Rebecca Carpenter
Rebecca Carpenter
Each year, the Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Teachers’ Meeting becomes the focal point for educators across the region, marking the culmination of a year-long journey of professional growth and development. This year’s gathering, titled “Face-to-Face,” brought together approximately 75 dedicated faculty members from 19 schools within the Carolina Conference to prepare and celebrate the commitment and innovation in education.
This year’s Face-to-Face meeting recognized educators’ years of dedication and commitment as well as the legacy passed on by those retiring. In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology emerges as both a challenge and an opportunity. Elizabeth Somers, a High School English teacher from Tri-City Christian Academy, ignited imaginations with her presentation on leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
During the meeting, the Adventist Christian Academy of Raleigh was recognized for fostering a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture. The school was also awarded a trophy in recognition of its success in obtaining the Level 1 Certification for the High Reliability Program. This program aims to provide a school environment where all students can learn and grow the skills they need to be successful in life. Two other schools, Tri-City Christian Academy and Mount Pisgah Academy, are also in the process of receiving the certification with the invaluable support of the Southern Union.
The Carolina Conference has been focusing on the Standard-Based Learning system (SBL) for the past three years. This Union-led initiative, which identifies students’ overall academic performance, was presented at the meeting via Zoom by Chris Juhl, Arizona Conference superintendent of education, who has led the professional development for both the Arizona Conference and the Carolina Conference.
Furthermore, the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment was discussed, as schools in the Carolina Conference prepare for this test. This standardized test monitors students’ academic position and learning achievements. The presentation highlighted its importance, effective preparation strategies, and how to access and use the data for improvement.
“The main benefit that I see for our teachers is it allows them to be able to come together to learn together, worship together, and to create a community amongst our educators,” said Cara Simonds, Carolina Conference associate superintendent of education.
Carolina | September 2024
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