Chesapeake Conference Educators Gather at Spencerville for Annual Post-School Training

“Blind Spots” seminar help teachers grow in self-awareness and student ministry

Educators from across the Chesapeake Conference came together at Spencerville Adventist Academy for the conference’s annual post-school professional training, a tradition held twice yearly, once before school begins and once after it ends, to provide meaningful development for teachers outside of the classroom.

The gathering brought together the full spectrum of school staff, from classroom teachers to support personnel, for a day focused on sharpening the skills and self-awareness needed to better serve students and their families.

This year’s training centered on the theme of “blind spots”, areas of personal and professional growth that individuals may not readily recognize in themselves. Leading the seminar was Dr. Shelvan Arunan, Associate Ministerial Director for the Chesapeake Conference, who has previously facilitated this training for conference pastors. Joining him were Pastor Elvis Mogoy of the Baltimore-White Marsh Church and Pastor Kevin Patino, both of whom completed the training under Dr. Arunan’s guidance and participated as co-presenters.

Janesta Walker, Chesapeake Conference Superintendent of Schools, spoke about the intentionality behind the training format. She noted that scheduling professional development is a perennial challenge in the school calendar, and gathering educators outside of the school year ensures teachers are not pulled away from their students.

One of the most notable qualities of this year’s seminar, she observed, was its broad relevance. Unlike certain educational trainings that apply only to elementary or secondary staff, a session on blind spots speaks to everyone in ministry, from the principal to the cafeteria team. “We’re all interacting with our students and their families,” she said, “and we all need to know how to reach them better.”

The session drew early interest from participants even before it began, with several educators expressing that the topic felt timely and personally applicable.

The Chesapeake Conference holds these educator gatherings as part of its ongoing commitment to equipping school staff to fulfill their calling with excellence, viewing teaching not merely as a profession, but as a God-given ministry to students, families, and the broader community.