First official meeting of the Nazarene Educators Worldwide Council

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Kansas City, Missouri

James Upchurch, dean of the School of Education at Olivet Nazarene University, chaired the first official meeting of the Nazarene Educators Worldwide (NEW) Council. This meeting occurred October 23-26 at the King Conference Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The council is composed of two representatives from each of these areas: public schools, Christian schools, homeschools, preschools/child care, university/college education departments, and global and international schools. Representatives for 2009-2013 are: James Upchurch, Cindy Alsip, Marilyn Dominick, Midge Simpson, Jan Wilton, Lance Howard, Becky Ramsey, Brad King, Janine Wilkins, Esther Swink, James Kiper, Tammy Condon, and Stephen Gualberto. Ex officio members are Lynda T. Boardman, Anya Motley, Beula Postlewait, and Woodie Stevens.

Upchurch challenged the council to respond to the call and lead with significance based on Mark 9:35 and Matthew 23:11-12. Council members shared their vision and committees set goals for the next four years. The council selected the theme for this quadrennium: "Educators Supporting Educators." They also developed a mission statement: "To embrace, encourage, and empower through a network of Christian educators." 

The council approved changes in the membership fees, including adjusted fees for student teachers and retired teachers. NEW recognizes the vast knowledge and experience of retired teachers, stating emphatically there is a place of service for retired teachers within the organization. For information about membership, go to www.naznew.org. NEW will conduct a special membership emphasis during the month of November.

In 2011, NEW plans to take a group of educators on a mission/education trip to do teacher training and work projects at some Nazarene schools in another world region. In 2008, this organization sent a group to Belize for a similar purpose. A committee is working to establish the site for 2011. During the 2009-2010 school year, NEW will support "The Hope Project," a children's mission offering for street kids around the world.

For questions about Nazarene Educators Worldwide, contact James Upchurch at jupchurch@olivet.edu or Beula Postlewait at the Nazarene Education Office (birth-secondary) at bpostlewait@nazarene.org. The Nazarene Education Office encourages each church and district to name a Nazarene Education Director who serves on the Children's Ministries council and supports educators.

Of note: NEW sends a quarterly E-mail with articles related to educators. To obtain the NEW e-Link, contact Anya Motley at amotley@nazarene.org.
--Children's Ministries International (Slideshow available)
 

 

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