rasmussen said. "I was especially interested in the ADD/ADHD session and the Teaching with Love and Logic session. There were a lot of life skills that were shared."