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. 

 

Breakouts

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. 

Thursday 16 Oct 2025

9:50 am - 10:40 am Breakout Session 1

Developing Dynamic Donor Relationships

Jeff Keaton, RenewaNationRoom 124

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.

Jeff Keaton is the founder and chairman of RenewaNation. Over the years, he has pastored two churches, planted multiple churches, founded a local Christian school, assisted with launching many schools nationally, and begun several other ministries. He wholeheartedly surrendered his life to Christ on February 11, 1990, which forever changed his life. From that day forward, he has attempted to follow Christ, no matter the cost. Jeff is passionate about seeing lost people come to know Jesus, encouraging Christians to surrender completely to Christ, and helping children develop a biblical worldview. He is the author of The Life of Radical Faith and Saving Our Children In a World Gone Crazy. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Michele, for 37 years, has two married daughters, Julianna and Heidi, four grandsons, Marshall, Henry, Josiah, and Charlie Wade and one granddaughter, Nora Ruth.
Thu 9:50 am - 10:40 am
Development

How to Shape Early Childhood Education with a Biblical Worldview

Dr. Julie Madsen, BJU PressRoom 123

In this session, learn how to encourage growth in your students by using a biblical worldview in all aspects of teaching. You will learn how to incorporate biblical teaching in your classroom to strengthen your students’ emotional skills, cognitive development, spiritual growth, and thinking habits. This session also covers Christian values to instill in students, such as compassion, honesty, love, and forgiveness.

Julie holds a doctorate in education and has 13 years of experience in Christian education, including roles as a teacher, early childhood director, and principal. She enjoys coaching others as well as working with students of all ages. She currently works for BJU Press as a national consultant.
Thu 9:50 am - 10:40 am
Early Childhood

Seeing the Big Picture with Footsteps for Fours

Dr. Julie Madsen, BJU PressRoom 234

This workshop emphasizes the importance of the early years in creating a strong foundation, as how we do so will determine each child’s approach to future learning. Participants will discover what teachers may do to excite and nurture a love of learning in the early years.

Julie holds a doctorate in education and has 13 years of experience in Christian education, including roles as a teacher, early childhood director, and principal. She enjoys coaching others as well as working with students of all ages. She currently works for BJU Press as a national consultant.
Thu 9:50 am - 10:40 am
Early Childhood

Watch Me Grow! Understanding and Cultivating Preschoolers’ Developmental Skills

Dr. Julie Madsen, BJU PressRoom 1233

This workshop will explore strategies for developing early learners’ developmental skills, including gross and fine motor skills and language, cognitive, social, and spiritual abilities. The discussion will focus on the optimal times and methods for enhancing these skills in the classroom.

Julie holds a doctorate in education and has 13 years of experience in Christian education, including roles as a teacher, early childhood director, and principal. She enjoys coaching others as well as working with students of all ages. She currently works for BJU Press as a national consultant.
Thu 9:50 am - 10:40 am
Early Childhood

10:50 am - 11:50 am Peer Networking Groups

Advancement Peer Networking

Room 345

Network with other Advancement professionals

Thu 10:50 am - 11:50 am
Development

Counselors Peer Networking Group

Room 142

Thu 10:50 am - 11:50 am

Elementary Teachers Peer Networking Group

Room 243

Thu 10:50 am - 11:50 am
Elementary

Principals Peer Networking Group

Room 123

Thu 10:50 am - 11:50 am

11:50 am - 1:00 pm Lunch

Chic-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

Lunch

Thu 11:50 am - 1:00 pm

Chic-Fil-A Salad

Lunch

Thu 11:50 am - 1:00 pm

1:10 pm - 2:00 pm Breakout Session 2

Friends from Focus on Fives

Dr. Julie Madsen, BJU PressRoom 123

What goals should an excellent K5 program have? We will learn about the friends from Focus on Fives and how they make learning fun and engaging. We will look at the phonics component that gives kindergarten students a strong foundation for reading. Let’s walk through a lesson together to see where each suggested instructional activity can be found to make using our program seamless and exciting.

Julie holds a doctorate in education and has 13 years of experience in Christian education, including roles as a teacher, early childhood director, and principal. She enjoys coaching others as well as working with students of all ages. She currently works for BJU Press as a national consultant.
Thu 1:10 pm - 2:00 pm
Elementary

Pathways for Preschool: Parts and Pieces

Dr. Julie Madsen, BJU PressRoom 234

This workshop takes a hands-on, center-based approach tolearning. The Pathways for Preschool program gives the tools needed to address little learners’ cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Pathways is intended to instill a profound love of learning in two- and three-year-olds.

Julie holds a doctorate in education and has 13 years of experience in Christian education, including roles as a teacher, early childhood director, and principal. She enjoys coaching others as well as working with students of all ages. She currently works for BJU Press as a national consultant.
Thu 1:10 pm - 2:00 pm
Early Childhood

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.

Register Now

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