t is our intention to provide this each quarter to help you stay up-to-date with what is happening at the NAD and to provide you with resources and tips. We are anxious for your feedback and suggestions. As of this issue we will begin to share with you details and insights as to how the 2018 Teacher’s Convention planning is going. Yes, we are already deep into the planning process and have some names that have committed to be speakers. As we get those commitments, we will post them here.

The role of the North American Division is to provide resources, training and support to teachers, administrators and schools. It’s also our goal to make this newsletter a communication vehicle for what is happening across the division. Each issue will have important dates, technology updates, and resources from Martha Ban; tips from Dr. Davenia Lea on inclusion education and  professional development; curriculum and innovative ideas from Dr. Carol Campbell; administration, and a variety of secondary related issues such as Encounter Bible from Arne Nielsen. In the last section called SNIPPETS, we have provided an email address for you to respond, sharing your ideas and suggestions for the NAD newsletter. Is once a quarter too much; do you need this information; is there a better format; and what would be useful for you? Please let us know, as we want this to be a useful piece of information, not just another email across your desk. Thanks and always remember that you are valued and are the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus everyday!

Dr. Larry Blackmer

VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION

Larry has served at Grand Ledge Academy in Grand Ledge, Michigan, as both teacher and principal; at Adelphian Academy in Holly, Michigan, as vice principal and boys’ dean; and as principal at Mount Pisgah Academy in North Carolina and Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Maryland. Larry also served for seven years as associate superintendent in the Michigan Conference. He also served as superintendent of schools in the Idaho Conference. Prior to serving as the vice president of education for the NAD, Larry served as associate director of education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. His duties include secondary education, marketing and technology.