Diane Harris – Greeley, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) small-school educators and leaders leaned into professional growth, collaboration, and courageous reflection for two days of professional development, January 5-6, at the Greeley Adventist Christian School in Greeley, Colorado, before students return for the spring semester.

“It is all for the benefit of student learning. When leaders grow, schools get stronger, and students are blessed. We are proud of the hard work happening across RMC education,” praised Diane Harris, RMC superintendent.

“These two days of professional development were unique because they were catered towards small schools and the challenges that we face, many of which we have in common,” remarked Jessica Baker, head teacher and principal of the Fort Collins Christian School in Fort Collins, Colorado. “We were able to gain practical strategies, short and long term, that we can begin planning for right away.”

“I was unsure how this session would add to my cup after the last professional development, but it was incredibly helpful in tangible ways,” reflected Bonnie Sholock, principal and head teacher at the Four Mile Adventist Christian School in Canon City, Colorado. “I thoroughly appreciated the way Paul [Negerete] pushed our ideas and problems to help clarify and ‘refine’ what we are doing in the classroom.”

She continued, “The overall impression I am leaving with is that RMC cares about their students so much that they take care of their educators well with support and ways for small schools to collaborate and learn to better themselves and their craft.”

Kari Lange, grades K-2 teacher and vice principal of the HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, commented, “While head teachers came together, other teachers participated in Unlocking the Reading Code training.”

“I’m deeply grateful for how Trish Martin continues to deepen our understanding of the English language and teach it in bite-sized pieces we can confidently pass on to our students,” remarked Harris.

—Diane Harris is the RMC Education director and superintendent. Photos supplied.