GCEC 2026
Oral Roberts University · Tulsa, Oklahoma
Global Christian
Educators' Conference
Workshop Sessions, Seminars, Schedule & Hotel Information — Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at the Global Learning Center, Oral Roberts University.
Sessions A & B
Keynote & Workshop Sessions
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Kathy Koch
Admin · General
Beyond the Gradebook: Building a Schoolwide Culture of Meaningful Assessment
Develop schoolwide assessment systems aligned with ICAA Learning Domain indicators.
Dr. Jared Johnston — ORU
Admin · MS/HS
Teaching in the Age of AI: Forming Minds, Shaping Integrity
Redesign courses to cultivate deep thinking while integrating AI as a learning partner.
Dr. Jared Johnston — ORU
Admin · Accred.
Professional Development Systems
Create or refine professional learning programs that drive measurable student growth.
Lori Brown — Curriculum & Accreditation Director
Admin · Elem · MS/HS · Accred.
Learning Capacity Domain Best Practices
How Christian School Collaborative Teams address 9 of 12 Learning Capacity Domain Standards.
Dr. Missy Bush — ORU
Admin
Discovering and Informing School Administrator Burnout
Discover components of burnout and contribute to our action research study.
Dr. Missy Bush · Dr. Pat Otto — ORU
Admin
Protecting Your School Mission and Culture in Times of Increase
Proactive and reactive strategies for protecting mission through enrollment growth.
Dr. Pat Otto — ORU
General
Plagiarism in an AI World
Practical strategies for classroom instruction and school policy on ethical AI use.
Dr. Carolyn Stubbs · Chrissie Belyeu · Denu Titus
All Levels
Teaching with Grace and Structure: A Fresh Look at Classroom Management
Balance empathy, consistency, and cultural awareness for responsive learning environments.
Dr. Libby Adjei · Dr. Evie Lindberg — ORU
All Levels
Reading Across the Curriculum: Strategies for Every Teacher
Practical strategies to help students build confidence, clarity, and purpose in reading.
Dr. Libby Adjei · Dr. Evie Lindberg — ORU
Elem · MS/HS · Spanish
Enseñar como un campeón y no como un participante
Técnicas para enseñar como un campeón: "yo, nosotros, tú" y "sin opción de salida".
Amarilys Galindo — Vineyard Christian Secondary School
General · Admin
Did I Really Hear from God? Reclaiming Calling & Leading with Purpose
How divine calling fuels resilience and shapes a thriving, Christ-centered workplace culture.
Cheryl Riley — Victory Christian Center School
Admin · Accred.
More Than Grades: The Real Mission of Education Leadership
Move beyond traditional academic models into a Christ-centered approach to education.
Dr. Charles Cross — Harvest Christian Academy
Elem · MS/HS
CLAY Student Leadership
Youth-centered curriculum cultivating leadership values through music, journaling, and mentorship.
Abel Lopez · Nathan Lopez — CLAY Student Leadership
General · Admin · Elem · MS/HS
Developing Lesson Plans from a Scope & Sequence
Turn your school's scope and sequence into customized classroom instruction.
Dr. Gwetheldene Holzmann — ORU
Admin · Accred.
The Resource Domain
Human, material, and fiscal resources, policies, and procedures to operate effectively.
Dr. Mary Lou Miller · Dr. Gwetheldene Holzmann — ORU
Admin · Elem · MS/HS
Reclaiming Biblical Identity: Image Bearer vs. Self-Creator
Guide students to confront expressive individualism personally and culturally.
Roy Faletti — Positive Action Bible Curriculum
Admin · General
Marketing That Works for Your School
Practical, cost-effective, proven methods to promote your Christian school.
Darla Otto — Opportunity Scholarship Fund
Admin · General
Stop Marketing Like Everyone Else
The Stance, Story, Surprise framework for a brand parents and donors can't forget.
Lucas Alexander — Little Light House
Admin
2027 Federal School Tax Credit & The Opportunity Scholarship
FSTC update plus bridge funding for Oklahoma private schools via SGO partnerships.
Darla Otto — Opportunity Scholarship Fund
Admin · Elementary
Utilizing the Learning Continuum and IXL
Break down MAP scores into RIT bands and align IXL lessons to support MAP growth.
Emilie Meacham — Lincoln Christian School
Early Learning
The Importance of Connection
How connection changes behaviors, attitudes, and the classroom atmosphere.
Catherine Lewis — Eagle Ridge Christian School
Admin · Elem · MS/HS
Connecting Classroom Lessons to Engage Parents in Student Discipleship
Practical tools to partner with parents as their children's spiritual mentors.
Patrick Williamson — BJU
Admin · EL – HS
Building a New Teacher Development Program: The FIRST Model
A comprehensive three-year training model to equip new teachers for long-term success.
Deb Larson-Jarpe — Maranatha Christian Academy
All Levels
Being a Parent Whisperer: When Grace Meets Your Limits
Communication tools for building trust with families and navigating difficult conversations.
Chrissie Belyeu — ORU
General · Elem · MS/HS
Attached Yet Anxious: The Dual Impact of Relationships on Youth Mental Health
Equip educators with strategies to strengthen student attachment and mental toughness.
Amanda Wilson · Dr. Candera Lomax — ORU
Admin · Accred.
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Care
Maintain spirituality, integrity, and professionalism through challenging conversations.
Dr. Sarah Morrison · Dr. Kalyn McAlester
General · EL · Elem
Inclusive by Design: Supporting Every Learner's Needs
Strategies for physical, sensory, and social-emotional needs in inclusive classrooms.
Hannah Jimenez — Little Light House
Admin · MS/HS
Rethinking Leadership in High School Athletics
Biblical worldview approach to student athlete leadership development.
Aaron Johnson — Claremore Christian School
Elementary
Writing Tips and Tricks for Success in the Elementary Classroom
Make writing exciting and a subject students genuinely look forward to.
Becky Teruel — BJU Press
MS/HS
How to Start a Business Pathway at Your School
Journey from launch to implementation of a biblical business program.
Brant Hall — Rejoice Christian School
General · EL · Elem · Admin
Building Daily Reading Intervention into Elementary Classrooms
Integrate reading intervention into the daily K–6 schedule in small school environments.
Dr. Sarah Morrison — Legacy Christian School
Admin
Leading Schools with a Heart of Worship
Spiritual leadership principles for school administrators and leaders.
Dr. Sarah Morrison · Dr. Kalyn McAlester
All Levels
Teaching That Sticks: Whole Brain Style!
Research-informed strategies blending movement, emotion, language, and logic.
Dr. Janet George — ORU
Admin · Spanish
¿Estás listo para convertir a tu colegio en internacional y Bilingüe?
Plan práctico paso a paso para construir un programa bilingüe de alto impacto.
Yair Herrera — Bilingualism / Accreditation Director
3:10 – 4:40 PM
Featured Seminars
Seminar · Dr. Kathy Koch
Motivation: Strategies to Overcome "I Don't Want To" and "It's Too Hard"
Dr. Kathy Koch — Celebrate Kids, Inc.
Seminar · ORU
The Power of Us: Evaluating a Collective Student Support Model
Dr. Candera Lomax — Oral Roberts University
Seminar · BJU
Reading Groups vs. Whole Class Instruction: Does It Really Matter?
Becky Teruel — BJU National Speaker
Panel Discussion
Current Issues in Christian Education
Multiple Panelists — Moderated Discussion
Seminar
Development – Where is the Money?
Darla Otto — School Advancement & Technology Manager, Opportunity Scholarship Fund
June 24, 2026
Conference Day Schedule
7:00 AM
Arrival
Check-In & Badge Pickup
8:00 AM
Opening
Welcome / Praise & Worship
8:20 AM
Program
Speaker Introduction
8:25 AM
Keynote 1
Morning Keynote Address
Dr. Kathy Koch
9:25 AM
Break
Refreshment Break
9:40 AM
Recognition
Administrator of the Year / Teacher of the Year
9:50 AM
Keynote 2
Mid-Morning Keynote Address
Dr. Kathy Koch
10:45 AM
Transit
Commute to Mabee Center
11:00 AM
Lunch
Lunch at Mabee Center
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:00 PM
Transit
Travel to Learning Resource Center
12:00 – 12:40 PM
1:00 PM
Workshop Session A
Breakout Workshops — Session A
1:00 – 1:45 PM
2:05 PM
Workshop Session B
Breakout Workshops — Session B
2:05 – 2:50 PM
3:10 PM
Seminars
Seminar Sessions
3:10 – 4:40 PM · Dr. Kathy Koch · Dr. Candera Lomax · Becky Teruel · Panel Discussion · Darla Otto
4:40 PM
Closing
Conference Concludes
Hotel Information
Conference Hotel Discounts
Two area hotels offer a special GCEC rate for conference participants. Book using the links below to receive the discounted group rate.
Hilton · Tulsa Hills
Home2 Suites Tulsa Hills
Extended-stay suites with full kitchens. Ideal for multi-night stays near the ORU campus.
↗ Book GCEC Rate
Hilton · Tulsa Hills
Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa Hills
Classic Hilton comfort with free breakfast. Convenient access to ORU and Tulsa Hills dining.
↗ Book GCEC Rate
ⓘ
Use the booking links above to access the discounted Summer Education Conference group rate. Rates are available for a limited time — book early to secure your room.