Breakout Topics
Breakout sessions and Peer Networking groups give you the ability to learn with peers from other schools and dive deeper on topics that are relevant to your role within your school.
Have expertise you would like to share? Apply to be a breakout speaker.
2025 Breakout Session Topics
The conference will host two breakout sessions. Many topics are offered during both sessions. Recordings of most breakouts will be available after the conference. Attendees can pick the two breakouts they want to attend in-person during the conference and review recordings for sessions they missed after the conference.
Instructions for customizing your Professional Development Day:
- Login using the credentials emailed to you. If you did not receive an email, check your junk folder or email conference@mcamustangs.org.
- Select your top 3 breakout options that you are interested in attending
- Sign up for a peer networking group
- Select your lunch option
- Once finished, all your selections will show here. Click ‘Email me my ticket’ and you will receive an email with your selections. Email will be sent from MN Christian Schools United. If you do not receive an email, please check your junk folder.
Personalize your schedule
Select your top 3 breakouts, a peer networking group, and a lunch selection. Attendees must log in to make selections.
Thursday 16 Oct 2025
9:50 am - 10:40 am Breakout Session 1
A Culture of Generosity Framework for your School
Denny Vauters | GenerisRoom 221
In this session we will zoom out to take a look at the fundraising components necessary to build a culture of generosity in your school. We'll start with the foundation of a theology of giving, move into fundraising theories (best practices) that inform the strategy and structure of your fundraising initiatives. Our time together will look at the framework for advancement in a Christian school and and how the essential components work together to grow a culture of generosity in your school.
AI for Educators: Tools and Tips Every Educator Can Use Today
Allen Banks | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 234
Come with us as we discuss how AI is already shaping your classrooms. We will review common tools and learn practical tips you can start using right away. This session will build your confidence in understanding AI, highlight time-saving applications for teachers, and equip you to guide yourself and your students in using AI ethically and effectively.
AI in the Christian School…What does the research say?
Jeff Matner | ACSIRoom 212
We will give some of the findings of AI usage in Christian schools from the latest research conducted by ACSI and Cardus. We will also provide some legal guidelines on how to best implement artificial intelligence in your school.
Brain Matters 101: Helping Adults Help Kids
Michelle Grubb | Maranatha Christian AcaemyRoom 217
Adolescence is a strength, not a liability—learn how it works and how to leverage its once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Take a journey through the brain path, learning how information enters the brain, stopping at each major function and learning techniques to get information into long-term memory. Understand the different stages of development and why we as adults act as a surrogate pre-frontal cortex for teens. You'll laugh, pick up tricks and tools, and have many AHA moments in this engaging session of Brain Matters 101!
Breaking Free from Burnout
Pam Litzenberger | BJU PressRoom 214
From first year teachers to veteran teachers, the rate of teacher burnout is rising steadily. Why are teachers feeling exhausted and desiring to leave the profession? How can we as teachers recognize the signs of burnout and how can we reverse this process? How can administrators help teachers avoid burnout before it happens? This workshop will help both teachers and administrators address and deal with burnout.
Case Studies: A Detailed Look at the Average Christian School's Financial Position
Brandon Allen | Fortify FoundationRoom 225
This session will focus on the typical outlook of a Christian school budget. We will have varying case studies illustrating the difference in outcomes and future trajectories of varying models. We will also take time to build a case study based on your school’s enrollment and average tuition rates.
Created with Purpose: Integrating the CASEL Framework for SEL, Cultural Responsiveness, and Student Flourishing
Dr. Sarah Rothstein | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 200
This session examines how teachers’ cultural competence and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices shape student flourishing, grounded in the truth of Psalm 139:13–14 that each student is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Participants will explore research findings, Scripture-based principles, and practical strategies to strengthen culturally responsive SEL that honors diversity, builds community, and supports the holistic development of every learner.
Disagreeing Well: Cultivating Connection in a Polarized World
Tammie Haveman | Oklahoma Baptist UniversityRoom 226
Disagreement is a natural part of life and learning, yet how we navigate it can either deepen division or build connection. This session will explore how educators and leaders can approach differing viewpoints in ways that honor God, foster mutual respect, and create space for genuine understanding. Participants will gain insights and practical tools for engaging in conversations that strengthen community and model a healthier way forward.
Five of the Seven ENVoY Gems
Ward Bennett | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 213
This session will cover five of the seven GEMS researched by Michael Grinder, the creator of ENVoY classroom management techniques. I chose these five because, like the gospel, they changed me. Before I began using these non-verbal management tools, I was stressed, fatigued, and could barely speak at the end of the day. After applying them to my lessons, my classroom was transformed, and I was able to accomplish things I thought weren't possible at the time. My classroom became a place where learning was fun and engaging for me and my students. I want to share them with you and give you something to take away and use as soon as you return to school.
From Eden to Today: Neuroscience, Scripture, and the Call to Prayer
Dr. Jeffrey Leighton | North Central UniversityRoom 233
This breakout session explores how biblical narratives align with neuroscience, focusing on Genesis 3 and Luke’s Gospel. Participants will examine how self-awareness, shame, and fear circuits became activated in Eden, and how these same neural systems can be restored through prayer. Drawing on original neuroimaging research with EEG and swLORETA. Dr. Leighton shows how prayer calms fear responses, strengthens self-control, and fosters peace. The session bridges scripture, theology, and modern science, demonstrating that God’s design for communication with Him is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.
Habits of Mind: Equipping Students with Growth Mindset Skills
Emma Clausen | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 215
This session will explore how implementing the Habits of Mind in daily classroom routines can empower students to embrace challenges, persevere through mistakes, and develop a growth mindset.
Play More!
Seann Dickers | PortalsRoom 206
It’s easy to recognize how valuable play is to our children. They love it! It is not so easy to convince ourselves that play has a variety of long term benefits and that play is actually learning. It is arguably the most pure form of learning we have. Dr. Dikkers will walk us through an overview of the physical, developmental, social, and academic benefits of non-directed outdoor play time.
Private and Independent Education in Minnesota - Your Voice Matters
Tim Benz | MinndependentRoom 232
This session will focus on the ecosystem of private and independent schools in Minnesota. We'll look at enrollment trends, issues facing private/independent schools and highlight ways school communities can elevate their voices for students and families.
Project Based Learning - The Basics
Zach Schubert | True Light Christian SchoolRoom 201
In this session, you will learn the "why" behind PBL and explore how you can dip your toe in the vast ocean of Project Based Learning this school year.
Sustaining the Motivation of Little Learners
Julie Madsen | BJU PressRoom 219
Keeping young students consistently engaged and motivated is one of the most joyful and challenging aspects of teaching. This session explores strategies and practical techniques to foster intrinsic motivation in little learners. Participants will gain insights into the developmental needs of early childhood, the role of relationships and environment in sustaining engagement, and how to design meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, independence, and persistence.
The Power of Play: Hands-on Activities to Energize your Classroom
Rachael Kaiser (MCA) & Dr. Connie Freitag (NCU)Room 223
Play is a powerful tool for learners of all ages. In this session, you’ll explore how to incorporate hands-on, playful activities into your classroom to boost engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. From problem-solving games to collaborative challenges, you’ll leave with a toolbox of strategies that make learning fun and meaningful while meeting educational goals. Discover how play taps into students’ natural curiosity and fosters a joyful learning environment.
Peer Networking Groups
Choose the peer networking group you would like to attend
1st and 2nd Grade Teachers
Room 228
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
3rd and 4th Grade Teachers
Room 232
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
5th and 6th Grade Teachers
Room 226
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Advancement (Admissions, MARCOM, Development)
Room 219
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Art Specialists
Room 210
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Athletics
Room 214
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Bible Teachers Peer Networking Group
Room 223
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Business office/Operations
Room 217
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Counseling/College & Career
Room 205
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Early Childhood
Room 234
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Education Majors/Students
Room 233
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
ELA Peer Networking Group
Room 202
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Exec/Office Assistants & Student Support
Room 215
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Head of School/President
Head of School Office
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Kindergarten Teachers
Room 230
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Learning Support/Gifted
Room 221
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Math Teachers Peer Networking Group
Room 204
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Music Specialists
Room 212
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
PE/Health Teachers
Room 208
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Principals
Room 203
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Science Peer Networking Group
Room 200
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Social Studies Peer Networking Group
Room 225
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
STEM/Innovation Specialists
Room 206
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
World Language Peer Networking Group
Room 213
Connect with fellow attendees who share your role at their schools. These small group sessions offer a dedicated space to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and discuss the realities of your day-to-day work. Come prepared with your most pressing questions and leave with practical insights from colleagues who truly understand your position.
Lunch
Select your lunch option
BLT Avocado Sandwich
The ultimate BLT piled high with bacon, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, avocado, sprouts, and our signature sauce served on honey wheat bread. Pickle, cookie, and potato chips served on the side.
Café Club Sandwich
Cured ham, oven-roasted turkey breast, crispy bacon, lettuce, and cheddar cheese with our signature sauce. Prepared on freshly baked honey wheat break. Dill Pickle, Cookie, and Potato Chips served on the side.
Chef salad with ranch dressing
Oven-roasted turkey, cured ham, and hardboiled egg with jack & cheddar cheese on crisp salad greens. Served with freshly baked bread.
Chicken Ceasar Salad
Grilled chicken breast, garden fresh romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes,parmesan cheese, and croutons. Served with freshly basked bread.
Granny Apple Turkey Sandwich
Tangy sliced green apples, Havarti cheese, lettuce, and our famous apple cider vinaigrette dressing on top of our oven roasted turkey breast. Honey wheat bread. Pickles, cookie, and potato chips on the side.
Vegan Salad with White Balsamic Dressing
Chopped romaine with quinoa, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black beans,red peppers, avocados, and tortilla strips.
1:10 pm - 2:00 pm Breakout Session 2
AI for Educators: Tools and Tips Every Educator Can Use Today
Allen Banks | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 234
Come with us as we discuss how AI is already shaping your classrooms. We will review common tools and learn practical tips you can start using right away. This session will build your confidence in understanding AI, highlight time-saving applications for teachers, and equip you to guide yourself and your students in using AI ethically and effectively.
Biblical Immersion Toolbox
Jake Kerschner | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 223
This session will offer some simple and practical tips and tools to better immerse and integrate a Biblical worldview into your classroom. Several strategies will be shared as well as time to brainstorm and collaborate with peers.
Developing Dynamic Donor Relationships
Jeff Keaton | RenewaNationRoom 206
In this session Jeff will give you a crash course on effective donor development. He will share lessons he has learned through formal training and the school of hard knocks. You will leave this session with greater hope that you can be successful in raising the funds you need to grow your Christian school.
Effective Leadership
Julie Madsen | BJU PressRoom 219
This workshop will teach you how to become a successful leader in your school, whether you are a teacher, administrator, or other educational staff. You will leave with practical leadership skills you can implement immediately as you lead the team God entrusted to you.
Excel for all Stages
Sarah Gibson | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 232
Join this session for a hands-on Excel workshop designed to help you gain new skills or refresh the ones you don’t use every day. Discover simple yet powerful functions that streamline reporting, save time, and boost efficiency. You’ll also learn practical shortcuts that make navigating Excel easier and faster. Leave equipped with valuable tools to improve your productivity and confidence in Excel!
Faith in Action: Equipping Christian Educators to Combat Human Trafficking and Online Exploitation
Debra Hoyt | Our RescueRoom 221
In a world where students are increasingly vulnerable to online dangers and exploitation, Christian educators have a critical role to play in prevention and protection. This session offers a faith-based approach to human trafficking awareness and online safety, empowering teachers with practical tools to recognize warning signs, implement preventative strategies, and create a culture of vigilance and compassion in their schools. Grounded in biblical principles and current research, this presentation equips educators to become advocates for safety, hope, and restoration—both in their classrooms and beyond.
Five of the Seven ENVoY Gems
Ward Bennett | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 213
This session will cover five of the seven GEMS researched by Michael Grinder, the creator of ENVoY classroom management techniques. I chose these five because, like the gospel, they changed me. Before I began using these non-verbal management tools, I was stressed, fatigued, and could barely speak at the end of the day. After applying them to my lessons, my classroom was transformed, and I was able to accomplish things I thought weren't possible at the time. My classroom became a place where learning was fun and engaging for me and my students. I want to share them with you and give you something to take away and use as soon as you return to school.
I Said This, You Heard That
Michelle Grubb | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 217
"If you've ever said the wrong thing or said the right thing the wrong way you know how quickly your big mouth can make a big mess. But it doesn't have to be that way. The words you say and the words you hear have the power to shape your entire life. And the more sobering thing—the reason for this study—is that your words have the power to shape other people's lives too!
Improve every conversation you have, whether with students, parents, coworkers, even your own family, with better clarity and more meaningful interactions in this super fun and engaging workshop! You will leave with instant actionable tools and wishing you had learned them sooner!"
Kindergarten Readiness
Kathi Dobbs | St Cloud Christian SchoolRoom 201
What does Kindergarten Readiness mean to you? Must students be ready to attend Kindergarten, or should Kindergarten be ready for students no matter their background?
Organizing Your Space and Task Management Strategies
Lettie Fundanet & Colette Winn | Maranatha Christian AcademyRoom 210
Come get inspired with ideas for organizing "all the stuff" in your classroom. Additionally, we will share how to stay on top of all the tasks that are required of teachers so you can go home at the end of the day.
Steady On: Building Steadfast Learning Communities in a World of Change
Tammie Haveman | Oklahoma Baptist UniversityRoom 226
In today’s world, educators and students alike are navigating rapid change, uncertainty and overwhelming demands. Now more than ever, teachers and leaders must embody resilience and steadiness, offering students reassurance and a framework for navigating turbulent times. By reflecting on principles that nurture wise decision-making and steady leadership, we can create environments where students feel supported, grounded and able to thrive. This presentation will explore practical ways to cultivate resilience within ourselves as leaders while also equipping us to guide students with clarity, wisdom and hope.
Teaching Math Actively
Pam Litzenberger | BJU PressRoom 214
Need ideas to make 6th grade math more interesting, or methods to help your pre-algebra students understand slope more easily? How can you make learning the quadratic formula—or any formula—easier to learn? In this workshop, I will present simple ideas that will be easy and inexpensive to personalize for your class and then implement. From graphic organizers to games and projects, these resources will add variety to your class and get your students excited to learn math.
The Top 10 Things Every Head of School wants his/her board to know…
Jeff Matner | ACSIRoom 212
Too often boards don't understand their roles and responsibilities. This workshop would give a quick overview of the types of responsibilities that a school Head wants the board to know. Highly interactive and informative.
Trauma-Informed Classrooms
Pamela Beaudry | North Central UniversityRoom 200
This session will look at the impacts of trauma on the brain. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn how trauma impacts learning, and ways to create a trauma-informed classroom.
Register Now!
October 16, 2025 | 8 am – 3:15 pm
Early-bird $30 per ticket | Regular $40 per ticket
You and your staff can join other local Christian educators to experience this unique and inspirational conference.