Elevating Others: Highlights from the InspirED Convention
Kristen Low, Director of the InspirED Convention, is a joyful educator and along with her dedicated team hosted a conference that showcased what’s possible when passionate educators work together to help students become more of who they were created to be. The work is not about us, but about elevating others.
The Baylor Center for School Leadership (BCSL) team returned to InspirED with multiple speaking engagements. Dr. Jon Eckert delivered both the opening and closing keynotes, addressing an audience of over 700 educators and university students from Canada and the United States. His message, centered on 7 daily practices to cultivate gritty optimism and joy, was “a refreshing reminder of the collaboration and intentionality needed in creating shared goals in leadership provided by administrators, teachers and students that support perseverance amidst the turbulence experienced in schools and Christian flourishing when confronted with the challenges of today’s world” said Susan Dykshoorn. She added “He delighted us with his stories and real life application, while challenging educators to reflect on their practice through a biblical lens of growth and development, ultimately leading to flourishing.”
Erik Ellefsen, of BCSL, led an impactful breakout session on the power of relationships in education, which Julie Kikkert felt was incredibly timely for her work and impactful for her campus. In a second breakout session, Ellefsen co-led a discussion with Sahira Kodra on using AI for feedback. Together, they introduced practical ways to use AI tools to enhance, rather than replace, the educational experience. Darren Spyksma from SBSC spoke in a separate AI session, encouraging participants to “expand our education, not replace it.” Ellefsen, Spyksma, and Christina Crook, CEO of JOMO, continued their collaboration with an AI virtual network—a learning community for those interested in exploring AI in education. The network remains open to new participants, welcoming those ready to dive deeper into this work.
Before the conference, the BCSL team visited Vancouver Christian School and Langley Christian School, where they observed engaging classrooms and the daily routines of each school. At Vancouver Christian, they were encouraged by a talk from Hannah Beach on supporting the emotional health of children. (and inspired by the mountain landscape!) At Langley Christian, students embodied active learning, from an ADST 3rd-grade class to a joyful kindergarten room. The team concluded their visit by observing high school students on the secondary campus.
Throughout the conference, the themes of connection and friendship continued to be essential to students’ well-being and growth. Students, both in Canada and the U.S., desire to be seen, known, and loved. Educators play a vital role in creating these connections, ensuring that every child has a friend and a champion. As Ellefsen puts it, “it’s good to have friends.”
BCSL looks forward to strengthening partnerships with their Canadian friends and colleagues whose dedication to Pro Mundo exemplifies the commitment to a shared purpose beyond borders. Eckert even had the chance to speak to a class of international education students who are preparing for school leadership, using his book “Leading Together” as their course text. The future of education is joyful, as leaders on both sides of the border strive to make a lasting difference by remembering joy is not the freedom from struggle, but the fuel to struggle well.
