K-12 Educators Conference

C.S. Lewis on Love and the Secret of Great Teachers – Jason Lepojarvi, PhD

What exactly is love? How does love relate to a vocation in education? This talk will propose the beginning of an answer by leaning on insights from C.S. Lewis and Peter Kreeft. Dr. Jason Lepojärvi, Associate Professor of Theology & Literature, teaches in the Great Books Honors Program and directs the C.S. Lewis Initiative at George Fox University.

Sowing the Seeds of Academic Language Learning – Maranda Turner, EdD

In this hands-on session, we will explore effective strategies for cultivating academic language development among elementary aged students. Participants will learn how to integrate structured oral language practice routines and language supports into their teaching practices. We’ll discuss practical activities that promote language development and foster critical thinking that can be applied across the content areas. Join us in sowing the seeds for a more articulate future!

Supporting Neurodivergent Students – Carrie Hall, PhD

This session will focus on supporting students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other disabilities in the classroom. It will be interactive, and attendees will learn strategies and tips for supporting these students.

Artificial Intelligence & Writing in the Classroom – John Spencer, EdD

In this session, we will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we approach writing, from research and idea generation to revision and editing. As AI becomes more integrated into our writing processes, educators and writers must consider when these technologies serve as a learning tool and when they might hinder creativity. Participants will engage in discussions on a Christ-Centered ethical approach to using AI for writing. We will also explore the practical implications of AI in writing, learning how to embrace a blended approach that combines human creativity with AI's efficiency to enhance the writing experience.

Educational Leadership: Maximizing and Aligning Organizational Resources for Improved Outcomes – Sara Hahn-Huston, EdD

Educational leaders must balance the allocation of scarce resources among competing interests while managing the organizational structure and empowering those who support the organizational mission. In this session educational leaders will draw from their established school/organization priorities and through a kingdom-minded lens of equity and efficiency examine the formal and informal decision-making structures that affect organization performance and reaching the intended outcomes with key stakeholder support.

Literacy as a Mechanism for Character Development – Saurra Heide, EdD

This interactive session will dive into character development through children’s literature. We will examine how the Fruit of the Spirit aligns with Oregon’s Social Emotional Learning Standards and children’s literature. Participants will observe and discuss how themed books can be used to integrate character development and reading comprehension.

Digital Discernment and Best Practices of Technology – Randy King, EdD

Teach, integrate, discern or delete? How do you know when to use technology in your classroom? How much should you use? Should you disregard it altogether? To answer these questions, digital discernment is needed. This session will explore digital discernment through a framework centered on glorifying God in four areas: knowledge of tools, justification of use, intentional engagement, and ethical use.

Artificial Intelligence & Writing in the Classroom – John Spencer, EdD

In this session, we will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we approach writing, from research and idea generation to revision and editing. As AI becomes more integrated into our writing processes, educators and writers must consider when these technologies serve as a learning tool and when they might hinder creativity. Participants will engage in discussions on a Christ-Centered ethical approach to using AI for writing. We will also explore the practical implications of AI in writing, learning how to embrace a blended approach that combines human creativity with AI's efficiency to enhance the writing experience.

Educational Leadership: Maximizing and Aligning Organizational Resources for Improved Outcomes – Sara Hahn-Huston, EdD

Educational leaders must balance the allocation of scarce resources among competing interests while managing the organizational structure and empowering those who support the organizational mission. In this session educational leaders will draw from their established school/organization priorities and through a kingdom-minded lens of equity and efficiency examine the formal and informal decision-making structures that affect organization performance and reaching the intended outcomes with key stakeholder support.