Schools United

Professional Development Day 2024

Friday, February 16, 2024 • Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Mark your calendars!

You don’t want to miss Schools United Professional Development Day (SUPD), one of the largest Christian education conferences in the country. You and your staff can be a part of the other 2,000 Christian educators to experience this unique and inspirational conference on Friday, February 16, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

SUPD provides both professional and spiritual development for your entire school – from administrators to teachers to support staff.

School leaders and administrators, you are invited to attend the Schools United Leadership Day on Thursday, February 15, 2024. This pre-conference day provides training and collaboration for those in Christian education leadership roles.

SUPD 2023 Recap

Keynote Speaker

Conference Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kathy Koch

Dr. Kathy Koch

Dr. Kathy Koch (pronounced “cook”) is our keynote speaker for SUPD 2024!

With a passion for being an influence and for helping build strong and healthy families, Dr. Kathy writes (6 books and counting) and speaks (a lot and often) on a wide range of topics that are both timeless and current. Her humorous and easy-to-learn-from speaking style, foundational wisdom, and practical and relevant details leave her audiences empowered with strategies to navigate the challenges of raising and teaching children. She warmly speaks to young people and their adults with compassion and understanding, never shying away from tough topics in our current culture. Her messages are always beautifully woven with Biblical truth and hope.

Kathy has become a wildly popular speaker offering keynote presentations for conventions and seminars for educators and students held at schools, and conferences; and programs for parents, schools, conventions, and youth and parent organizations.

With audiences ranging in age from 10 to 100, Kathy has a unique gift of engaging, entertaining, and teaching them all. She attributes much of her excellence to the three degrees she earned from Purdue University, including a Ph.D. in reading and educational psychology. She taught second graders, coached middle schoolers, was a tenured associate professor of education at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and finally a school board member before becoming a full-time conference and keynote speaker in 1991.

Dr. Kathy founded Celebrate Kids, Inc., in 1991 and co-founded Ignite the Family in 2018. It is now the conference ministry of Celebrate Kids.

8 Great Smarts: Discover and Nurture Your Child’s Intelligences

Start with the Heart: How to Motivate Your Kids to Be Compassionate, Responsible, and Brave (Even When You’re Not Around)

Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World

No More Perfect Kids: Love Your Kids for Who They Are

Five to Thrive: How to Determine If Your Core Needs Are Being Met (and What to Do When They’re Not)

Resilient Kids: Raising Them to Embrace Life with Confidence

Created To Be
The day-to-day tasks involved with teaching and leading can exhaust you and weigh you down. You must remember the value of what we’re doing. You matter! You’re doing more than helping students learn much. You’re partnering with God to provide students with a bright and purposeful future. Education gets students ready for life! Why were your students created? What’s their story? You’ll be inspired by Chatty Kathy’s too-tall, spelling-is-challenging, low-voice reality and how it’s God’s perfect design for her. Her story will help you believe for your students’ future. Get ready!

Resiliency: A Necessary Ability for Today’s Times
Learning about resiliency’s many benefits will inspire you to not panic when your students struggle. You’ll discover how to instruct and support them without over-protecting them or rescuing them too soon so they benefit from struggling and recover from hard times. Learn the best ways to help children handle their disappointments when things don’t go their way, how to encourage them when they want to give up, and how to help parents do the same.

Conference Speakers

Speaker

Jeff Keaton

Jeff Keaton

A successful pastor, church and school planter, and ministry entrepreneur, Jeff Keaton has spent his adult life believing that through Christ anything is possible. As the founder and CEO of RenewaNation and iLumenEd Academy (RenewaNation’s virtual school), Jeff now works across the United States and Canada to help awaken the church to the great need to give every child a biblical worldview. Jeff is the author of The Life of Radical Faith. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Michele, for 35 years, has two married daughters, Julianna and Heidi; two grandsons, Marshall and Henry; and a granddaughter, Nora Ruth.

Speaker

Dr. Julie Hamilton

Dr. Julie Hamilton

Dr. Julie Harren Hamilton is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice. She is a former Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Graduate Counseling Psychology program at Palm Beach Atlantic University (2004-2009). Dr. Hamilton served as President of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) 2009-2011. Dr. Hamilton specializes in understanding homosexuality from a perspective of Scripture, science, and childhood development. She has provided a number of interviews in various media outlets including video documentaries, radio programs, and television shows, including NPR, Moody Radio, and the Dr. Oz Show. She speaks in churches, colleges, and schools and also conducts seminars for pastors and Christian leaders. She presents seminars on understanding and responding both biblically and compassionately to homosexuality and gender identity confusion She also speaks on topics related to spiritual growth, marriage, and parenting. She is the co-editor of The Handbook of Therapy for Unwanted Homosexual Attractions: A Guide to Treatment and has written other articles on this topic.

Speaker

Brett Kunkle

Brett Kunkle

BRETT KUNKLE is the founder and president of MAVEN, a movement to equip the next generation to know truth, pursue goodness and create beauty. He has more than 25 years of experience working with junior high, high school, and college students.

Brett has developed a groundbreaking approach to mission trips, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses participants in real-life engagement in apologetics, theology, worldview and evangelism in Berkeley, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

In addition, Brett is a Teaching Fellow at the Impact 360 Institute. He was an associate editor for the Apologetics Study Bible for Students and co-authored A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World.

He received his Master’s degree in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology. Brett lives with his wife and kids in Southern California.

Schools United Professional Development Day

schools united professional development day

Friday,
February 16, 2024

All faculty & staff

$25 – $45

Schools United Professional Development Day

for All Faculty & Staff

This unique day gives your faculty and staff access to a collaborative environment, renowned speakers and teachers, enlightening breakout sessions, an opportunity to be a part of peer networks, and a rich community of believers.

COST – USE CODE SAVE10NOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD RATES

  • IN-PERSON ATTENDEES

    $35 early bird / $45 regular rate

    Lunch is included, and recordings are available after the conference so you don’t have to miss out on a single session. Plus, this is a great opportunity to earn CEUs!

    In-Person Early Bird Rate

     

    • Through Thursday 11/30/23 at 11:59 p.m.
    • $35 per on-site ticket, including continental breakfast and lunch


    In-Person Regular Rate

    • Begins Friday 12/1/23 at 12 a.m.
    • $45 per on-site ticket, including continental breakfast and lunch


    REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.     If you are unable to attend the conference, you will still have access to all session recordings through the virtual site.

  • VIRTUAL ATTENDEES

    $25 early bird / $35 regular rate

    If you’re unable to join us in person, you don’t have to miss out! Virtual attendees will have real-time access to the keynote speakers and instant access to all breakout session speakers’ recordings on February 16th. All recordings will continue to be available after the conference is over.


    Virtual Early Bird Rate

    • Through Thursday 11/30/23 at 11:59 p.m.
    • $25 per virtual ticket


    Virtual Regular Rate

    • Begins Friday 12/1/23 at 12 a.m.
    • $35 per virtual ticket


    REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.     If you are unable to attend the virtual conference live, you will still have access to all session recordings through the virtual site.

     

NEED LODGING?

Browse the following hotels near the conference at Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale.

agenda

Friday, February 16, 2024
7:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

  • Coffee/continental breakfast
  • Praise and worship
  • Keynote speaker sessions
  • Breakout sessions (60+)
  • Peer networking sessions
  • Lunch (free)
  • Raffles/giveaways
  • Vendor tables
  • Fellowship with other Christian educators

SUPD 2023 Photo gallery

Loading the next set of gallery items...
Load More

Schools United Leadership Day

Thursday,
February 15, 2024

Heads of School & Administrators

FREE

Schools United Leadership Day

a pre-conference day for HEADS OF SCHOOL AND ADMINISTRATORS

Leadership Day precedes the large conference. It is geared toward heads of school and administrators who want to grow in leadership skills and explore great programs and initiatives that they can bring back to their schools. School leaders will engage in discussions with each other, as iron sharpens iron, focusing on topics unique to their Christian school leadership positions. (A virtual option is available.) Breakfast and lunch included!

Leadership Day Speaker

Scott Barron

Scott Barron

Scott Barron is an educator, entrepreneur, and author recognized as a leading voice advocating for and encouraging educators in their calling and influence. He serves as the Chief Reinvention Officer of School Growth and the Executive Director of the Educators Fellowship. His combination of experience as a school head, business leader, EdTech advisor, college instructor, author, and executive coach gives him a unique perspective to encourage and elevate those who educate.

Scott earned his M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, and serves on the National Advisory Counsel for the JHU School of Education. He recently published the book, Love’em and Lead’em: Encouragement and Inspiration for Educators, and is a popular speaker at schools, conferences, and events.

COST

FREE WITH REGULAR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

tentative agenda

Thursday, February 15, 2024

8 a.m.
Coffee/continental breakfast

8:30 a.m.

Welcome

9:15 a.m.
Keynote speaker Scott Barron
Schools Growth Interactive Workshop
“REAL Leadership for Christian Schools”

Authentic leaders have never been more critical to the present and future of Christian education. Families in our communities are desperately seeking better options for their children’s growth and development, but they want more than an escape route. They crave a compelling vision combined with a consistently high-quality experience throughout the entire organization. That starts at the top levels of school administration, with talented and brave leaders who dare to answer the call every day. We must meet the moral and organizational challenges that limit the effectiveness and sustainability of Christian schools, so this Schools United Conference for Administrators will explore a biblical formula for leadership growth.

10:05 a.m.
Break

10:15 a.m.
Interactive Workshop Part 2
“REAL Leadership for Christian Schools”

11:05 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m.
Interactive Workshop Part 2
“REAL Leadership for Christian Schools”

12 p.m.
Lunch provided

1 p.m.
Program Speed Networking: Learn from different schools and organizations about special programs you might consider for your school.

  • Administrator Training Boot Camps by The Herzog Foundation
  • Building an International Student Program (ISP) for God’s Glory
  • Classical Christian Education
  • Colson Educators: Hiring for Worldview
  • Creating an Effective Communications Plan
  • The Importance of Teaching Poetry
  • Improving Faculty Morale: Little things that make a big difference
  • Keys to a vibrant Christian school
  • Mobilizing Canvas for Internal Organization and Professional Development
  • Navigating the process of ERC grants for Private Schools
  • Next Level Discipleship
  • A Peer Network for all Christian Education Professionals
  • Secondary Bible Classes: One of the Greatest But Most Neglected Opportunities for Biblical Instruction and Ministry
  • Sharing Your Story: Helping Teachers and Administrators Write a Book
  • Starting a House System at your School
  • Utilizing Data Analytics at Your School
  • Vision Planning  for Every Christian School
  • Ways To Measure Your School’s Culture By The Best Christian Workplace Institute
  • We Want To Start A Spanish Immersion Program – Where Do We Begin?

2 p.m.
Choose from the following options:

  1. Tour Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale
  2. Connect further with program speed dating point people
  3. Roundtable discussion
  4. Take a break to catch up on email, take a walk, have a coffee or espresso from the barista

3:15 p.m.
Wrap-up and Q&A

LEADERSHIP DAY 2023 PHOTO GALLERY

Loading the next set of gallery items...
Load More

Conference Agenda

Conference Agenda

Friday,
February 17

Time Event
7:15 – 7:50 a.m. Registration | Coffee | Fellowship
8:00 – 8:20 a.m. Praise & Worship
8:20 – 8:30 a.m. Welcome/Introduction of Keynote Speaker
8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Keynote Session #1
9:15 – 9:30 a.m. Break
9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Raffle & Announcements
9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Keynote Session #2
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Breakout Session #1
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch and Vendor Visits
12:30  – 1:15 p.m. Breakout Session #2
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Peer Networking Session
2:40 – 3 p.m. Raffle, Closing Session and Prayer

7:15-7:50am — Registration | Coffee | Fellowship

8:00-8:20am — Praise & Worship

8:20-8:30am — Welcome/Introduction of Keynote Speaker

8:30-9:15am — Keynote Session #1

9:15-9:30am — Break

9:30-9:45am — Raffle & Announcements

9:45-10:30am — Keynote Session #2

10:45-11:30am — Breakout Session #1

11:30AM-12:30pm — Lunch and Vendor Visits

12:30-1:15pm — Breakout Session #2

1:30-2:30pm — Peer Networking Session

2:40-3:00pm — Raffle, Closing Session, and Prayer

Conference Pricing

Conference Pricing

Thursday,
February 16

Heads of School & Administrators

FREE

Pre-Conference Day

Heads of School & Administrators

This FREE Pre-Conference Day is for heads of school and administrators who want to grow in leadership skills and explore great programs and initiatives that they can bring back to their schools. In addition, they will engage in discussions with other heads of school and administrators, as iron sharpens iron, focusing on topics unique to Christian school leaders. (A virtual option is available.) Breakfast and lunch included!

Pre-Conference Speaker

Scott Barron

Scott Barron is an educator, entrepreneur, and author recognized as a leading voice advocating for and encouraging educators in their calling and influence. He serves as the Chief Reinvention Officer of School Growth and the Executive Director of the Educators Fellowship. His combination of experience as a school head, business leader, EdTech advisor, college instructor, author, and executive coach gives him a unique perspective to encourage and elevate those who educate.

Scott earned his M.Ed from Johns Hopkins University, and serves on the National Advisory Counsel for the JHU School of Education. He recently published the book, Love’em and Lead’em: Encouragement and Inspiration for Educators, and is a popular speaker at schools, conferences, and events.

Friday,
February 17

All Faculty & Staff

$25-$499

Schools United Professional Development Day

All Faculty & Staff

This unique day gives your faculty and staff access to a collaborative environment, renowned speakers and teachers, enlightening breakout sessions, an opportunity to be a part of peer networks, and a rich community of believers.

  • Local Attendee ($55 per person)
    Lunch included for registered attendees.

  • Virtual Attendee ($25 per person)
    If you’re unable to join us in person, your staff doesn’t have to miss out! Virtual attendees will have real-time access to the keynote speakers and breakout session recordings on Feb. 17. Session recordings will also be available after the conference.

  • Non-Local Attendee ($499 per hotel room including person #1; $55 for each additional person in the same room, max 4 persons per room)
    This option is designed for those who will be traveling a far distance. It includes the pre-conference day, the all-day SUPD conference, and two nights at Courtyard Fort Lauderdale North/Cypress Creek, which is located right across the street from the conference venue. Participants are responsible for their own airfare and ground travel; lunch is included on Feb. 16-17.

This unique day gives your faculty and staff access to a collaborative environment, renowned speakers and teachers, enlightening breakout sessions, an opportunity to be a part of peer networks, and a rich community of believers.

  • Local Attendee ($55 per person)
    Lunch is included for registered attendees.

  • Virtual Attendee ($25 per person)
    If you’re unable to join us in person, your staff doesn’t have to miss out! Virtual attendees will have real-time access to the keynote speakers and breakout sessions on Feb. 17. Session recordings will also be available up to one year after the conference.

  • Non-Local Attendee ($499 per hotel room including person #1; $35 for each additional person in the same room, max 4 persons per room)
    This option is designed for those who will be traveling a far distance. It includes the pre-conference day, the all-day SUPD conference, and two nights at Courtyard Fort Lauderdale North/Cypress Creek, which is located right across the street from the conference venue. Participants are responsible for their own airfare and ground travel; lunch is included on Feb. 16-17.

We are looking for presenters for SUPD 2023!

Is there a topic you’re passionate about and want to present to other Christian school professionals? Would you like to moderate a discussion group?

Schools United is accepting applications from:

  • all faculty and staff
  • all levels
  • all content areas and specialties

Please prayerfully consider applying to present a session or host a discussion at SUPD 2023!

DEADLINE: Thursday, October 27, 2022

2022 Recap

Apply now!

Platinum Event Sponsors

ACSI Stronger Together
BJU Press
Fortify Foundation
Herzog Foundation
Jonathan Reed Uniforms
Lenovo DTG
Manning Silverman & Company Certified Public Accountants

SILVER Event Sponsors

Abeka
Aligned Influence
BGW Architects
Bob Jones University
Borislow Insurance
Connected Class
Deep Roots
Miami Marlins
NACCAP
Palmetto Fortis
RightNow Media
SEU at Christ Fellowship
Summit Ministries

SUPD 2022 RECAP

2022 Recap
Schools United

Professional Development Day 2024

Friday, February 16, 2024

Calvary Christian Academy
2401 W. Cypress Creek Rd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309