Churchwide networking benefits teachers

While Bethany students enjoyed a four-day weekend Feb. 4-7, Bethany teachers were participating in the biennial Mennonite Educators Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mennonite educators from across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico meet together to talk about their shared mission, share ideas, build relationships, and worship.

This year’s theme, “Stepping Out of the Boat: Courageous Faith for a Messy World,” was based on Matthew 14:22-33 and educators’ interest in reflecting together how to teach and mentor young people in today’s cultural milieu so that their minds can be opened to, and transformed by, the life-giving presence and way of Jesus Christ? In four keynote addresses church leaders explored the call to discipleship in relation to a particular dimension of today’s world.

• Wilma Bailey, professor at Christian Theological Seminary, provided background on how Mennonite educators have been shaped by scripture and faith tradition to equip students to step out of the boat in Christ-likeness and counter-cultural living.

• Tom and Christine Sine, of Mustard Seed Associates in Seattle, Wash., focused on preparing students now to engage challenges and opportunities within a new global economy after they graduate.

• Doug Graber Neufeld, professor at Eastern Mennonite University and leader of environmental sustainability, encouraged educators to think about they teach students to practice the way of Jesus with their lifestyles in the face of issues such as climate change, food security, health, and land use and how to help them bring hope to a world that faces environmental challenges.

• Luke Hartman, a former college professor and basketball coach now teaching middle school, challenged educators to see Christ in other people and to move to greater inclusiveness.

A highlight for English teacher Eileen Becker-Hoover were the workshops. In addition to leading one herself, attended one on bridging the cultural gap when the dominant culture and immigrant culture conflict. She says, “Bridging the gap helps create a welcoming experience for all students and their families.”

In addition to corporate worship, keynote speakers, and workshops, teachers also benefited in terms of professional support in departmental meetings and informal gatherings. Cheryl Mast found the networking session particularly helpful to collaborate with other middle school science teachers and talk about current education practices, curriculum, and lesson ideas. Michael Yeakey, who as a first-year Bethany English teacher was attending his first Mennonite Educators Conference, also valued the new relationships formed in meeting fellow workers. He says, “Their insights and our shared experiences help me feel more fully part of a broader Mennonite educational community.”

This professional development opportunity was possible despite this year’s tight budget because of funding from state and federal sources specifically earmarked for professional development.