Schools UnitedLeadership Day
Thursday, February 13, 2025 • Fort Lauderdale, Florida
SCHOOLS UNITED LEADERSHIP DAY
A PRE-CONFERENCE DAY EXCLUSIVELY FOR SCHOOL LEADERS
Thursday, February 13, 2025
8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Hosted at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Leadership Day precedes the large conference. It is geared toward heads of school and administrators who want to grow in leadership skills and explore great programs and initiatives that they can bring back to their schools. School leaders will engage in discussions with each other, as iron sharpens iron, focusing on topics unique to their Christian school leadership positions. A virtual option is available.
- Renowned speaker
- In-depth interactive workshop
- Special programs for your school
- Roundtable discussion
- Q&A Session
- Networking
- Continental breakfast & lunch
- Vendor booths
MORNING INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP:Keynote speaker Scott Barron"REAL Leadership for Christian Schools"
Authentic leaders have never been more critical to the present and future of Christian education. Families in our communities are desperately seeking better options for their children’s growth and development, but they want more than an escape route. They crave a compelling vision combined with a consistently high-quality experience throughout the entire organization. That starts at the top levels of school administration, with talented and brave leaders who dare to answer the call every day. We must meet the moral and organizational challenges that limit the effectiveness and sustainability of Christian schools, so this Schools United Conference for Administrators will explore a biblical formula for leadership growth.
2024 Leadership DaySCHEDULE
8:00 - 9:15 a.m.
BREAKFAST | WELCOME
DR. JASON RACHELS, Calvary Christian Academy
8 a.m.
Registration in the Calvary Halls
2101 Cypress Creek entrance
Coffee & continental breakfast
8:30 a.m.
Welcome by Dr. Jason Rachels
9:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP
SCOTT BARRON, School Growth
9:15 a.m.
REAL Leadership for Christian Schools
10:05 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.
REAL Leadership for Christian Schools
11:05 a.m.
Break
11:15 a.m.
REAL Leadership for Christian Schools
12 - 1 p.m.
LUNCH
12 - 1 p.m.
Catered lunch and networking with other school leaders
1 - 2 p.m.
PROGRAM SPEED NETWORKING
1 - 2 p.m.
Learn from different schools and organizations about special programs you might consider for your school
2 - 3:15 p.m.
YOUR CHOICE
2 - 3:15 p.m.
Select an option that best suits your needs:
- Connect further with program speed networking professionals
- Roundtable discussion
- Take a break to catch up on email, take a walk, have a coffee or espresso from the barista
3:15 - 4 p.m.
CLOSING SESSION
3:15 - 4 p.m.
Wrap up and Q&A session
2024 Leadership DayPROGRAM SPEED NETWORKING
LEARN ABOUT SPECIAL PROGRAMS YOU MIGHT CONSIDER FOR YOUR SCHOOL
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
A Peer Network for all Christian Education Professionals
Kevin Macki, Director of School Relations at Calvary Christian Academy
Developing disciples of Jesus Christ is a calling that you do not have to walk out alone. At Schools United, we aim to create peer networks for every professional that serves at a christian school.
Our vision is to create and nurture a peer network for every Christian school leader, faculty, and staff member across the globe.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Administrator Training Retreats by The Herzog Foundation
Darrell Jones, President of The Stanley M. Herzog Foundation
ABOUT THE STANLEY M HERZOG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation’s mission is to catalyze and accelerate the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and culture flourish.
HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION
The Herzog Foundation Institute provides training, events, and conferences to address relevant topics within the Christian education sphere. These events are led by national thought leaders and experts in subjects such as marketing, donor development, and culture building. All training events are specifically designed for Christian educators, leaders and organizations with their unique needs in mind. Offered each month in Kansas City, Missouri and other locations throughout the U.S., Institute events are plentiful and fully funded by the Herzog Foundation for Christian educators and administrators of all denominations.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Building an International Student Program (ISP) for God's Glory
Naomi Peyton, International Student Program Director at Calvary Christian Academy
There are international students all over the world that don't know Jesus. Your school can do missionary work through an ISP, and by developing a Homestay Program to host them.
Come and learn about the basics, and bring your questions and curiosity. We are all about making disciples worldwide.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Capstone Reflection Presentations for Each School Level (aka ePortfolios): How to Get Started
Kathryn Nguyen, Director of Library and Technology Integration National Board Certified Media Specialist at Calvary Christian Academy
The ePortfolio Presentation at Calvary Christian Academy is a significant milestone for 5th, 8th, and 12th grade students. It is a requirement for progression to the next grade level or graduation. These presentations allow students to reflect on and share their school experience, personal and spiritual growth with the school community. They align with the school's mission of making disciples by providing an opportunity for students to share their testimony and defend their faith. They also enhance public speaking skills, and provide closure as students transition to the next stage of their education.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Classical Christian Education
Eric Spee, Head of School at Sheridan Hills Christian School
We will briefly define Classical Christian Education and provide options for schools that wish to adapt some of the principles for themselves.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Colson Educators: Hiring for Worldview
Stefan Wilson, Director, Colson Educators Collective
Colson Educators: Hiring for Worldview
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Creating an Effective Communications Plan
Bryan Likley, Director of Marketing and Communications at Calvary Christian Academy
We will discuss how schools can create an effective communication strategy to engage with their stakeholders. We will cover topics such as identifying target audiences, selecting appropriate communication channels, developing key messages, and measuring the impact of communication efforts. Participants will also learn best practices for creating a communication plan and implementing it effectively. By the end of our time together, you will have the tools and knowledge necessary to develop a successful communication strategy for your school.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Improving Faculty Morale: Little things that make a big difference
Teresa Torralbas, Head of School at Kendall Christian School
Teachers who are enthusiastic and genuinely happy at work typically have better academic results than teachers who have low morale. Enthusiasm is contagious, and unhappy teachers create unhappy students!
Let’s discuss tips and tricks to boost faculty and staff morale at your school by making small changes that have a big and lasting impact.
Low faculty and staff morale will likely cause a negative impact that trickles into many areas of a school. The effects over time can cause a lot of damage. In a perfect world, all schools offer high salaries, top-notch benefits, and expensive perks for their teachers and staff. But, unfortunately, that’s not usually the case. During this talk, we will touch on the importance of investing in your team, but more importantly, you will walk away with creative ways to help boost morale, no matter the school’s budget.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Keys to a Vibrant Christian School
Jeff Keaton, Founder/CEO of RenewaNation
What sets apart a school that is alive and vibrant from schools that are struggling with morale and energy? Jeff Keaton will focus on a few of the key characteristics that help schools maintain a high level of vibrancy and life.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Mobilizing Canvas for Internal Organization and Professional Development
Racheal Childers, Director of Curriculum and instruction at Jupiter Christian School
Are your school’s faculty and staff constantly searching for important documents like the benefits package, crisis management plans, calendars, or even the business office procedures? Answering the same questions multiple times like how to find the VPP or what are the PD opportunities for Bible CEUs, or who do I ask for staples? Looking for ways to build community engagement without flooding the inbox of everyone in the school with the all-school messages?
We will discuss how schools can mobilize Canvas (LMS) for internal organization, onboarding, record-keeping, and professional development opportunities.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Secondary Bible Classes: One of the Greatest But Most Neglected Opportunities for Biblical Instruction and Ministry
Jerry Noonan, Head of School at Weston Christian Academy
Our current cultural season of living in the post-Christian and post-Covid world poses multifaceted challenges for raising the next generation of Christ followers. Biblical literacy is at an all-time low, church attendance has waned, and young people are not as involved in local youth ministries as in past years. At the same time, Christian schools are experiencing record growth, and young people are spiritually confused but still spiritually hungry. This affords Christian education with a unique opportunity to teach the Word of God and minister to the students in their classrooms. Jerry Noonan, who has over 25 years of experience working with youth, will share why secondary Bible classes are the most important classes the students will ever take and how to ensure they receive the right priority.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Sharing Your Story: Helping Teachers and Administrators Write a Book
Andrew Mills, Head of Schools at Harvest Preparatory School
Every educator has something that they can share with others and putting those experiences and stories into book form helps them to easily share these moments with others. Books can be inspirational to inspire or practical to provide strategies for the classroom and beyond. The session will provide key points from the idea of a book to bringing the book to fruition.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Starting a House System at your School
Brittany Flesch, Middle School Principal at Jupiter Christian School
Creating and sustaining a vibrant student culture is no small task. If you desire to increase authentic student engagement, improve faculty-student relationships, and transform your school into a community of belonging, then a house community might be for you! In this session, we will discuss how a house "system” can be not only a practical outflow of your school’s vision, mission and values but also a creative opportunity for students to thrive in their faith, academics, service and leadership. We will also cover key steps for a successful “launch” and insights into the planning and organization e.g. selection of student leadership, house names, colors, sorting, tracking points, house battles, service projects, and celebration activities!
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Utilizing Data Analytics at Your School
Brittany Flesch, Middle School Principal at Jupiter Christian School
Creating and sustaining a vibrant student culture is no small task. If you desire to increase authentic student engagement, improve faculty-student relationships, and transform your school into a community of belonging, then a house community might be for you! In this session, we will discuss how a house "system” can be not only a practical outflow of your school’s vision, mission and values but also a creative opportunity for students to thrive in their faith, academics, service and leadership. We will also cover key steps for a successful “launch” and insights into the planning and organization e.g. selection of student leadership, house names, colors, sorting, tracking points, house battles, service projects, and celebration activities!
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
Ways To Measure Your School's Culture By The Best Christian Workplace Institute
Evelyn Najarro, Human Resources Director at Calvary Christian Academy
With BCW as your guide, measure and grow your culture using our trusted FLOURISH framework.
As you implement changes in your culture, you’ll be enabled to grow and thrive as an organization.
1-2 p.m.
SPEED NETWORKING PROGRAM
We Want To Start A Spanish Immersion Program - Where Do We Begin?
Eva Koelner, Calvary Christian Academy
Becoming a dual language school is possible with the support of your stakeholders, faculty, and staff. It’s important to know there is support and guidance available to make your program successful. Find out what it takes to prepare as a school for this challenging yet rewarding addition to your school.