Our CLC teachers converged on Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota for the annual Teachers’ Conference at Berea Ev. Lutheran Church and School on October 15-17. The weather was wonderful and the hospitality of the Berea family was tremendous. The conference program covered a variety of educational topics and was well received by all of the participants and visitors.
Our conference chaplain, Craig Owings, opened each day with inspirational words for us from Scripture on our calling to teach. We must not let anything diminish our work to which we have been called by the Lord Himself. Our work in our schools and congregations is infinitely important and has eternal consequences as we teach God’s Word and make a difference in our students’ lives.
On Wednesday Barry Hay presented the topic of “Memory Work in the Christian Day School.” Beth Sydow covered the timely topic of “Teacher Time Savers.” Mark Kranz prepared us for “Parent-Teacher Conferences” with his topic on how to conduct them.
The topic of “Creative Writing” was presented by the Mankato faculty. The Title 5’s consisted of a “Software Review” by Matthew Thurow. David Bernthal presented a tool for identifying teacher helpers from among our fellowship. “Indoor/Rainy Day Activities for Small Groups” was given by Ruth Eserhut.
David Lundin presented a compilation of CLC school report cards and a view toward better reporting of student progress. A presentation of “Christmas Services” was given by Alvin Sieg. The day concluded with a communion worship service led by Pastor David Schierenbeck with a sermon entitled “Your God-Given Student-Teaching Calling: ‘Feed My Lambs’.”
On Thursday Douglas Libby, in his paper, reminded us of the “Importance of the Proper Application of the Law and the Gospel in the Christian Classroom.” A paper entitled “What’s Needed so a Student Can Succeed?” was given by Carla Pelzl. Prof. Jeffrey Schierenbeck presented “What Is Required for Freshman to Succeed at ILHS?” The Weekly Reader Series God’s World was reviewed by Kurt Koenig.
The teachers went on field trips of their choice: Mall of America, Science Museum of Minnesota, Fort Snelling, and the Minnesota Zoo. Jim Lau concluded the day with an Internet Workshop.
On Friday Candice Ohlmann presented “Art Activities for the School Year.” Help, My Child Isn’t Learning, a book by Dr. Grant Martin, was reviewed by Sara Pfeiffer. An idea exchange was held and conference business was conducted and completed.
We look forward with expectation to our next conference scheduled for Messiah, Hales Corners, Wis. October 14-16, 1998.
–David Lundin, Holy Trinity, W. Columbia, SC