Bethany College Hosts Successful Education Conference: Innovative Next Steps in PreK-12 Learning

Lindsborg, Kan. Apr. 15, 2024 - Bethany College welcomed educators and future educators from across Kansas for a transformative day of learning and collaboration at the Bethany College Education Conference held on Saturday, April 13, 2024. The conference, "Innovative Next Steps in PreK-12 Learning," featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and workshops to empower educators with the latest educational insights and approaches.

With 147 attendees, including registered participants and Bethany College students, the event saw enthusiastic engagement from educators eager to enhance their teaching practices. Notably, 34 individuals enrolled in ED510, marking the first graduate credit offered by Bethany College in modern history.

"The Bethany College Education Conference was an amazing experience," remarked Alan English, Associate Professor of Education at Bethany College. "PreK-12 teachers from across the state came to campus to learn from our excellent panel of speakers, gain professional development experience, earn graduate credit, and collaborate with other teachers. The Education Department was thrilled to be able to serve the PreK-12 education community and give our students this valuable opportunity to network with teachers across the state. Many thanks to our sponsors as well as the many, many people on campus that worked to make this happen."

The conference featured sessions led by renowned experts in education, covering a wide range of topics essential to modern teaching practices. Highlights included presentations by Dr. Beth Clavenna-Dean on data analysis in education, Chris Cooper on effective teaching practices, Stephanie Stindt on reading instruction, and Susan Schiffelbein on student autonomy and agency.

Interim President of Bethany College, Steve Eckman, expressed his excitement about the conference's success and the future of education at Bethany College. "I commend the Education Department for organizing such an impactful event," said Eckman. "The enthusiasm and dedication of our faculty and participants highlight Bethany College's commitment to excellence in education. We look forward to further expanding our offerings, including the development of a graduate program, to continue serving the educational needs of our community."

The conference was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Bethany College, Bethany College Teacher Education Club, Cultivate Education, The Association of Teacher Educators of Kansas (ATE-K), RC Farms, Messiah Lutheran Church, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, Small World Gallery, artist Lee Becker, Indigo Moo'd Ice Cream, Trollslanda Toy Store, and others.

Attendees also had the opportunity to network with fellow educators and explore downtown Lindsborg, also known as Little Sweden, adding a cultural dimension to the conference experience.

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.