Regional Superintendents and Oakwood University Ed Dept Unite to Tackle Teacher Shortage
The recent Annual Meeting of R.E.S.A. (Regional Education Superintendents Association) at PELC heralded a significant milestone—the first in-person gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the primary objectives was a pivotal discussion on addressing the pressing issue of the teacher shortage. Organized by Elder Dana Edmonds and the R.E.S.A chair Superintendent John Alberty (Allegheny East Conference), and vice chair Kim Gaiter (South Atlantic Conference) the meeting brought together the regional conference superintendents which included Superintendent John Alberty, Superintendent Kim Gaiter, Superintendent Angela Walton (South Central Conference), Associate Superintendent Glory Perry (Allegheny East Conference), Superintendent Deirdre Garnett (Lake Region Conference), Superintendent Venetta Jarvis (Northeastern Conference), Associate Superintendent Sherina Philips (Northeastern Conference), Superintendent Sandra Fletcher (Southeastern Conference), Associate Superintendent Edson Jarvis (Southeastern Conference), and Principal Evelyn Fordham-Goodman (Allegheny West Conference).
Their meeting with Dr. Deril Wood, chair of Oakwood University's education department, and his esteemed team, comprising Dr. Cortney Golden, Dr. Dana Wilchcombe, and Shirley Ann Thomas, revolved around innovative strategies to alleviate the teacher shortage.
Among the myriad proposals discussed, here are just two of the many promising ideas that emerged. Firstly, there was a proposal to provide financial support to students on the condition that they commit to working within the regional conference that sponsored them upon graduation. Secondly, the suggestion was made to engage representatives from Oakwood’s education department to visit regional conference schools, advocating and promoting their educational programs.
Following the meeting's success, R.E.S.A. moved forward by initiating the development of a comprehensive strategic plan. This plan, once finalized, aims to address multifaceted challenges including enrollment, funding, teacher recruitment, marketing strategies, facility enhancements, and more. This collaborative effort is not limited to an annual gathering; the committee has committed to regular meetings to foster a collective approach to crafting the strategic plan and to strengthen ties among regional conference education departments.
Adventist Education has long been regarded as a cornerstone of evangelism, and R.E.S.A.'s dedication to fortifying schools as pivotal tools for the spiritual growth and development of God's kingdom remains unwavering. The concerted efforts of these leaders signal a unified commitment to sustain and enhance Adventist education, ensuring it continues to be a beacon for nurturing young hearts and minds.
As these collaborations deepen and strategies take shape, the impact is poised to reverberate, providing a renewed impetus for Adventist schools to thrive and continue their noble mission of guiding souls toward Jesus Christ.
Story by: Superintendent John C. Alberty Jr. R.E.S.A Chair