*Schedule is tentative and subject to change prior to the convention.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV
Keynote Speaker
Jerry Nelson is the Chief Ministry Officer at ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). He oversees all spiritual formation-related initiatives focused on the elevation of God's Word, prayer, biblical worldview development, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as well as initiatives related to biblical unity, diversity, and social engagement for all ACSI's stakeholders. Jerry has directed the creation and development of a department solely dedicated to these initiatives: ACSI's Ministry Team. He also contributed to the development of ACSI's key position statement on biblical sexuality and led the development of each of ACSI's publications on spiritual formation, biblical unity, biblical worldview truths for integration, and servant-leadership. Jerry previously served at Northwest Christian Academy in Miami, FL, for 17 years, 11 of which he served as Head of School. He holds a B.A. in history and M.A. in educational leadership from St. Thomas University in Miami. Jerry has been married for 20 years to Christine, and they are the proud parents of Lydia (19), Jonah (17), and Jacob (15).
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Be Authentic: The Five Marks of a True Christian Educator - Part 1
Every believer is mandated to make disciples. Every believer is called to this until the ends of the earth understand and know that Jesus Christ has been given all authority over every aspect of creation. As Christian schools, we are tasked with and it is stated in our mission and vision in some form to produce faithful followers of Jesus Christ. If we are to do this effectively, then this must be an inside-out thing. We must believe and practice what we hope others will receive. We must Be Authentic! In this first session, we will explore the five marks of a true Christian educator by reflecting on the practices of Jesus, our master teacher.
Key questions:
What is the AIM of Christian education?
What should Christian educators PROCLAIM?
How should Christian educators PREPARE to fulfill their calling?
How does the Christian Educator CULTIVATE disciples of Christ?
How should the Christian educator LIVE before others?
Go-Deeper Questions:
What does this mean for me personally?
What should this mean for my organization?
How do these truths apply to my role?
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Be Authentic: The Five Marks of a True Christian Educator - Part 2
Jesus preached to the masses, yet he spent most of his time disciplining a small group. He not only served the sick, the marginalized, and the outcasts, he endured the scorn and the shame of the cross as if he were one of them. He was able to do all of this because he continually drew his strength from the Father. All in all, he set an example for us to follow. In this final keynote, we will take a deeper look into the last two marks of a true Christian education: Cultivate long-lasting relationships and Live by example.
Interactive Session
This year’s convention features a special interactive session held in the Edwards Chapel from 11:20–12:30 PM. Colleagues will gather around tables with others who teach the same grade level or subject area for a focused, guided discussion led by Jerry Nelson.
**Please ensure you have an electronic device (phone, tablet, laptop) as you will need them for part of the session.
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A student is not above his or her teacher. A teacher who prepares with excellence will teach with excellence, and their students will experience excellence. How does the authentic Christian educator deliver a transformative education to their students? In this interactive session, we will take a deep dive into the third mark of a True Christian Educator: Prepare. We will explore the principles and practices of authentic integration by writing a lesson plan together.
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Kindergarten to Grade 2
Grades 3–5
Grades 6–8
Grades 9–12
Math
Science
Language Arts
Social Studies
Christian Ethics
Music/ Performing Arts
Phys Ed
Discipleship
Workshops
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Presented by: Melissa Ens & Sable Neufeld
Focus: Primary Years
Come learn about the benefits of using a structured, sequential phonics program to enhance student reading and writing. Melissa Ens & Sable Neufeld will show you how the UFLI program works in their Grades 1 & 2 classrooms, as well as speak to the benefits of teaching UFLI as a primary team.
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Presented by: Tammy Lavigne
Focus: General (K-12)/ EAs
Understanding intellectual disability, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, and autism is essential for supporting students effectively in school. These profiles affect how students access learning, engage in the classroom, and respond to expectations in different ways.
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Presented by: Rosalyn Poettcker
Focus: General (K-12)
Drawing on the work of Gordon Neufeld and Deborah MacNamara, this workshop will consider how the reactions of our nervous system to our interactions with each other often drive behaviours that separate and harm. This exploration of God's design of our relational bodies is intended to equip attendees with tools for connecting with students of all ages.
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Presented by: Michelle Thiessen
In increasingly complex and challenging times, Christian Ethics classes play a vital role in helping students develop a strong identity in Christ while thoughtfully engaging moral, cultural, and faith-based questions. This workshop is designed as a guided, collaborative conversation where educators can share ideas, discuss curriculum challenges, and reflect on how school culture shapes Christian Ethics instruction. Together, we will consider how to create safe classroom environments that encourage respectful dialogue, help students learn to agree and disagree well, and support them in shaping and expressing their convictions in ways that reflect the character of Jesus. Participants are encouraged to come ready to share and engage in discussion.
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Presented by: AJ Crocker, ACSIWC
Focus: General
How can Christian school teachers contribute to a culture of Spiritual Formation that prepares students for the challenges of faith after Grade 12? AJ will explore the nature of Spiritual Formation in our schools, the unique challenges for our students today, and how teachers can actively partner with the Holy Spirit in this transformational work.
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Presented by: Nat Banting
Focus: Math/ Middle Years/ High School
This session explores my fundamental belief that rich mathematical activity starts when students are given opportunities to be designers and decision-makers, and not just describers and direction-followers. Like all professional development, it needs to be practical to our impeding work. We will spend time unpacking where vibrant math thinking comes from, what it feels like, and look at features of good prompts that invite this sort of activity into our spaces.
Opens: December 1, 2025
Deadline: January 22, 2026
