Fall 2025 Update

The mission of the Christian Educators Association is to inspire and support Christian educators and encourage community by providing opportunities for spiritual and professional growth based on God’s Word.

The Convention Planning Committee is finalizing plans for the 2025 CEA Convention which will be held October 23 and 24 at the Century Center and South Bend Marriott in South Bend, Indiana.  We hope this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!

●    Theme: Strength for Today: Hope for Tomorrow

●    Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

●    Thursday

○          Keynote Speaker: Jeff Manion from Ada Bible Church

○          Opening Worship begins at 9:00 a.m.                                                                                                         

●    Friday

○          Capstone Speaker: Chad Dirkse from Annapolis Area Christian School

○          Closing Worship begins at 11:30 a.m. (Convention begins at 9:00 a.m.)

The 2025 CEA Convention details can be viewed here. Please download and make an account with SCHED on your phone.

2025 CEA Convention Theme: Strength for Today: Hope for Tomorrow

Sometimes it feels like our lives as Christian educators are in chaos. With the demands of required curriculum, needy students, zealous parents, and extra-curricular events, we sometimes need a reminder of WHO our God is and HOW he is writing His story in our classrooms and schools. May this convention remind us that our heavenly Father loves us and delights in what we’re doing. He is the one who gives us strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

Out of respect to speakers and fellow teachers, the Convention Planning Committee requests that those in attendance at meetings not leave until the chairperson or the presenter indicates the close of the session.

Children and infants may not attend any CEA session or opening or closing worship.  We ask for your cooperation so someone from the Planning Committee will not be forced to ask you to leave.

The delegates are invited to attend an important House of Delegates’ Meeting on Thursday at 10:20 a.m., immediately following the Opening Worship, in various locations. See the email that Brenda VanderPloeg sent you.

CEA dues for this year will be $100 per member.  These dues cover your convention registration, a subscription to the Christian Educators Journal, and committee expenses.  Your delegate will be collecting dues in September.

Spouse passes may be obtained at Convention Headquarters for $5 and guest passes for educators who are not CEA members are $110. 

Student Teachers may attend the convention for free, if they send in a Student Teacher Voucher to Brenda VanderPloeg. Here is the link to the student teacher voucher.

Retired Christian school teachers and administrators may attend the convention free of the normal registration charges.  Contact the Executive Secretary, Brenda VanderPloeg, for details.  (cea@ceateachers.org)

Two name badges will be sent to each teacher this year for use at the convention.  Those who are being honored for 25 or 35 years of service will receive a special set of name badges. Your delegate will have those for you.

Calvin’s Graduate Education Department will offer SCECH’s (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) through the State of Michigan. Educators may earn Michigan SCECH’s for attending the keynote, capstone and sessions. For instructions, cost, how to find your PIC number and the required form - click on this link.

CEA INFORMATION DESK will be located on the Street Level of the Century Center. If you are a chairperson, please stop at  the Information Desk to pick up AND return your session envelope.

CEA Activities: Run/Walk

The 5K Run/Walk will be free and take place on Friday at 7:00 am along the St. Joseph River. Meet at the Convention Information Desk.

CEA Music Thread: Bring your instruments!

Thursday at 10:45 – 11:45: Band Reading Session for 8th - 12th Grade

Thursday 1:00 – 2:00: Choral Reading Session

Thursday 2:15 – 3:15: Band Reading Session for 5th - 8th Grade

Thursday 3:30 – 4:30: Sing, Move and Memorize the Bible

Friday 9:00 – 10:00: Sing, Move and Memorize the Bible

Friday 10:15 – 11:15: Mozart or Tik Tok? The Battle for the Next Generation’s Musical Mind

CEA Story Thread for 2025

* Matthew Beimers (Dordt University) - Storytelling

* Abby DeGroot (Dordt University) - Re-Storying our Teaching: Inviting Students Into Work That Matters

* Todd and Sheila Dokter (Calvin Christian and Holland Christian) - The Power of Story

* Mark Dykstra (Illiana Christian High School) - Finding Yourself in the Story of God's People

* Matthew Falk (Grand Rapids Christian High School) - My Life Stories and the Lessons Behind Them

* Christopher Hamstra (Davenport) - The Power of Stories: Discovering Shalom in a Broken World

* Christopher Hamstra (Davenport) - Leadership Lifestories: Sharing Christ Through Your Story

* Caleb Lagerwey (Holland Christian High School) - Stories of Faithfulness from History

* Dan Lanstra (Unity Christian High School) - Sharing Storytelling Skills

* Al Rottman (Hudsonville Christian School) - Stories of the Periodic Table

* Bryant Russ and Andrew Kleyn (Holland Christian School) - The Truth about Fiction

* Russ Smies (Central Wisconsin Christian) - The Story of how AgProTech Broadened our Presence in the CWC Community

* Mark VanderWerf (Grand Rapids Christian) - Teaching Hope: The Power of Stories to Encourage and Equip in a World of Despair

* Bob VanManen (Lamont Christian Chaplain) - Dealing with Detours

* Elizabeth Wolf (Grand Rapids Christian) - Using Storytelling to Foster Social Emotional Learning

Lunch on Thursday: Lunch will be available to purchase on the River Level of the Century Center. Search the word “Lunch” on Sched for a list of the menu items and prices. Please note that the area restaurants will be very busy and you might not make it back in time.

Is this your first time attending a CEA Convention? We have a special reception just for you! We will plan to meet you immediately after the opening worship. Exit the Great Hall and turn right and look for the poster showing you where the first-time attendees will meet. We can answer any questions you have and you can sign up for a drawing just for first time attendees. We will be drawing 4 winners: two cash prizes and two gift certificates to Bookbug (in the CEA exhibit hall.)

2025 CEA Banner: The CEA would like to express our deep appreciation to Anna Gozca, daughter of Tom Joustra from Zeeland Christian School for designing the 2025 CEA Banner.

The exhibits will be ringing the great room on the River Level of the Century Center.  Our Chairperson of Exhibits is Jerry Mastenbrook (retired from Kalamazoo Christian Middle School).  He has worked very hard at obtaining vendors to come to our convention.  Please be sure to visit the exhibits and order materials right at the convention whenever possible.  Even when placing an order later in the year, be sure to mention the convention exhibit.  Since the exhibits are an important source of CEA income, we urge your cooperation.

The following have donated cash for us to provide exhibitor prizes. Visit the exhibit hall and receive a ticket from the vendors, Drop your ticket off in the prize bowl at the CEA headquarters. We will be drawing prizes each hour.

Many thanks to:

Distinguished Donor 

ANDY STEENSMA INSURANCE AGENCY - Serving the Michigan Educational Community since 1950

Outstanding Donor 

 Providence Bank

Fall 2024 Update

The mission of the Christian Educators Association is to inspire and support Christian educators and encourage community by providing opportunities for spiritual and professional growth based on God’s Word.

The Convention Planning Committee is finalizing plans for the 2024 CEA Convention which will be held October 24 and 25 at South Christian High School in Grand Rapids, MI. This is the 100th gathering of the CEA. Our first gathering was in 1924 at LaGrave CRC Church. You can read the history of the CEA here. We hope this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!

• Theme: Faithful

• Verse: Deut. 7:9 – “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

• Thursday

  • Keynote Speaker: Peter Jonker, LaGrave Christian Reformed Church

  • The first convention was held in 1924 at LaGrave CRC, now 100 years later we are thrilled to welcome the pastor of LaGrave CRC, Peter Jonker.

  • Opening Worship begins at 9:00 a.m.

• Friday

  • Capstone Speaker: Brad Brewer

  • Closing Worship begins at 11:20 a.m. (Convention begins at 9:00 a.m.)

All of the 2024 CEA Sessions can be viewed at the online convention planner.

2024 CEA Convention Theme: Faithful

The mission of Christian educators 100 years ago was hopefully the same as our mission today, and it is our hope that teachers 100 years from now will share that same mission. This shared mission points to the past 100 years of God’s faithfulness to us and our faithfulness to His calling to be Christian educators. And it calls us to the next 100 years of faithful service in His kingdom as He continues to be faithful to us.

Out of respect to speakers and fellow teachers, the Convention Planning Committee requests that those in attendance at meetings not leave until the chairperson or the presenter indicates the close of the session.

Children and infants may not attend any CEA session or opening or closing worship. We ask for your cooperation so someone from the Planning Committee will not be forced to ask you to leave.

The delegates are invited to attend an important House of Delegates’ Meeting on Thursday at 10:20 a.m., immediately following the Opening Worship, in the Performance Gym. We’ll find a spot in the bleachers to gather together.

CEA dues for this year will be $100 per member. These dues cover your convention registration, a subscription to the Christian Educators Journal, and committee expenses. Your delegate will be collecting dues in September.

Spouse passes may be obtained at Convention Headquarters for $5 and guest passes for educators who are not CEA members are $110.

Student Teachers may attend the convention for free, if they send in a Student Teacher Voucher to Brenda VanderPloeg. Here is the link to the student teacher voucher.

Retired Christian school teachers and administrators may attend the convention free of the normal registration charges. Contact the Executive Secretary, Brenda VanderPloeg, for details. (cea@ceateachers.org)

Two name badges will be sent to each teacher for use at the convention. Those who are being honored for 25 or 35 years of service will receive a special set of name badges. Your delegate will have those for you.

Calvin’s Graduate Education Department will offer SCECH’s (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) through the State of Michigan. Educators may earn Michigan SCECH’s for attending sessions, for the keynote and the capstone. Specific directions may be obtained from your CEA delegate. You may also stop at the Information Desk before the convention starts to pick up a registration form. If you have any questions, please stop by the Calvin University display booth in the Exhibits Hall. Use the word “SCECH” to search for which sessions apply in SCHED.

CEA INFORMATION DESK will be located on the first floor of South Christian High School. If you are a chairperson, please stop at the Information Desk to pick up AND return your session envelope.

CEA Activities: Disc Golf

South Christian High School has a disc golf course. You are welcome to play a round. Score cards will be available on hole one. You will need to bring your own discs.

CEA Music Thread: Bring your instruments!

Thursday at 10:45 – 11:45: Choral Repertoire

Thursday 11:55 – 12:55: Round Table for Music Teachers

Thursday 1:50 – 2:50: Band Reading Session for 8th – 12th

Thursday 3:00 – 4:00: Band Reading Session for 5th – 8th

Friday 9:00 – 10:00: Concert Programming with Intentionality

Friday 10:10 – 11:10: Bring, Share and Take Home for Tomorrow’s Music Class Lesson

Friday 10:10 – 11:10: The Integration of Faith and Learning in Music Classes and Ensembles

Lunch on Thursday: Lunch will be available at no cost for everyone. Search the word “lunch” in SCHED for the menu. We are very grateful to our donors for this generous gift!

Is this your first time attending a CEA Convention? We have a special reception just for you! We will plan to meet you immediately after the opening worship in room 137. Room 137 is behind the CEA information desk. Exit the Auditorium and look for the poster showing you where the first-time attendees will meet. We can answer any questions you have and you can sign up for a drawing just for first time attendees. We will be drawing 4 winners: two cash prizes and two gift certificates to Bookbug (in the CEA exhibit hall.)

2024 CEA Banner: The CEA would like to express our deep appreciation to Dave Landstra, an engineering student from Dordt College for designing the 2024 CEA Banner.

The exhibits will be in the Learning Gym at South Christian High School. Our Chairperson of Exhibits is Jerry Mastenbrook (retired from Kalamazoo Christian Middle School). He has worked very hard at obtaining vendors to come to our convention. Please be sure to visit the exhibits and order materials right at the convention whenever possible. Even when placing an order later in the year, be sure to mention the convention exhibit. Since the exhibits are an important source of CEA income, we urge your cooperation.

The following have donated cash for us to provide exhibitor prizes. Visit the exhibit hall and receive a ticket from the vendors, Drop your ticket off in the prize bowl at the CEA headquarters. We will be drawing prizes each hour.

Many thanks to:

Distinguished Donor:

ANDY STEENSMA INSURANCE AGENCY

Serving the Michigan Educational Community since 1950

Outstanding Donor:

Providence Bank

A hotel reservation form was sent to you in the spring and you have hopefully already made your hotel arrangements directly with the hotel/motel. Another copy is included below.

CEA Special Rate at Grand Rapids Hotels

CEA 2024 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION

To: ALL CEA MEMBERS

From: Brenda VanderPloeg, Executive Secretary

            Christian Educators Association

            Phone: 616.669.3497

email: cea@ceateachers.org

Date: MAY, 2024

Re: CEA 2024 CONVENTION HOUSING/LODGING

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2024 CEA Convention to be held in Byron Center, MI on October 24 and 25. (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.) EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

∙ You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.

∙ Remember to reserve the correct dates. The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 24 and 25, 2024. You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 23 and/or Thursday, October 24.

∙ You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Homewood Suites – Grand Rapids

3920 Stahl Dr

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

10 miles north of South Christian High School

Parking $3.00 per night

Reservation Number: 616-285-7100

Rooms: $119.00

Booking Link

Comfort Suites

7644 Caterpillar Court

Grand Rapids, MI 49548

3 miles West of South Christian High School

Reservation Number: 616-301-2255

Rooms $94.00

Booking Link

Home 2 Suites by Hilton

2288 64th St SW

Byron Center, MI 49315

7 miles West of South Christian High School

Reservation Number: 616-577-8700

Rooms: $114.00

Booking Link

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids South

2150 Metro Lane SW

Wyoming, MI 49519

8 miles NorthWest of South Christian High School

Reservation Number: 1-888-492-8847

Rooms: $139.00

Booking link

Fall 2023 Update

The Convention Planning Committee is finalizing plans for the 2023 CEA Convention which will be held October 19 and 20 at the Century Center and South Bend Marriott in South Bend, Indiana.  We hope this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!

Theme: For Such A Time As This

Verse: Esther 4:14b: "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

Thursday

o   Keynote Speaker: Various

o   Opening Worship begins at 9:00 a.m.             

Friday

o   Capstone Speaker: Lynn Swaner

o   Closing Worship begins at 11:30 a.m. (Convention begins at 9:00 a.m.)

All of the 2023 CEA Sessions can be viewed at www.ceateachers.org.

2023 CEA Convention Theme: For Such A Time As This

By this we mean that in an uncertain world, we face times of fear and doubt. We wonder about God's plan and our place in his grand story. The story of Esther reminds us that we, like Esther, were made for this very moment. We can trust our loving Father as we live out our "for such a time as this" day, right where we are.  The theme verse is Esther 4:14b "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

Out of respect to speakers and fellow teachers, the Convention Planning Committee requests that those in attendance at meetings not leave until the chairperson or the presenter indicates the close of the session.

Children and infants may not attend any CEA session or opening or closing worship.  We ask for your cooperation so someone from the Planning Committee will not be forced to ask you to leave.

The delegates are invited to attend an important House of Delegates’ Meeting on Thursday at 10:15 a.m., immediately following the Opening Worship, in the Pointe. You’ll find it just behind the stage in the Convention Hall.

CEA dues for this year will be $90 per member.  These dues cover your convention registration, a subscription to the Christian Educators Journal, and committee expenses.  Your delegate will be collecting dues in September.

Spouse passes may be obtained at Convention Headquarters for $5 and guest passes for educators who are not CEA members are $110. 

Student Teachers may attend the convention for free, if they send in a Student Teacher Voucher to Brenda VanderPloeg. Here is the link to the student teacher voucher.

Retired Christian school teachers and administrators may attend the convention free of the normal registration charges.  Contact the Executive Secretary, Brenda VanderPloeg, for details.  (cea@ceateachers.org)

Two name badges will be sent to each teacher this year for use at the convention.  Those who are being honored for 25 or 35 years of service will receive a special set of name badges. Your delegate will have those for you.

Calvin’s Graduate Education Department will offer SCECH’s (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) through the State of Michigan. Educators may earn Michigan SCECH’s for attending selected sessions. Specific directions may be obtained from your CEA delegate. You may also stop at the Information Desk before the convention starts to pick up a registration form. If you have any questions, please stop by the Calvin University display booth in the Exhibits Hall. Use the word “SCECH” to search for which sessions apply in SCHED.

CEA INFORMATION DESK will be located on the Street Level of the Century Center. If you are a chairperson, please stop at Information Desk to pick up AND return your session envelope.

CEA Activities: Climbing Wall, Laser Tag, 5K Run/Walk

The Climbing Wall and Laser Tag will be free and will be open on Thursday from 11:45 am – 1:00 pm, and from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

The 5K Run/Walk will be free and take place on Friday at 7:00 am along the St. Joseph. Meet at the Convention Information Desk

CEA Demonstrations: Keva Planks and Robotics

The Keva Planks will be demonstrated on Thursday at 3:30. Search the word “Keva” for more information in SCHED.

The Robotics will be demonstrated on Thursday at 2:15. Search the word “Robotics” for more information in SCHED.

CEA Music Thread: Bring your instruments! All music sessions will be held in The Pointe

Thursday at 10:45 – 11:45: Choral Repertoire

Thursday 1:00 – 2:00: Band Reading Session: Beginner to Easy Level Repertoire (Grade 0.5 – 1.5)

Thursday 2:15 – 3:15: Band Reading Session: Medium Easy to Advanced Repertoire (Grade 2 and above)

Thursday 3:30 – 4:30: How to Build a Pep Band + Reading Sessions

Friday 9:00 – 10:00: Large Group Improvisation and Composition in the 5th Grade Ensemble Classroom

Friday 10:15 – 11:15: ForScore in the Music Classroom: Transformative Teaching for All Levels

Lunch on Thursday: Lunch will be available to purchase on the River Level of the Century Center. Search the word “Lunch” on Sched for a list of the menu items and prices. Please note that the area restaurants will be very busy and you might not make it back in time.

Is this your first time attending a CEA Convention? We have a special reception just for you! We will plan to meet you immediately after the opening worship. Exit the Great Hall and turn right and look for the poster showing you where the first-time attendees will meet. We can answer any questions you have and you can sign up for a drawing just for first time attendees. We will be drawing 4 winners: two cash prizes and two gift certificates to Bookbug (in the CEA exhibit hall.)

2023 CEA Banner: The CEA would like to express our deep appreciation to Anne Brouwer from Kalamazoo Christian Middle School for designing the 2023 CEA Banner.

The exhibits will be ringing the great room on the River Level of the Century Center.  Our Chairperson of Exhibits is Jerry Mastenbrook (retired from Kalamazoo Christian Middle School).  He has worked very hard at obtaining vendors to come to our convention.  Please be sure to visit the exhibits and order materials right at the convention whenever possible.  Even when placing an order later in the year, be sure to mention the convention exhibit.  Since the exhibits are an important source of CEA income, we urge your cooperation.

The following have donated cash for us to provide exhibitor prizes. Visit the exhibit hall and receive a ticket from the vendors, Drop your ticket off in the prize bowl at the CEA headquarters. We will be drawing prizes each hour.

Many thanks to:

Distinguished Donor....................................................................................................………………..

ANDY STEENSMA INSURANCE AGENCY - Serving the Michigan Educational Community since 1950

Outstanding Donor.................................................................................................................................. Providence Bank

A hotel reservation form was sent to you in the spring and you have hopefully already made your hotel arrangements directly with the hotel/motel.  Another copy is included below. 

CEA Special Rate at South Bend Area Hotels

CEA 2023 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION 

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2023 CEA Convention to be held in South Bend, IN on October 19 and 20.  (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.)    EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

• You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.

• Remember to reserve the correct dates.  The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20, 2023.  You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 18 and/or Thursday, October 19. 

• You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Southbend DoubleTree Hotel                                        SpringHill Suites

123 North St. Joseph Street                                           5225 Edison Lakes Parkway

South Bend, IN 46601                                                     Mishawaka, IN 46545

Connected to the Century Center via a skywalk         5.2 miles East of the Century Center

Parking $8.00 per day.                                                     Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet

Reservation Number: 574-234-2000                             Reservation Number: 574-271-0832

Rooms: $139.00                                                                Rooms: $139.00

Booking Link                                                                       Booking Link

Courtyard by Marriott                                                  Comfort Suites

121 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd                             60971 US 31 South

South Bend, IN 46601                                                   South Bend, IN 46614

Across the street from the Century Center               5 miles South of the Century Center

Newly built                                                                      Complimentary Hot Breakfast

Free wifi                                                                          Reservation Number: 574-291-3100

In and Out valet parking, $15.00 per day.                 Rooms: $97.00

Reservation Number: 574-237-7777                          Booking Link

Rooms: $119.00

Booking Link

Fall 2022 Update

The Convention Planning Committee is finalizing plans for the 2022 CEA Convention, which will be held October 20 and 21 at the Century Center and South Bend Doubletree Hotel in South Bend, Indiana. We hope this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!

Ø Theme: Restored and Renewed

Ø Verse: Psalm 36:7-9 “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

Ø Thursday

o   Keynote Speaker: Gary Schmidt

o   Opening Worship begins at 9:00 a.m.

Ø Friday

o   Capstone Speaker: Clare DeGraaf

o   Closing Worship begins at 11:30 a.m. (Convention begins at 9:00 a.m.)

All of the 2022 CEA Sessions can be viewed at www.ceateachers.org. Click on the “Convention” tab, and then on “Convention Planner.”

2022 CEA Convention Theme: Restored and Renewed

As teachers, we confront many things.  These “things” of the world build up and become heavy to carry.  Therefore, we come together before our heavenly Father.  We hope in Him and hope in His power.   He restores our souls and renews our energies.  We are restored and renewed through Him so we don’t grow weary in our good work.  We are restored and renewed to bring about His good and perfect work.

Out of respect to speakers and fellow teachers, the Planning Committee requests that those in attendance at meetings not leave until the chairperson indicates the close of the session.

Children and infants may not attend any CEA session or opening or closing worship.  We ask for your cooperation so someone from the Planning Committee will not be forced to ask you to leave. 

The delegates are invited to attend an important Delegates’ Meeting on Thursday at 10:15 a.m., immediately following the Opening Worship, in the Point. You’ll find it just behind the stage in the Convention Hall.

The following Participatory Music Sessions will be meeting in a room during a session time.

Thursday from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

• Band Music Reading Session (Bring your instruments)

• You will have the opportunity to play together with other CEA members.

Thursday from 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

• Choral Repertoire for Success

• You will have the opportunity to sing together with other CEA members

On Thursday there will be a lunch break in the schedule. There will be no sessions scheduled. The exhibit hall will be open. There will be snacks and sandwiches available on the lower level and in the snack shop (in the brick entryway) of the Century Center and in the restaurants in the South Bend Doubletree, and area restaurants.  A list of additional eating places close to the Century Center will be available at Convention Headquarters. The list of restaurants is also available online at  www.sjchamber.org

A hotel reservation form was sent to you in the spring and you have hopefully already made your hotel arrangements directly with the hotel/motel.  Another copy is included below. 

Remember that retired Christian school teachers and administrators may attend the convention free of the normal registration charges.  Contact the Executive Secretary, Brenda VanderPloeg, for details.  (cea@ceateachers.org)

For 2022 CEA Convention, we are inviting non-faculty staff members to attend the CEA Convention for a reduced rate. We are offering special sessions on Friday for your marketing staff or board members. Please contact Brenda VanderPloeg, for details.  (cea@ceateachers.org)

Spouse passes may be obtained at Convention Headquarters for $5 and guest passes for educators who are not CEA members are $110. 

Student Teachers may attend the convention for free, if they send in a Student Teacher Voucher to Brenda VanderPloeg. Here is the the link to the student teacher voucher.

CEA dues for this year will be $90 per member.  These dues cover your convention registration, a subscription to the Christian Educators Journal, and committee expenses.  Your delegate will be collecting dues in September.

Gather by CEA headquarters at the Century Center for our 2022 CEA 5K Walk/Run. The event begins at 7:00 am, Friday morning. Follow the St. Joseph River for a beautiful morning walk or run. This will be an un-chipped event. There is no cost for this event.

Twitter – Use #CEA2022 to get connected and share your experience.

Two name badges will be sent to each teacher this year for use at the convention.  Those who are being honored for 25 or 35 years of service will receive a special set of name badges. Your delegate will have those for you.

Calvin’s Graduate Education Department will offer SCECH’s (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) through the State of Michigan. Educators may earn Michigan SCECH’s for attending selected sessions. Specific directions may be obtained from your CEA delegate. You may also stop at the Information Desk before the convention starts to pick up a registration form.

If you have any questions, please stop by the Calvin University display booth in the Exhibits Hall.

CEA INFORMATION DESK will be located on the Street Level of the Century Center. If you are a chairperson, please stop at Information Desk to pick up AND return your session envelope.

The exhibits will be ringing the great room on the River Level of the Century Center.  Our Chairperson of Exhibits is Jerry Mastenbrook (retired from Kalamazoo Christian Middle School).  He has worked very hard at obtaining vendors to come to our convention.  Please be sure to visit the exhibits and order materials right at the convention whenever possible.  Even when placing an order later in the year, be sure to mention the convention exhibit.  Since the exhibits are an important source of CEA income, we urge your cooperation. 

The following have donated either products or cash for us to provide exhibitor prizes. Visit the exhibit hall and receive a ticket from the vendors, Drop your ticket off in the prize bowl at the CEA headquarters. We will be drawing prizes each hour.

Many thanks to:

Distinguished Donor...................................................................................................... ANDY STEENSMA INSURANCE AGENCY

Serving the Michigan Educational Community since 1950

CEA 2022 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2022 CEA Convention to be held in South Bend, IN on October 20 and 21.  (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.)    EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

• You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.

• Remember to reserve the correct dates.  The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 20 and 21, 2022.  You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 19 and/or Thursday, October 20. 

• You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Southbend DoubleTree Hotel 

123 North St. Joseph Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Connected to the Century Center via a skywalk

Parking $8.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-234-2000

Rooms: $136.00

Booking Link 

SpringHill Suites

5225 Edison Lakes Parkway

Mishawaka, IN 46545

5.2 miles East of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet

Reservation Number: 574-271-0832

Rooms: $139.00

Booking Link      

Courtyard by Marriott                                                 

121 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

South Bend, IN 46601

Across the street from the Century Center

Newly built

Free wifi 

In and Out valet parking, $15.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-237-7777

Rooms: $119.00

Booking Link

Comfort Suites

60971 US 31 South

South Bend, IN 46614

5 miles South of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast

Reservation Number: 574-291-3100

 Rooms: $97.00

Booking Link

0 Likes

June 2022 Update

We are planning the 2022 CEA Convention and looking forward to joining with you in South Bend, IN on October 20 and 21, 2022.

CEA Chairperson

We would like to invite you to sign up to be a session chairperson and provide hospitality to our presenters and our participants.

The CEA Executive Board would like to give you a $5.00 gift for your involvement.

Here's the link to the Sign Up, thanks!

CEA Music

Calling all CEA musicians and music teachers. We have a couple of requests for you.

1. Please bring your band instrument to the convention. We will be gathering to play through some music pieces together. Please join us whether you are a music teacher or not. You can store your instrument by the CEA information desk during the day.

2. Please bring your voice to the convention. We will be gathering to sing through some music pieces together. Please join us whether you are a music teacher or not.

3. If you are a music teacher, please email Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) with your name, your email address, your school and what you teach. We are going to create a master list of all of our CEA music teachers so that you will be able to communicate with one another more effectively.

CEA Non-Faculty Staff

We are offering a new membership option at the 2022 CEA Convention for Non-Faculty Staff. This includes your school's office staff, marketing personnel, development staff and board members. We are offering two sessions on Friday specifically for non-faculty staff titled School Marketing in Action and School Marketing: How Do I Do That? Non-Faculty Staff will be able to attend on Friday only for a reduced membership fee. This membership will be reserved directly with Brenda VanderPloeg and will not be a part of your school's faculty membership list which is submitted in the fall. Please contact Mrs. Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) for the reduced dues and for registration.

CEA Pre-Sign Up Session

We have the opportunity for 12 people to sign up for an Escape Room Experience at the 2022 CEA Convention. We are offering this opportunity three times from 1:00 - 2:00 from 2:15 - 3:15 and from 3:30 - 4:30 on Thursday, October 20. Sign up your department or team or staff. Join Carlton Rink for "Escape Room Puzzles to Enhance Curriculum". Participants will engage with a "mini escape room puzzle experience" and then we will discuss how the activities could be used to motivate student learning. You will need to contact Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) to sign up. There is no cost. Sign ups are on a first come / first served basis.

CEA 5K Run - RETURNS!

The CEA 5K Run/Walk returns to the 2022 CEA Convention. Join us at 7:00 am on Friday, October 21 at the Information Booth for the send off to run/walk along the Saint Joseph River. All participants will earn two tickets to be entered into our drawings for prizes.

CEA Book Buzz - Expanding

We are so thankful to all of our Book Buzz presenters for the great job they do with coming up with their recommended book lists each year. This year we get to add to our list of Book Buzz Sessions!

Book Buzz: Picture Book Edition     Book Buzz: 3-6     Book Buzz: For Middle Grades     Book Buzz: Spanish Immersion

Book Bug will be returning to the 2022 CEA Convention as an exhibitor and they are coordinating with our presenters to have the titles highlighted available for you.

CEA Round Tables

The CEA Round Tables of 2021 were very successful. We don't have enough space to host all of the sessions that we did last year, but we are bringing a few Round Tables back for 2022. Please plan on the following Round Tables:

Outdoor Ed     Industrial Arts  ESS    HS Administors     MS Administrators     EL

May 2022 Update

We are planning the 2022 CEA Convention and looking forward to joining with you in South Bend, IN on October 20 and 21, 2022.

CEA Chairperson

We would like to invite you to sign up to be a session chairperson and provide hospitality to our presenters and our participants.

The CEA Executive Board would like to give you a $5.00 gift for your involvement.

Here's the link to the Sign Up, thanks!

CEA 2022 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2022 CEA Convention to be held in South Bend, IN on October 20 and 21.  (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.)    EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

• You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.

• Remember to reserve the correct dates.  The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 20 and 21, 2022.  You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 19 and/or Thursday, October 20. 

• You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Southbend DoubleTree Hotel 

123 North St. Joseph Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Connected to the Century Center via a skywalk

Parking $8.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-234-2000

Rooms: $136.00

Booking Link 

SpringHill Suites

5225 Edison Lakes Parkway

Mishawaka, IN 46545

5.2 miles East of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet

Reservation Number: 574-271-0832

Rooms: $139.00

Booking Link      

Courtyard by Marriott                                                 

121 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

South Bend, IN 46601

Across the street from the Century Center

Newly built

Free wifi 

In and Out valet parking, $15.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-237-7777

Rooms: $119.00

Booking Link

Comfort Suites

60971 US 31 South

South Bend, IN 46614

5 miles South of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast

Reservation Number: 574-291-3100

 Rooms: $97.00

Booking Link

April 2022 Update

We are planning the 2022 CEA Convention and looking forward to joining with you in South Bend, IN on October 20 and 21, 2022.

CEA Chairperson

We would like to invite you to sign up to be a session chairperson and provide hospitality to our presenters and our participants.

The CEA Executive Board would like to give you a $5.00 gift for your involvement.

Here's the link to the Sign Up, thanks!

South Bend Hotels

The hotel information is being finalized and will be sent to you the 2nd week of May.

CEA Non-Faculty Staff

We are offering a new membership option at the CEA Convention for Non-Faculty Staff. This includes your school's office staff, development staff and board members. We are offering two sessions on Friday specifically for non-faculty staff titled School Marketing in Action  and  School Marketing: How Do I Do That? Non-Faculty Staff will be able to attend on Friday only for a reduced membership fee. This membership will be reserved directly with Brenda VanderPloeg and will not be a part of your school's staff membership list which is submitted in the fall. Please contact Mrs. Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) for more information.

CEA Session Presenter

Do you have something exciting, innovative or special that you do at your grade or in your school? We love it when our fellow CEA members share the ways they provide excellent reformed education. If you were thinking about presenting a session, now is the time for action. We have just a few presenting slots left available and the sign up window for presentations will close in 2 weeks. Would you like to present on your own or with a partner or a small group? Contact Mrs. Brenda VanderPloeg today. (cea@ceateachers.org)

Keynote and Capstone

Our keynote presenter for the opening worship on Thursday, October 20 will be Gary Schmidt, best selling author and professor at Calvin University.

Our capstone presenter for the closing worship on Friday, October 21 will be Clare DeGraaf, spiritual mentor teacher and author. https://www.claredegraaf.com/

Theme

The theme of the 2022 CEA Convention is "Restored and Renewed"

Dues

The dues for the 2022 CEA Convention will be $90.00 per person. I'll be sending instructions on how to collect those in the early fall.

35 Year Honorees

These are those who have been reported as 35 year honorees. Please let Brenda VanderPloeg know if there is an error.

Dianne  Buteyn - Central Wisconsin Christian School

Jane  DeBoer - Jenison Christian School

Brenda Flikkema - Delavan Christian School

Michelle Hirdes - Holland Christian Schools

Elaine Kappers - Oostburg Christian School

Soni Konyndyk - Dutton Christian School

Dan Los - Hudsonville Christian School

Bob Meengs - Hudsonville Christian School

Judy Person - Lansing Christian School, MI

Amy Peterson - Holland Christian Schools - does not attend

Cheri Swets - Grand Rapids Christian High School

Deb Top - Illiana Christian High School

Idelle Wagner - West Side Christian School 

Gary Warners - Living Stones Academy

25 Year Honorees

These are those who have been reported as 25 year honorees. Please let Brenda VanderPloeg know if there is an error.

Chad Bonnema - Muskegon Christian School

Colleen Campbell - Byron Center Christian School

Amy DeVries - South Christian High School

Matthew Falk - West Side Christian School, Grand Rapids

Gail Hansen - Legacy Christian School

Mary Hofman - Holland Christian Schools

Vince Hutt - Zeeland Christian School

Angie Huttinga - Jenison Christian School

Kristyn Kamps - West Side Christian School, Grand Rapids

Jim Kuipers - Illiana Christian High School

Patti Landstra - Kalamazoo Christian High School

Melanie Lumkes - Timothy Christian High School

Joel Netz - Kalamazoo Christian Middle School

Renee Nieuwsma - Dutton Christian School

Sheila Richardson - Racine Christian School

Delia Roberts - West Side Christian School, Grand Rapids

David teGrotenhuis - Crown Point Christian School

Mark TeSlaa - Unity Christian High School

Carole Voss - Southwest Chicago Christian School - Tinley Park

Mark Witvliet - Dutton Christian School

Laura Witvliet - Byron Center Christian School

September 2021 Update

1. The 2021 CEA Convention will be held on October 21 and 22, 2021 at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, MI.

2. The invitation to serve as a 2021 CEA Chairperson is open! The CEA Executive Board would like to offer all of our CEA Chairpersons a $5.00 appreciation gift for your involvement in the CEA. Please sign up to be a 2021 CEA Chairperson.

3. We exited to share our Round Table Sessions, happening for the first time at the 2021 CEA Convention! We have received many comments in the feedback from our CEA members expressing a desire to talk with other Christian educators who teach similar classes at different schools. We listened and we’ve responded. All of our breakout sessions from 11:55 - 12:55 on Thursday will be Round Table Sessions. We need a facilitator for a few of our sessions. Please sign up to be a facilitator. There is a stipend for facilitators.

4. We are thankful that the current health orders in Kent County will allow us to hold the 2021 CEA Convention in person at Grand Rapids Christian High School. If the current health order changes, prior to convention, then we would need to adjust and follow the revised health order.

The CEA Executive Board has met with the leadership of Grand Rapids Christian and we have set the following parameters:

A. We will spread out for the opening worship. The opening worship will be live in the auditorium and live-streamed to the All City Gym. We are asking that the GRCS staff and others who would like to be more distanced attend the opening worship in the All City Gym.

i. Those on the main level of the auditorium will be required to wear a mask.

ii. Those in the All City Gym will be required to wear a mask.

iii. The upper level balconies of the auditorium are for those who have a medical mask exemption or desire distancing between individuals. This area will require a minimum of one seat empty between individuals.

B. Masks are recommended during passing time and in sessions.

C. Optional, no-cost rapid antigen testing will be available on Thursday and Friday mornings from 8:00 - 8:30 in the All City Gym lobby.

5. It will be extremely important that you arrive EARLY at the 2021 CEA Convention to be successful with parking. The parking lots at Grand Rapids Christian High School will only be available if you are a presenter, exhibitor and or if you have carpooled with 3 or more in your car. There are enough parking spaces for everyone, but it will be necessary for you to allow for more time to get from your parking space at a satellite location to the convention. The building will be open at 8:00 a.m., the convention begins at 9:00 a.m. Please plan to arrive EARLY!

6. All CEA Parking Locations:

• Grand Rapids Christian High School - 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE (Priority for presenters, exhibitors and those who carpooled with 3 or more in their car.)

• Eagles Ice Center - 2600 Village Dr. SE (Walkable to GRCHS)

• Burton Baptist Church - 2010 Plymouth Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

• Grand Rapids Christian Middle School - 2036 Chesaning Dr. SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

• Plymouth Heights CRC - 1800 Plymouth Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

7. The dues for the 2021 CEA Convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 21 and 22 at Grand Rapids Christian High School!

June 2021 Update

1. The 2021 CEA Convention will be held on October 21 and 22, 2021 at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, MI.

2. Our Keynote Speaker on Thursday is Christian Edmondson who was recently the Dean for Intercultural Student Development at Calvin University and has just moved to Tennessee to a new church with her husband, Mika Edmonson.

3. Our Capstone Speaker on Friday is David Mosterd, Former Faith Formation Director at Holland Christian Schools and currently working with Ray VanderLaan and That The World May Know.

4. It will be extremely important that you arrive EARLY at the 2021 CEA Convention to be successful with parking. The parking lots at Grand Rapids Christian High School will be priority parking for our presenters, exhibitors and those who have carpooled with 3 or more in their car. There are enough parking spaces for everyone, but it will be necessary for you to allow for more time to get from your parking space at a satellite location to the convention. The building will be open at 8:00 a.m., the convention begins at 9:00 a.m. Please plan to arrive EARLY!

5. All CEA Parking Locations:

   • Grand Rapids Christian High School - 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE (Priority for presenters, exhibitors and those who carpooled with 3 or more in their car.)

   • Eagles Ice Center - 2600 Village Dr. SE (Walkable to GRCHS)

   • Burton Baptist Church - 2010 Plymouth Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

   • Grand Rapids Christian Middle School - 2036 Chesaning Dr. SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

   • Plymouth Heights CRC - 1800 Plymouth Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

   • Prince Conference Center (Calvin University) - 1800 E Beltline Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

6. We exited to share our Round Table Sessions, happening for the first time at the 2021 CEA Convention! We have received many comments in the feedback from our CEA members expressing a desire to talk with other Christian educators who teach similar classes at different schools. We listened and we’ve responded. All of our breakout sessions from 11:55 - 12:55 on Thursday will be Round Table Sessions. We will provide a space for all of the middle school science teachers to meet, for all of the 3rd grade Spanish Immersion teachers to meet, for all of the high school art teachers to meet etc. In fact, we are providing 43 different round table sessions and we are confident that you can find one that fits you. Each round table session will be led by a facilitator and we are looking forward to some very helpful conversations to happen.

7. Information on hotel rooms in Grand Rapids for the 2021 CEA Convention is attached.

8. The dues for the 2021 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 21 and 22 at Grand Rapids Christian High School!

April 2020 Update

1. The 2020 CEA Convention will be held on October 22 and 23, 2020 at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, MI.

2. Our Keynote Speaker on Thursday is Benjamin Conner, a Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Graduate Certificate in Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary.

3. Our Capstone Speaker on Friday is Mary Hulst, University Pastor at Calvin University.

4. It will be extremely important that you arrive EARLY at the 2020 CEA Convention to be successful with parking. The parking lots at Grand Rapids Christian High School will be priority parking for our presenters, exhibitors and those who have carpooled with 3 or more in their car. There are enough parking spaces for everyone, but it will be necessary for you to allow for more time to get from your parking space at a satellite location to the convention. The building will be open at 8:00 a.m., the convention begins at 9:00 a.m. Please plan to arrive EARLY!

5. All CEA Parking Locations:

   • Grand Rapids Christian High School - 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE (Priority for presenters, exhibitors and those who carpooled with 3 or more in their car.)

   • Eagles Ice Center - 2600 Village Dr. SE (Walkable to GRCHS)

   • Burton Baptist Church - 2010 Plymouth Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

   • Grand Rapids Christian Middle School - 2036 Chesaning Dr. SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

   • Plymouth Heights CRC - 1800 Plymouth Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

   • Prince Conference Center (Calvin University) - 1800 E Beltline Ave SE (Free shuttle available to GRCHS)

6. The invitation to serve as a 2020 CEA Chairperson is open! The CEA Executive Board would like to offer all of our CEA Chairpersons a $5.00 appreciation gift for your involvement in the CEA. Please go to this link to sign up to be a 2020 CEA Chairperson.

7. We exited to share our Round Table Sessions, happening for the first time at the 2020 CEA Convention! We have received many comments in the feedback from our CEA members expressing a desire to talk with other Christian educators who teach similar classes at different schools. We listened and we’ve responded. All of our breakout sessions from 11:55 - 12:55 on Thursday will be Round Table Sessions. We will provide a space for all of the middle school science teachers to meet, for all of the 3rd grade Spanish Immersion teachers to meet, for all of the high school art teachers to meet etc. In fact, we are providing 43 different round table sessions and we are confident that you can find one that fits you. Each round table session will be led by a facilitator and we are looking forward to some very helpful conversations to happen.

8. The dues for the 2020 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 22 and 23 at Grand Rapids Christian High School!

February 2020 Update

1. The 2020 CEA Convention will be held on October 22 and 23, 2020 at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, MI.

2. Our Keynote Speaker on Thursday is Benjamin Conner, a Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Graduate Certificate in Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary.

3. Our Capstone Speaker on Friday is Mary Hulst, University Pastor as Calvin University.

4. The CEA Book Club has run its course and will not be offered in 2020. The CEA would like to express our gratitude to Mark Hiskes from Holland Christian for faithfully leading this session for many years.

5. Do you have a suggestion for a presenter at the 2020 CEA Convention? Would you like to present on a topic that you are passionate about? Contact Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) with your suggestion.

6. The invitation to serve as a 2020 CEA Chairperson is open! The CEA Executive Board would like to offer all of our CEA Chairpersons a $5.00 appreciation gift for your involvement in the CEA. Please sign up to be a 2020 CEA Chairperson.

7. We exited to share our Round Table Sessions, happening for the first time at the 2020 CEA Convention! We have received many comments in the feedback from our CEA members expressing a desire to talk with other Christian educators who teach similar classes at different schools. We listened and we’ve responded. All of our breakout sessions from 11:55 - 12:55 on Thursday will be Round Table Sessions. We will provide a space for all of the middle school science teachers to meet, for all of the 3rd grade Spanish Immersion teachers to meet, for all of the high school art teachers to meet. In fact, we are providing 43 different round table sessions and we are confident that you can find one that fits you. Each round table session will be led by a facilitator and we are looking forward to some very helpful conversations to happen.

8. The dues for the 2020 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 22 and 23 at Grand Rapids Christian High School!

Fall 2019 Update

The Convention Planning Committee is finalizing plans for the 2019 CEA Convention, which will be held October 24 and 25 at the Century Center and South Bend Doubletree Hotel in South Bend, Indiana. We hope this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!

Theme: Establish the Work of Our Hands

Verse: Psalm 90:17 “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.”

Thursday

o   Keynote Speaker: David Smith

o   Opening Worship begins at 9:00 a.m.    

Friday

o   Capstone Speaker: John Witvliet

o   Closing Worship begins at 11:30 a.m. (Convention begins at 9:00 a.m.)

All of the 2019 CEA Sessions can be viewed at www.ceateachers.org. Click on the “Convention” tab, and then on “Convention Planner.”

2019 CEA Convention Theme: Establish the Work of Our Hands

We long for what we do to have value and meaning, but only God can establish a lasting work. The 2019 theme reminds us to seek God’s favor to make firm His calling in our schools and communities. Through the work of our hands, may God use us to reflect His grace and advance His kingdom.

Out of respect to speakers and fellow teachers, the Planning Committee requests that those in attendance at meetings not leave until the chairperson indicates the close of the session.

Children and infants may not attend any CEA session or opening or closing worship.  We ask for your cooperation so someone from the Planning Committee will not be forced to ask you to leave. 

The delegates are invited to attend an important Delegates’ Meeting on Thursday at 10:15 a.m., immediately following the Opening Worship, in the Point. This is a new spot for us to meet. You’ll find it just behind the stage in the Convention Hall.

The following Participatory Music Sessions will be meeting in a room during a session time.

• Thursday from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

  • Choral Repertoire for Success

  • You will have the opportunity to sing together with other CEA members.

• Thursday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

  • Band music discovery session

  • Please bring your instrument to play together with other CEA members

• Friday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m

  • Leading Worship from the piano: Playing Chords and More

  • Come ready to participate and learn!

On Thursday there will be a lunch break in the schedule. There will be no sessions scheduled. The exhibit hall will be open. There will be snacks and sandwiches available on the lower level and in the snack shop (in the brick entryway) of the Century Center and in the restaurants in the South Bend Doubletree, and area restaurants.  A list of additional eating places close to the Century Center will be available at Convention Headquarters. The list of restaurants is also available online at  www.sjchamber.org

A hotel reservation form was sent to you in the spring and you have hopefully already made your hotel/motel arrangements directly with the hotel/motel.  Another copy is included below. 

Remember that retired Christian school teachers and administrators may attend the convention free of the normal registration charges.  Contact the Executive Secretary, Brenda VanderPloeg, for details.  (cea@ceateachers.org)

Spouse passes may be obtained at Convention Headquarters for $5 and guest passes for educators who are not CEA members are $110. 

Student Teachers may attend the convention for free, if they send in a Student Teacher Voucher to Brenda VanderPloeg. Contact Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) for a Student Teacher Voucher.

CEA dues for this year will be $90 per member.  These dues cover your convention registration, a subscription to the Christian Educators Journal, and committee expenses.  Your delegate will be collecting dues in September.

River City Improv is coming to 2019 CEA! Admission is free! River City Improv begins at 7:30 pm, Thursday night in the Recital Hall on the lower level of the Century Center.  Come with your colleagues to laugh and enjoy!

Gather by CEA headquarters at the Century Center for our 2019 CEA 5K Walk/Run. The event begins at 7:00 am, Friday morning. Follow the St. Joseph River for a beautiful morning walk or run. This will be an un-chipped event. There is no cost for this event.

Twitter – Use #CEA2019 to get connected and share your experience.

Two name badges will be sent to each teacher this year for use at the convention.  Those who are being honored for 25 or 35 years of service will receive a special set of name badges. Your delegate will have those for you.

Calvin’s Graduate Education Department will offer SCECH’s (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) through the State of Michigan. Educators may earn Michigan SCECH’s for attending selected sessions. Specific directions may be obtained from your CEA delegate. You may also stop at the Information Desk before the convention starts to pick up a registration form.

If you have any questions please stop by the Calvin College display booth in the Exhibits Hall.

INFORMATION DESK will be located on the Street Level of the Century Center. If you are a chairperson, please stop at Information Desk to pick up AND return your session envelope.

Back by popular demand, our very own CEA Book Club! Read, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old by Parker Palmer and come discuss this book at book club on Thursday, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 

The exhibits will be ringing the great room on the River Level of the Century Center.  Our Chairperson of Exhibits is Jerry Mastenbrook (Kalamazoo Christian Middle School).  He has worked very hard at obtaining vendors to come to our convention.  Please be sure to visit the exhibits and order materials right at the convention whenever possible.  Even when placing an order later in the year, be sure to mention the convention exhibit.  Since the exhibits are an important source of CEA income, we urge your cooperation. 

The following have donated either products or cash for us to provide exhibitor prizes. Visit the exhibit hall and receive a ticket from the vendors, Drop your ticket off in the prize bowl at the CEA headquarters. We will be drawing prizes each hour.

Many thanks to:

Distinguished Donor......................................................................................... ANDY STEENSMA INSURANCE AGENCY

Serving the Michigan Educational Community since 1950

Outstanding Donor...................................................................................................................................... Providence Bank

The CEA would like to express our deep appreciation to Anne Brouwer for painting the image on the 2019 CEA Prayer Card.

South Bend is in the Eastern Time zone. That means that South Bend is on “Michigan Time.”

CEA 2019 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION 

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2019 CEA Convention to be held in South Bend, Indiana on October 24 and 25.  (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.)    EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

·             You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.

·             Remember to reserve the correct dates.  The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 24 and 25, 2019.  You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 23 and/or Thursday, October 24. 

·             You will need a credit card number to make a reservation.

·             You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Southbend DoubleTree Hotel   

123 North St. Joseph Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Connected to the Century Center via a skywalk

Parking $10.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-234-2000

Rooms: $134.00

SpringHill Suites

5225 Edison Lakes Parkway

Mishawaka, IN 46545

5.2 miles East of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet

Reservation Number: 574-271-0832

Rooms: $119.00

Courtyard by Marriott

121 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

South Bend, IN 46601

Across the street from the Century Center

Newly built

Free wifi

In and Out valet parking, $15.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-237-7777

Rooms: $129.00

Comfort Suites

60971 US 31 South

South Bend, IN 46614

5 miles South of the Century Center

Complementary Hot Breakfast

Reservation Number: 574-291-3100

Rooms: $90.00

May 2019 Update

1. The 2019 CEA Convention will be held on October 24 and 25, 2019 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

2. The 2019 CEA Housing Information is attached.

3. The CEA Book Club title for 2019 has been announced! Plan on reading “On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old” by Parker Palmer and then discussing it together at the 2019 CEA Convention.

4. We are thrilled to welcome back River City Improv on Thursday night. Come with your staff for a night of laughs. The show will be held in the main hall, where the Opening Worship is held. The admission is free!

5. Join us at 7:00 a.m. on Friday morning for the CEA 5K run/walk along the St. Joseph River.

6. Wow, are we exited to share with this tremendous professional development opportunity that is being provided at the 2019 CEA Convention! Kristyn Kamps (a former middle school teacher at Holland Christian School), now a national faculty member at PBL Works and Danae LeMoine, former principal at Doulos Discovery School (a Christian school in the Dominican Republic) are returning to CEA to provide teachers with high quality project based learning workshop. Both Kristyn and Danae are experienced presenters who are focused on empowering Christian educators with practical strategies for creating relevant learning experiences for students. Kristyn and Danae will be offering the introductory project based learning workshop. This training will meet during all four sessions on Thursday and both sessions on Friday. You must commit to all six sessions to be included in this workshop.

Introduction to PBL: In this workshop, we will learn about the basics of planning high quality projects that connect students to content in relevant ways while engaging their heads and hearts. There is NO ADDITIONAL COST for this workshop. Teachers simply pay their regular CEA dues and will be allowed to attend this PBL workshop with Kristyn and Danae. This is a great deal since attending comparable training can be very expensive.

I will need to know ahead of time who is taking advantage of the limited seating Introduction to PBL workshop which requires a commitment of all six CEA sessions. Email Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) and let me know how many seats I can save for you in the PBL workshop at the 2019 CEA Convention.

7. The dues for the 2019 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 24 and 25 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

CEA 2019 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION

To: ALL CEA MEMBERS

From: Brenda VanderPloeg, Executive Secretary

Christian Educators Association

Phone: 616.669.3497

email: cea@ceateachers.org

Date: MAY, 2019

Re: CEA 2019 CONVENTION HOUSING/LODGING

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2019 CEA Convention to be held in South Bend, Indiana on October 24 and 25. (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.) EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

• You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.

• Remember to reserve the correct dates. The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 24 and 25, 2019. You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 23 and/or Thursday, October 24.

• You will need a credit card number to make a reservation.

• You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Southbend DoubleTree Hotel

123 North St. Joseph Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Connected to the Century Center via a skywalk

Parking $10.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-234-2000

Rooms: $134.00

SpringHill Suites

5225 Edison Lakes Parkway

Mishawaka, IN 46545

5.2 miles East of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet

Reservation Number: 574-271-0832

Rooms: $119.00

Courtyard by Marriott

121 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

South Bend, IN 46601

Across the street from the Century Center

Newly built

Free wifi

In and Out valet parking, $15.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-237-7777

Rooms: $129.00

Comfort Suites

60971 US 31 South

South Bend, IN 46614

5 miles South of the Century Center

Complementary Hot Breakfast

Reservation Number: 574-291-3100

Rooms: $90.00

March 2019 Update

1. The 2019 CEA Convention will be held on October 24 and 25, 2019 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

2. Our Keynote Speaker on Thursday is David Smith, a Professor at Calvin College and the Director of the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning. Read his interview on what being a Christian has to do with how we teach and learn.

3. Our Capstone Speaker on Friday is John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and professor of worship, theology, & congregational and ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary.

4. The CEA Book Club title for 2019 has been announced! Plan on reading “On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old” by Parker Palmer and then discussing it together at the 2019 CEA Convention.

5. Do you have a suggestion for a presenter at the 2019 CEA Convention? Would you like to present on a topic that you are passionate about? Contact Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) with your suggestion.

6. The invitation to serve as a 2019 CEA Chairperson is open! The role of the chairperson has changed slightly. We will no longer be asking you to introduce the speaker or to hand out evaluations. We will still need you to pick up the session envelope, help the speaker if necessary and record the attendance. The CEA Executive Board would like to offer all of our CEA Chairpersons a $5.00 appreciation gift for your involvement in the CEA. Please go to this link to sign up to be a 2019 CEA Chairperson.

7. Wow, are we exited to share with this tremendous professional development opportunity that is being provided at the 2019 CEA Convention! Kristyn Kamps (a former middle school teacher at Holland Christian School), now a national faculty member at PBL Works and Danae LeMoine, former principal at Doulos Discovery School (a Christian school in the Dominican Republic) are returning to CEA to provide teachers with high quality project based learning workshop. Both Kristyn and Danae are experienced presenters who are focused on empowering Christian educators with practical strategies for creating relevant learning experiences for students. Kristyn and Danae will be offering the introductory project based learning workshop. This training will meet during all four sessions on Thursday and both sessions on Friday. You must commit to all six sessions to be included in this workshop.

Introduction to PBL: In this workshop, we will learn about the basics of planning high quality projects that connect students to content in relevant ways while engaging their heads and hearts. There is NO ADDITIONAL COST for this workshop. Teachers simply pay their regular CEA dues and will be allowed to attend this PBL workshop with Kristyn and Danae. This is a great deal since attending comparable training can be very expensive.

I will need to know ahead of time who is taking advantage of the limited seating Introduction to PBL workshop which requires a commitment of all six CEA sessions. Email Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) and let me know how many seats I can save for you in the PBL workshop at the 2019 CEA Convention.

9. The dues for the 2019 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 24 and 25 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

Fall 2018 Update

The Convention Planning Committee is finalizing plans for the 2018 CEA Convention, which will be held October 25 and 26 at the Century Center and South Bend Doubletree Hotel in South Bend, Indiana. We hope this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!

• Theme: For The Life Of The World

• Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:15

• Thursday

  • Keynote Speaker: Carol Bremer-Bennett

  • Opening Worship begins at 9:00 a.m.

• Friday

  • Capstone Speaker: Paul Mpindi

  • Closing Worship begins at 11:30 a.m. (Convention begins at 9:00 a.m.)

All of the 2018 CEA Sessions can be viewed online using the Convention Planner.

The delegates are invited to attend an important Delegates’ Meeting on Thursday at 10:15 a.m., immediately following the Opening Worship, in the Recital Hall on the lower level of the Century Center.

2018 CEA Convention Theme: For The Life Of The World

“For the Life of the World” encompasses advancing God’s kingdom here on earth by being transforming educators in every place and circumstance we encounter. Our passion is for God’s grace to overflow to more and more people as we seek to live out our mission in our schools and beyond.

Out of respect to speakers and fellow teachers, the Planning Committee requests that those in attendance at meetings not leave until the chairperson indicates the close of the session.

Children and infants may not attend any CEA session or opening or closing worship. We ask for your cooperation so someone from the Planning Committee will not be forced to ask you to leave. Contact your hotel for babysitting services or make other arrangements for your children if you choose to take them along to the convention.

A hotel reservation form was sent to you in the spring and you have hopefully already made your hotel/motel arrangements directly with the hotel/motel. Another copy is included below.

On Thursday there will be a lunch break in the schedule. There will be no sessions scheduled. The exhibit hall will be open. There will be snacks and sandwiches available on the lower level and in the snack shop (in the brick entryway) of the Century Center and in the restaurants in the South Bend Doubletree, and area restaurants. A list of additional eating places close to the Century Center will be available at Convention Headquarters. The list of restaurants is also available online at www.sjchamber.org

The following Loaves and Fishes will be meeting in a room during a session time.

• Thursday from 11:00 – 12:00 noon

  • L+F ~ Band Music Reading Session (Please bring your instruments)

• Thursday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

  • L+F ~ A Global Connection – A “Sister School” in another country

Remember that retired Christian school teachers and administrators may attend the convention free of the normal registration charges. Contact the Executive Secretary, Brenda VanderPloeg, for details. (cea@ceateachers.org)

Spouse passes may be obtained at Convention Headquarters for $5 and guest passes for educators who are not CEA members are $110.

Student Teachers may attend the convention for free, if they send in a Student Teacher Voucher to Brenda VanderPloeg. Contact Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) for a Student Teacher Voucher.

CEA dues for this year will be $90 per member. These dues cover your convention registration, a subscription to the Christian Educators Journal, and committee expenses. Your delegate will be collecting dues in September.

River City Improv is coming to 2018 CEA! Admission is free! River City Improv begins at 8:00 pm, Thursday night in the Bendix Theatre on the lower level of the Century Center. Come with your colleagues to laugh and enjoy!

Gather by CEA headquarters at the Century Center for our 2018 CEA 5K Walk/Run. The event begins at 7:00 am, Friday morning. Follow the St. Joseph River for a beautiful morning walk or run. This will be an un-chipped event. There is no cost for this event.

Twitter – Use #CEA2018 to get connected and share your experience.

Two name badges will be sent to each teacher this year for use at the convention. Those who are being honored for 25 or 35 years of service will receive a special set of name badges. Your delegate will have those for you.

Calvin’s Graduate Education Department will offer SCECH’s (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) through the State of Michigan. Educators may earn Michigan SCECH’s for attending selected sessions. Specific directions may be obtained from your CEA delegate or on the CEA website. You may also stop at the Information Desk before the convention starts to pick up a registration form.

If you have any questions please stop by the Calvin College display booth in the Exhibits Hall.

INFORMATION DESK will be located on the Street Level of the Century Center. If you are a chairperson, please stop at Information Desk to pick up AND return your session envelope.

Back by popular demand, our very own CEA Book Club! Read, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel and come discuss this book at book club on Thursday, from 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Update: With apology, this session has been canceled.

South Bend is in the Eastern Time zone. That means that South Bend is on “Michigan Time.”

The CEA would like to express our deep appreciation to Lynnette VanHeukelum for designing the 2018 CEA Banner.

The exhibits will be ringing the great room on the River Level of the Century Center. Our Chairperson of Exhibits is Jerry Mastenbrook (Kalamazoo Christian Middle School). He has worked very hard at obtaining vendors to come to our convention. Please be sure to visit the exhibits and order materials right at the convention whenever possible. Even when placing an order later in the year, be sure to mention the convention exhibit. Since the exhibits are an important source of CEA income, we urge your cooperation.

The following have donated either products or cash for us to provide exhibitor prizes. Visit the exhibit hall and receive a ticket from the vendors, Drop your ticket off in the prize bowl at the CEA headquarters. We will be drawing prizes each hour.

Many thanks to:

Distinguished Donor........................ ANDY STEENSMA INSURANCE AGENCY

Serving the Michigan Educational Community since 1950

Outstanding Donor.......................... Providence Bank

CEA 2018 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION

To: ALL CEA MEMBERS

From: Brenda VanderPloeg, Executive Secretary

Christian Educators Association

Phone: 616.669.3497

email: cea@ceateachers.org

Date: MAY, 2018

Re: CEA 2018 CONVENTION HOUSING/LODGING

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2018 CEA Convention to be held in South Bend, Indiana on October 25 and 26. (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.) EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

· You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.

· Remember to reserve the correct dates. The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 25 and 26, 2018. You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 24 and/or Thursday, October 25.

· You will need a credit card number to make a reservation.

· You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Southbend DoubleTree Hotel

123 North St. Joseph Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Connected to the Century Center via a skywalk

Parking $10.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-234-2000

Rooms: $134.00

SpringHill Suites

5225 Edison Lakes Parkway

Mishawaka, IN 46545

5.2 miles East of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet

Reservation Number: 574-271-0832

Rooms: $99.00

Courtyard by Marriott

121 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

South Bend, IN 46601

Across the street from the Century Center

Newly built

Free wifi

In and Out valet parking, $15.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-237-7777

Rooms: $129.00

Comfort Suites

60971 US 31 South

South Bend, IN 46614

5 miles South of the Century Center

Complementary Hot Breakfast

Reservation Number: 574-291-3100

Rooms: $90.00

May 2018 Update

1. The invitation to serve as a 2018 CEA Chairperson is open! The role of the chairperson has changed slightly. We will no longer be asking you to introduce the speaker or to hand out evaluations. We will still need you to pick up the session envelope, help the speaker if necessary and record the attendance. The CEA Executive Board will like to offer all of our CEA Chairpersons a $5.00 appreciation gift for your involvement in the CEA. Please sign up to be a 2018 CEA Chairperson.
2. We are thrilled to welcome back River City Improv on Thursday night. Come with your staff for a night of laughs. The show will be held in the main hall, where the Opening Worship is held. The admission is free!
3. Great news! Due to popular demand we have opened up a 2nd PBL Workshop. If you were on the waiting list, you can plan on having a spot. If you are interested in joining this great opportunity please email cea@ceateachers.org to reserve your spot. Also, if you are a participant in the PBL Workshop, your lunch will be provided for you.
4. The 2018 CEA Housing information is below.
5. The dues for the 2018 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 25 and 26 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

CEA 2018 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2018 CEA Convention to be held in South Bend, Indiana on October 25 and 26.  (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.)    EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

• You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.
• Remember to reserve the correct dates.  The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 25 and 26, 2018.  You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 24 and/or Thursday, October 25. 
• You will need a credit card number to make a reservation.
• You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.

REDUCED RATES FOR CEA MEMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING HOTELS:

Southbend DoubleTree Hotel

123 North St. Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601

Connected to the Century Center via a skywalk

Parking $10.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-234-2000

Rooms: $134.00

SpringHill Suites

5225 Edison Lakes Parkway,  Mishawaka, IN 46545

5.2 miles East of the Century Center

Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet

Reservation Number: 574-271-0832

Rooms: $99.00

Courtyard by Marriott

121 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601

Across the street from the Century Center

Newly built

Free wifi

In and Out valet parking, $15.00 per day.

Reservation Number: 574-237-7777

Rooms: $129.00

Comfort Suites

60971 US 31 South, South Bend, IN 46614

5 miles South of the Century Center

Complementary Hot Breakfast

Reservation Number: 574-291-3100

Rooms: $90.00

April 2018 Update

1.     The invitation to serve as a 2018 CEA Chairperson is open! The role of the chairperson has changed slightly. We will no longer be asking you to introduce the speaker or to hand out evaluations. We will still need you to pick up the session envelope, help the speaker if necessary and record the attendance. The CEA Executive Board will like to offer all of our CEA Chairpersons a $5.00 appreciation gift for your involvement in the CEA. Please go to this link to sign up to be a 2018 CEA Chairperson.

2.     We are thrilled to welcome back River City Improv on Thursday night. Come with your staff for a night of laughs. The admission is free!

3.     Join us on Friday morning at 7:00 am for an unofficial 5K run or walk along the St. Joseph River.

4.     The CEA Committees will again offer tickets from the exhibitors that you can turn in for a chance to win a prize. The exhibitors are moving to the River Level of the Century Center. Stop by the booths on the River Level to learn about the products offered and receive a ticket.

5.     The dues for the 2018 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 25 and 26 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

March 2018 Update

1.     The 2018 CEA Convention will be held on October 25 and 26, 2018 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

2.     Our Keynote Speaker on Thursday is Carol Bremer - Bennett. Carol is the newly appointed director of World Renew after spending time in leadership at Rehoboth Christian School.

3.     Our Capstone Speaker on Friday is Paul Mpindi, the director of Mission French Africa Ministries, formerly of the Back to God Hour.

4.     The invitation to serve as a 2018 CEA Chairperson is open! The role of the chairperson has changed slightly. We will no longer be asking you to introduce the speaker or to hand out evaluations. We will still need you to pick up the session envelope, help the speaker if necessary and record the attendance. The CEA Executive Board will like to offer all of our CEA Chairpersons a $5.00 appreciation gift for your involvement in the CEA. Use SignUp Genius to be a 2018 CEA Chairperson.

5.     We are honored to have Kristyn Kamps, a national presenter from the Buck Institute, come to give a tailor made training in PBL. This will mirror the type of training that participants would receive at a three day Buck Institute training but is specifically designed to fit the six-session time frame of the convention and will be given from a Christian Perspective. This training will take place during all six sessions of the CEA Convention. Seats are limited and are filling up fast. Email Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) to reserve your spot today. Any interested in attending Buck Institute’s more comprehensive three day training should check out the Buck Institute’s event offerings.

6.     The dues for the 2018 CEA convention will be $90.00 per person.

We look forward to seeing YOU on October 25 and 26 at the Century Center in South Bend, IN.

Fall 2017 Update

The Convention Planning Committee is finalizing plans for the 2017 CEA Convention, which will be held October 19 and 20 at Holland Christian High School in Holland, MI. We hope this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!

• Theme: Cultivating Community
• Verse: Romans 12:4-5
• Thursday
  • Keynote Speaker: Jim Schaap
  • Opening Worship begins at 9:00 a.m. at Central Wesleyan Church.
• Friday
  • Capstone Speaker: Kurt Dykstra
  • Closing Worship begins at 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium at HCHS (Convention begins at 9:00 a.m.)
• 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
  • 1517-2017, 500 years since the Reformation. We will commemorate this in following ways:
  • All of the sessions occurring at 10:45 will in some way be about the Reformation or Reformed thinking.
  • Every Word Project
  • “Here I Stand” Exhibit 

All of the 2017 CEA Sectionals can be viewed at www.ceateachers.org. Click on the “Convention” tab, and then on “Convention Planner.”

The delegates are invited to attend an important Delegates’ Meeting on Thursday at 10:20 a.m., immediately following the Opening Worship, in the Choir Room behind the stage at Central Wesleyan Church.

2017 CEA Convention Theme: Cultivating Community

God created us to be in community. As Christian educators, we have the responsibility to create and cultivate healthy communities in our classrooms, in our schools, in CEA and in the broader community of believers. Community is cultivated through service, fellowship, vulnerability and collaboration. These enable us to rely on and care for each unique member.

Out of respect to speakers and fellow teachers, the Planning Committee requests that those in attendance at meetings not leave until the chairperson indicates the close of the session, unless you are leaving or arriving from participating in the Every Word Project.

Children and infants may not attend any CEA session or opening or closing worship.  We ask for your cooperation so someone from the Planning Committee will not be forced to ask you to leave.

A hotel reservation form was sent to you in the spring and you have hopefully already made your hotel/motel arrangements directly with the hotel/motel.  Another copy is included below. 

Two name badges will be sent to each teacher this year for use at the convention.  Those who are being honored for 25 or 35 years of service will receive a special set of name badges. Your delegate will have those for you.

On Thursday there will be a lunch break in the schedule. We are very excited to announce that a free, community, sit-down hot lunch will be provided to everyone on Thursday from 11:45 – 12:50 p.m. We are so grateful to Acosta for generously providing lunch to everyone at the convention. There are no sessions scheduled during lunch. The exhibit hall will be open.

From Many, One Mural project will immediately follow lunch. Please arrive at your 1:00 session room by 12:50 so that we can have everyone’s participation in the community building mural project.

The following Loaves and Fishes will be meeting in a room during a session time.

• Thursday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
  • L+F ~ Band Music Reading Session (Please bring your instruments)
  • L+F ~ Art Room. Come and create your own art.
• Thursday from 2:10 – 3:10 p.m.
  • L+F ~ Favorite Choral School Music
  • L+F ~ String Music Reading Session (Please bring your instruments)
  • L+F ~ Art Room. Come and create your own art.
• Thursday from 3:20 – 4:20 p.m.
  • L+F ~ Surround Care
  • L+F ~ Art Room. Come and create your own art.

A tour of Hope College is available on Thursday, October 19 from 1:00 – 4:00. Please contact Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) to register for this opportunity.

The lab rooms at Holland Christian will feature sessions that are active labs and learning experiences for you to participate in.

• 1:00 – 2:00 is for teachers who teach grades 5-8
• 2:10 – 3:10 is for teachers who teach grades 1-4As a community we are commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by reading out-loud every word in God’s Holy Scripture during the Convention; The Every Word Project. We pray that this activity will light a fire in us for God and His Word. We will need many volunteers to come to read for 15 minutes at a time throughout the convention. Sign up here:

i.     Sign up to proclaim from Genesis – Numbers.

ii.     Sign up to proclaim from Deuteronomy – II Samuel.

iii.     Sign up to proclaim from I Kings – Ezra.

iv.     Sign up to proclaim from Nehemiah – Psalms.

v.     Sign up to proclaim from Proverbs – Jeremiah.

vi.     Sign up to proclaim from Lamentations – Malachi.

vii.     Sign up to proclaim from Matthew – Acts.

viii.     Sign up to proclaim from Romans – Revelation.

“Here I Stand” exhibit, a collection of thirty accessible and engaging graphic art posters, including colorful maps and graphic-novel-style scenes, that showcase the Reformation’s beginnings, movement and impact over time. This collection will be on display in the gym on Thursday only.

CEA dues for this year will be $90 per member.  These dues cover your convention registration, a subscription to the Christian Educators Journal, and committee expenses.  Your delegate will be collecting your dues. The deadline for dues payment is September 14.

Remember that retired Christian school teachers and administrators may attend the convention free of the normal registration charges.  Contact the Executive Secretary, Brenda VanderPloeg, for details.  (cea@ceateachers.org)

Spouse passes may be obtained at Convention Headquarters for $5 and guest passes for educators who are not CEA members are $110. 

Student Teachers may attend the convention for free, if they send in a Student Teacher Voucher to Brenda VanderPloeg. Contact Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) for a Student Teacher Voucher.

Fitness Options:

• A workout / fitness class in the gym at 3:20 on Thursday led by Nicki Chandler, Wellness Instructor
• A bike ride through Holland. We have a 10 mile, a 20 mile or a 25 mile route. Meet us in the cafeteria at 4:45 on Thursday to join in. You can find more information here.
• 7:00 am on Friday morning, join us for a 5K run through the paths of Holland. Meet at the information desk.

Gift Card Drawings:

• Visit the exhibitors and get a ticket. Drop your ticket off at the information desk. Four $25.00 Amazon gift card winners will be drawn and announced during each session.
• A grand prize drawing will also be drawn from the exhibitor tickets. We are offering three $100.00 Amazon gift cards for three grand prize drawings.
• Create an account with SCHED (our online convention planner) and be entered to win one of two $100.00 Visa Gift Cards.
• Is this your first time attending CEA? Welcome! Come to the information desk and enter to win one of two $25.00 Amazon gift cards or one of two $25.00 Book Bug gift cards.

Twitter – Use #CEA2017 to get connected and share your experience.

Calvin’s Graduate Education Department will offer SCECH’s (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) through the State of Michigan. Educators may earn Michigan SCECH’s for attending selected sessions. Specific directions may be obtained from your CEA delegate. You may also stop at the CEA Information Desk before the convention starts to pick up a registration form. If you have any questions please stop by headquarters to speak with a Graduate Program representative or stop by the Calvin College display booth in the Exhibits Hall.

CONVENTION Information Desk will be located outside of the Media Center at Holland Christian High School. If you are a chairperson, please stop at CEA Information Desk to pick up AND return your session envelope.

Back by popular demand, our very own CEA Book Club! Read, March by Geraldine Brooks and come discuss this book at book club on Friday, from 10:10 – 11:10 a.m.

The exhibits will be located on Main Street at Holland Christian High School. Our Chairperson of Exhibits is Jerry Mastenbrook (Kalamazoo Christian Middle School).  He has worked very hard at obtaining vendors to come to our convention.  Please be sure to visit the exhibits and order materials right at the convention whenever possible.  Even when placing an order later in the year, be sure to mention the convention exhibit.  Since the exhibits are an important source of CEA income, we urge your cooperation. 

The following have donated either products or cash for us to provide exhibitor prizes. Visit the exhibit hall and receive a ticket from the vendors, Drop your ticket off in the prize bowl at the CEA information desk. We will be drawing prizes each hour.

Many thanks to:

Distinguished Donor - ANDY STEENSMA INSURANCE AGENCY

Serving the Michigan Educational Community since 1950

Outstanding Donor - Providence Bank

 

CEA 2017 CONVENTION HOUSING INFORMATION

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2017 CEA Convention which will be held in Holland, MI on October 19 and 20.  (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.)    EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

• You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.
• Remember to reserve the correct dates.  The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20, 2017.  You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 18 and/or Thursday, October 19.  
• You will need a credit card number to make a reservation.
• You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.
• Hotel/motel names, rates, etc. are listed below.

Holland DoubleTree by Hilton -  650 East 24th Street,  Holland, MI 49423

(3 miles east of Holland Christian High School)

PH:  616-396-0708

Rooms = $129.00 (breakfast included)

Holiday Inn Express Holland - 12381 Felch Street,  Holland, MI 49424  (6 miles north of Holland Christian High School)

PH: 616-738-2800

Rooms = $119.00

Hampton Inn of Holland - 12427 Felch Street, Holland, MI 49424

(6 miles north of Holland Christian High School)

PH: 616-399-8500

Rooms = $134.00 (complimentary hot breakfast, micro fridg in room, free wi-fi)

May 2017 Update

Every Word Project

The Every Word Project is to proclaim out loud every word of the Bible. We will begin by reading Genesis 1 during our Opening Worship. We will conclude by reading Revelation 22 during our Closing Worship. We will join together as a community of Christian educators to read every word in between out loud during the 2017 CEA convention. Yes, we will be reading to an empty room. This is not a performance nor is it a time of instruction. This is a time of proclamation! We are proclaiming God's word, in it's entirety, as a community of Christian educators. Since the commemoration reading and the convention are occurring concurrently it is perfectly acceptable to either enter a session late or leave early to go and proclaim. We are excited to be able to combine our theme of Cultivating Community and the Commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation into one project, the Every Word Project.

i.     Sign up to proclaim from Genesis – Numbers.

ii.     Sign up to proclaim from Deuteronomy – II Samuel.

iii.     Sign up to proclaim from I Kings – Ezra.

iv.     Sign up to proclaim from Nehemiah – Psalms.

v.     Sign up to proclaim from Proverbs – Jeremiah.

vi.     Sign up to proclaim from Lamentations – Malachi.

vii.     Sign up to proclaim from Matthew – Acts.

viii.     Sign up to proclaim from Romans – Revelation.

Here are some additional ways that you can enhance your reading of scripture:

1.     Sign up for more than one slot! You can sign up for several slots in a row, or for various slots spread throughout the convention.

2.     Sign up with a friend. Sign up with your teaching team. Sign up as a school, or as a department, or a grade level. Proclaim the Word together.

3.     In one of the rooms the reader proclaiming God’s word will be shown on a television screen in the hall. We are saturating the convention with God’s Word.

4.     We are encouraging the reading of God’s Word in languages other than English. In each room there will be a Spanish Bible available to read from. There will also be an iPad in each room where the Word can be proclaimed in Latin, French, German, Hebrew, Mandarin, Dutch etc.

Pray for those who are reading that God will use His Word in their mouths to actively speak into their lives and in turn into the lives of their students. 

2017 CEA Chairperson Sign Up

Sign up today to serve as a Session Chairperson at CEA 2017! We are looking for friendly smiles to introduce the presenter in each session and welcome the attendees. It is our goal to have this sign up completed by the end of May. 

2017 CEA Housing Information

This important housing/lodging information is being sent to you in preparation for our fall 2017 CEA Convention which will be held in Holland, MI on October 19 and 20.  (More convention information and a request for dues will be sent to you in the fall.)    EACH CEA MEMBER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING HIS/HER OWN HOUSING/LODGING RESERVATIONS.

• You must tell the hotels that you are with CEA to receive these rates.
• Remember to reserve the correct dates.  The actual CEA Convention is Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20, 2017.  You will most likely need lodging for Wednesday, October 18 and/or Thursday, October 19. 
• You will need a credit card number to make a reservation.
• You will be dealing directly with the hotel/motel for ALL arrangements and will receive a confirmation directly from that hotel/motel.
• Hotel/motel names, rates, etc. are listed below.

Holland DoubleTree by Hilton -  650 East 24th Street,  Holland, MI 49423

(3 miles east of Holland Christian High School)

PH:  616-396-0708

Rooms = $129.00 (breakfast included)

Holiday Inn Express Holland - 12381 Felch Street,  Holland, MI 49424  (6 miles north of Holland Christian High School)

PH: 616-738-2800

Rooms = $119.00

Hampton Inn of Holland - 12427 Felch Street, Holland, MI 49424

(6 miles north of Holland Christian High School)

PH: 616-399-8500

Rooms = $134.00 (complimentary hot breakfast, micro fridg in room, free wi-fi)

2017 CEA Get Movin' Opportunities

* Join Nicki Chandler, exercise instructor, in the gym at Holland Christian High School on Thursday, October 19 from 3:20 - 4:20 for a fun workout.

* Join Dirk Hollebeek on a bike ride through Holland. Bring your own bike and helmet. We will ride on Thursday after the convention. Email Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) to sign up.

* 2017 CEA 5K run with David DeKruyter on Friday, October 20 at 7:00 a.m. David will lead us on a new route for our 5K run. Email Brenda VanderPloeg (cea@ceateachers.org) to sign up.

2017 CEA Debut of:

* Carolyn Stitch from the Carolyn Stitch art studios of downtown Holland will be making the art room at Holland Christian available for you with some great ideas and materials to make your own art on Thursday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:20.

* Traveling Sensory Classroom is coming on Friday (beginning at 8:30, the rest of the convention begins at 9:00). You will have the opportunity to participate in a simulation of what it is like to have a sensory processing disorder.

* Orchestra read through - in addition to our normal band and choir read through sessions, we will also be having a string read through session. Please bring your instruments and let's make music together.

* Special two hour engaging training on effective Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday morning. This will be led by Dr. Joy Meyer and Kelly Lenarz from Trinity Christian College. Participants will leave with a specific plan and the confidence to engage parents effectively during parent teacher conferences. Attendees should bring a laptop and earbuds to this workshop.

* The Van Andel Education Institute is bringing their beakers. Come use the beautiful lab rooms at Holland Christian High School and participate in two exciting lab sessions. White coats not required.

* "From Many, One" Mural. Following lunch on Thursday we will all have the opportunity to work together for a few minutes as a community to help artist, Joel Schoon-Tanis, build a mural. You will be able to watch him work in the set garage at Holland Christian High School on Thursday afternoon. Details and directions will be given at the opening worship on Thursday.

* "Here I Stand" Exhibition - A series of 30 engaging posters on the history of the reformation will be on display in the gym all day on Thursday.