It struck me as I walked through the exhibit hall of the North American Division (NAD) Teachers' Convention. I’ve attended a number of schools, taught at others, and visited many more. But it wasn’t until I was attempting to navigate through Nashville’s gigantic Gaylord Opryland Hotel that I put it together. There I was, unable to traverse a single aisle in the exhibit hall without bumping into an old friend, a colleague, or a former teacher or student. In the midst of that jostling crowd, I realized that education is what binds us together.

For so many in the Adventist church, education is our common root. It’s what makes the Adventist world, even with its millions of members, so small. This convention, in addition to being four days of professional development, was a celebration of schools and teachers, of the art and science of passing on knowledge and faith to another generation.

In the crowded hallways outside the general sessions and workshops of this convention with more than 6,500 Adventist educators, you would find teachers clumped together laughing, reminiscing, sharing, or arguing passionately over ideas. Many tended to be as tardy to the workshops as some of their students, crowding in at the last minute even if they had to sit on the floor. The general sessions were also strained to capacity as teachers lined the walls at the back of a room so large it needed four big projection screens.

From opening night with Adventist historian George Knight and Christian recording artist/comedian Mark Lowry to Henry Wright’s devotionals and Ron Clark’s (Disney’s 2000 Teacher of the Year) motivating message, the general sessions served to inspire our teachers to take up their sacred task once more. In a final commitment service led by NAD president Don Schneider, our teachers dedicated themselves again to reaching our children with knowledge and truth.

"From the Spirit-filled devotions to the inspiring sessions, we experienced an event that raised the bar on our Journey to Excellence," said Kevin Kossick, Battle Creek Academy principal.

A number of educators were honored during the convention. The General Conference Office of Education presented Awards of Excellence to: Dorothea Amey, retired, from the Pacific Union; Conrad Gill, director of education, Southern Union; Gary Randolph, director of education, Lake Union; and Ron Russell, director of education, Mid-America Union.

The NAD Office of Education extended special recognition for service to Erma Lee, NAD associate director of education, and Marie Blevins, NAD Office of Education secretary, as well as to David Vixie, Adventist educator from the Northern California Conference, the recipient of Disney’s 2006 Teacher of the Year award.

Many of the 350 workshops offered professional growth in areas of curriculum, student development, or school operations. But many more were focused on enhancing the spiritual development of students in the classroom. Our teachers were preparing not only to educate, but to evangelize as they lead their students to Jesus.

Garry Sudds, Lake Union Conference associate education director, said, "It was spiritually energizing! The magnitude and spiritual focus re-affirmed to our educators that they have been called to a sacred work. Leading our children to Jesus and equipping them with skills to bring others to Him is what it's all about."

Each teacher received two books as gifts from the NAD Office of Education: Avenues to the Heart, a collection of stories about life-changing teachers edited by NAD associate director of education Larry Blackmer, and What We Believe, my new book explaining the 28 fundamental beliefs for kids. I was privileged to sign thousands of my books for teachers at the Adventist Book Center exhibit, and I was overwhelmed by their dedication to helping students understand what their church teaches and how much God loves them.

A convention such as this one is not inexpensive or simple. The NAD Office of Education, led by Gerald Kovalski, vice president for education, invested countless hours in planning, organizing, and implementing this massive effort. What makes all that effort worthwhile?

“Catching up on friends and students from years past, becoming inspired by great presenters who shared new innovations and teaching strategies, and coming closer to the Lord through Elder Wright's messages—all in a phenomenal setting—renewed my enthusiasm, spirituality, and drive to do my best for Jesus,” commented Bonnie Velez of Battle Creek Academy.

“I enjoyed networking with others, learning from the numerous breakout sessions, and visiting with friends. I especially appreciated the Christ-centered messages presented at the main meetings,” remarked Matthew Pacer, a teacher at Cross Street Christian School.

“It's such an awesome opportunity to visit with other teachers from across the U.S. and worship together. The NAD Teachers' Convention is more than an inservice, it's a wonderful spiritual and emotional experience. It was rejuvenating and uplifting,” recalled Tracy Arnett, Cross Street Christian School principal.

“My entire outlook on what I do at HAA has changed since the convention. I am working to help my students become 'ark builders.' I will never forget Henry Wright's message. I am determined to help prepare my students to carry on the work,” stated Patricia Williams, Hinsdale Adventist Academy principal.

This convention filled me with hope. It’s true that tuition costs are rising. Many parents are forced to dig deeper to keep their kids in school. Many schools must get by on a shoestring in order to keep operating. But the commitment to excellence among our teachers is strong. And the commitment to the spiritual growth of their students is even stronger.

The education system of our church—our common root—is healthy. Blessed be this tie that binds us together.

Jerry D. Thomas is the Southwestern Union Conference communication director.