Corban’s Fourth Annual Christian Educators Conference Draws Record Attendance
More than 430 educators, school leaders, and professionals gathered at Corban University in early October for the University’s fourth annual Christian Educators Conference, marking a record year for an event dedicated to strengthening and encouraging those serving in Christian education.
The conference welcomed educators from across Oregon and Washington for a day of professional development, collaboration, and encouragement centered on the unique calling of Christian educators.
“Getting to talk about the work and life of an educator all within that Christian and biblical worldview is really important to us,” said Dr. Jen Kleiber, Chair of Corban’s School of Education. “It’s really the heart of Corban.”
The annual conference brought together educators from a variety of schools and backgrounds for a day of student-led worship, professional development, and fellowship. Attendees participated in three breakout sessions led by Corban faculty and community presenters, with opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another.
For Kleiber, the distinction of Christian education lies in its ability to address more than academic achievement.
“We have a unique position to not only bring about the academics for a student but to also serve the soul and the holistic child,” she said. “So, we’re really striving to show our students who Jesus is and the importance of Him in their everyday life.”
Throughout the conference, a recurring theme emerged: educators are called to be faithful stewards of the work entrusted to them, recognizing that the ultimate outcomes belong to God. Keynote speaker Tina deVries, Associate Superintendent at Cascade Christian Schools in Puyallup, Washington, drew from her extensive experience as a teacher, principal, and educational leader to encourage attendees in their shared calling.
“The greatest takeaway for our teachers and leaders today is that we’re entrusted as stewards of the work that God’s given us, not as owners,” deVries shared. “God is ultimately in charge of the outcomes, and we’re just here to do the work.”
That message offered both encouragement and perspective for educators navigating the daily challenges and responsibilities of their profession. Just as importantly, the conference reminded attendees that they are part of a much larger community of Christian educators pursuing a common purpose.
“I think foremost it’s just nice to know that you’re not alone in the work,” deVries said. “And it’s nice to know that there’s a large group of people who are doing the work that we’ve been called to and that embrace it as much as we do.”
For Corban, the conference also represents an opportunity to deepen relationships with Christian schools throughout the region. Those connections extend beyond the annual gathering through ongoing mentorship, support, and collaboration between Corban educators and the schools they serve.
“We get to go to their schools, and we get to mentor and support them in the work that they do, and we get to see how they’re changing the lives of students through their work,” Kleiber said.
As the conference continues to grow, its record attendance reflects an expanding community of educators eager to sharpen their skills, encourage one another, and remain grounded in the purpose behind their calling.
For deVries, that spirit of collaboration is one of the event’s greatest strengths: “It’s beyond valuable having the opportunity to learn from one another and not operate from a silo, but be able to explore other people’s strengths and expertise and just become stronger and sharper at the work that God’s called us to do.”
