Department of Christian Education Provides Training Across the U.S.
The Antiochian Department of Christian Education coordinates with local parishes throughout the United States and Canada who wish to host training events for their teachers. The following is a recap of those held in the Fall of 2018. If you would like to host a training in your parish for teachers or Church School Directors, please contact Leslie at the Department of Christian Education 717-747-5221, or aodce.events@gmail.com.
St. Elijah Orthodox Church, Oklahoma City, OK hosted a training for 17 teachers on Saturday, August 18. Diocese of Wichita and Middle America Coordinator Vasiliki Oldziey presented "Using the Classical Trivium to Engage Students" and "The Theotokos: Your Elevator Apologia for our Veneration of the Theotokos." Holy Ascension, Norman, OK teachers also participated.
St. George Orthodox Church, Houston, TX welcomed Kh. Gigi Shadid for a workshop entitled Ready, Set, Engage! On Saturday, August 25, Kh. Gigi led the group of 30 participants from five local parishes through a nuts and bolts of teaching class and inspired the educators to use music in their classroom. There were also small group discussions.
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Bridgeport, CT hosted a Teacher Training II workshop on Saturday, September 29. Fr. George Alberts and Mat. Anna Timko-Hughes led 12 church school teachers through the elementary and middle school/high school classes. Fr. Romanos Malouf organized the event for his parish's teachers and invited other churches in the area.
St. George Orthodox Church, Little Falls, NJ also hosted a training event this fall. On Saturday, October 6, Carole Buleza, Director, AODCE, customized our Teacher Training I to meet the needs of the parish educators. Antiochian, GOA and OCA parishes were represented at the training by 20 church school teachers.
Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Linthicum, MD hosted a training on Saturday, November 17, 2018. The event offered our Teacher Training II courses, led by Carole Buleza, for more than 20 teachers from local Antiochian, Greek and Russian churches. Courses included Enriching the Classroom Experience, Child Development & the Exceptional Learner, and Creative Expressions for teachers at the elementary level. A training for Middle School/High School teachers is being planned for early 2019.