INSPIR(ED) CONFERENCE
Join us in Waterloo for the 2nd Annual INSPIR(ED)Conference
Friday, September 25
9am-3:30pm
Impact Church of Hope
710 Broadway Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
Hosted by Royal Legacy Christian Academy
INSPIR(ED) exists to equip and
encourage Christian educators
in missional schools across Iowa.
Together we are strengthened by Scripture to teach with endurance and hope, shaping students for a life of purpose in God's Kingdom.
INSPIR(ED) CONFERENCE is a one-day conference dedicated to bringing Christian educators together to unite missional schools and to INSPIRE.
Intentional Instruction – Offer high-quality professional development opportunities that enhance teaching effectiveness and instructional excellence.
Nurturing Relationships – Create meaningful connections among educators to share experiences, challenges, and encouragement.
Sowing of Biblical Truth – Provide resources, training, and support to help educators confidently teach from a biblical worldview.
Persevere in our Calling – Support initiatives that expand high-quality, faith-based education in vulnerable communities for students with varied experiences, cultures, and needs.
Influence the Next Generation – Partner with schools dedicated to making Christ-centered education accessible to all students.
Reflect Christ in our Teaching - Share strategies for creating learning environments that reflect Christ’s love and foster faith, compassion, and spiritual growth in students.
Encourage One Another in Faith – Strengthen educators in their faith through biblical encouragement, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Darrell Gillespie
Dr. Darrell Gillespie, LGSW, is a pillar in the Minneapolis community.
He is the Senior Pastor and Founder of Proverbs Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational church located in North Minneapolis, which he founded in 2003.
He joined Hope Academy as Head of Family Ministry in 2021 and has also served as a school counselor, teacher, high school basketball coach, and Lower School Dean.
Darrell earned his Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, and his Doctor of Ministry in Black Church Leadership from United Theological Seminary.
SCHEDULE
INSPIR(ED) Conference Tentative Schedule (1-day)
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM Check-in & Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Welcome & Worship
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote 1
10:40 AM - 11:30 AM Group 1 Breakout Sessions
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM Group 2 Breakout Sessions
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch & Networking
1:20 PM - 2:10 PM Group 3 Role-Alike Roundtables
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM Keynote 2
3:10 PM - 3:30 PM Closing Worship & Networking
Breakout sessions may include the following topics:
Integrating Biblical Teaching into Curriculum
Behavior and Academic Interventions
Culturally Responsive Practice
Supporting English Language Learners
Extending Programs for Accelerated Learners
Family and Community Partnerships
Development (Fundraising, Marketing, Recruitment)
Office and Administrative Practice
We hope this conference unites our schools in their mission to provide high-quality, biblical education to students with varied experiences, cultures, and backgrounds, while equipping educators with the tools, support, and encouragement they need to thrive. Together, we aim to share expertise, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate the missional and evangelistic nature of our schools, expanding this beyond a single-day conference into an ongoing collaborative network. We seek to honor human dignity by fostering academic excellence and spiritual formation in a diverse community united in Christ.
Thank you to our sponsors!
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
Contact us:
www.inspirededucationiowa.org/inspiredconference