The workshop closed with a service of dedication, as Pastor Shane Anderson encouraged the teachers and prayed over them, reminding them of their sacred calling. | Photos by Katie Fellows
Debbie Michel
July 31, 2025Twenty-one educators from across the Lake Union gathered at the Union headquarters in Berrien Springs, Michigan, for a five-day small school intensive designed for teachers new to multigrade classrooms or those needing a refresher.
Organized by the Lake Union Education Department, the July 27-31 training provided practical instruction for educators serving in schools with three or fewer teachers, which are classified as “small schools” across the North American Division. Of its 79 schools, the Lake Union has more than 50 such schools, where multigrade teaching is a daily reality.
Throughout the week, participants learned how to manage multigrade classrooms, implement curriculum effectively and integrate faith into every part of the school day. Experts served as presenters, offering hands-on guidance and sharing proven classroom strategies. Teachers also received schooling on the North American Division’s shift toward standards-based learning—a relatively new approach to measuring and supporting student progress.
“We bring in expert multigrade teachers to share their experience and help attendees understand not only how to manage the classroom, but how to see Jesus in every part of the day and teach students to do the same,” said Nicole Mattson, Lake Union associate director of education.
During the week, another training ensued for teachers instructing pre-K students. Sue Tidwell oversees early childhood education at the Lake Union and said this training is especially critical. “It is during these early years, birth to age 5, that the brain develops 90 percent of its adult capacity.” Teachers were instructed in how to allow children “to play and explore the use of their natural curiosity to make all those brain cell connections that will support all their learning in later years.”
Two highlights stood out: the attendance of a newly hired ESL teacher from Indiana, made possible through a Lilly Foundation grant, and a special teacher consecration service led by Pioneer Memorial Church pastor Shane Anderson. The ESL teacher, hired to support three schools in Marion County, joined the intensive to gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum she will be reinforcing through her language support.
The week closed with a service of dedication, as Pastor Anderson encouraged the teachers and prayed over them, reminding them of their sacred calling.
Mattson concluded that at the end of the day, “The biggest takeaway I hope our teachers have is that Jesus is the Master Teacher and He’s with them in all they do.”
