The 2023-24 school year is off to a fast start, coming on the heels of the 2023 NAD Educators’ Convention, Phoenix, Arizona. What a great experience for all those 5,500+ educators in attendance, not only representing the vast NAD territory but including guests and dignitaries from 4 World Divisions of the Adventist Church, and 8 countries!

Coworkers, colleagues, and friends had a chance to connect and reconnect. One attendee remarked that this felt like a camp meeting and alumni weekend all wrapped up into one event. For me, it was rewarding to see former students now on the frontlines of Adventist education, and teachers I worked with, and many I interviewed for jobs through the years, still energized and engaged with learners. This convention provided opportunities for corporate worship, networking, professional development, curriculum discovery, experiential learning, and so much more. When exhibitor Desmond Suarez, II, a teacher at Richmond Academy, was asked what makes the NAD Educators’ Convention such a joyful experience, he said something that many attendees could, wholeheartedly, agree with: “The best part of any good conference is connecting with people.”

I want to personally thank each of you for being present, pray that you found something worthwhile at the convention, and that it brought joy to your life and work. It took a “village” to make this event impactful. To all those (too many to note) who made this event happen, a special thanks and appreciation for what you contributed to the lives of our educators!

And now, as this school year is underway, I want to encourage each of you to connect with students; to be the hands and feet of Jesus as you continue your evangelistic series in the classroom, daily; to move hearts and minds upward; and to make this school year “Something Better.” Ellen G. White tells us in the book Education, “To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy” (p. 296).

Prayers and courage,

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Arne Nielsen, PhD

NAD Vice President of Education