For the first time in more than 30 years, the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) has selected the city of St. Louis to host its 2019 Convocation. With the theme, Opening Eyes, Minds, & Hearts, this convocation brought together 2700 number of Lutheran educators from all over the country, as well as from Korea, Shanghai and Germany. The Convocation was held on Oct. 10 to 12, 2019 at the Americas Center in downtown St. Louis.
LEA is a leading organization for Lutheran educators, and this year’s convocation included speakers, a game room, professional development and more. Mr. Alan Freeman, the Assistant to the President for Schools at the Missouri District, spearheaded the managing of 189 convocation volunteers, with assistance from Sue Thompson, the district Event Coordinator The volunteers worked more than 700 hours to make the convocation a success.
Keynote speakers included Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries and Sally Lloyd-Janes, an author of children’s books. A wide array of sectionals included topics such as biblical principles for digital citizenship, avoiding burnout, technology for classrooms of all ages, career planning for educators, sectionals about teaching specific subjects and much more.
In addition to the conference speakers and sectionals, the convocation included opening and closing worship services, complete with a parade of singing school children, a performance of the Lutheran North High School choir, as well as dinners and receptions. The exhibit hall included booths from organizations from VBS curriculum providers, Chinese learning courses, digitization services, book shops and even woodworking.
A game room and a STEM playground, complete with virtual reality headsets flanked the hall. Several little ones attending with their families enjoyed playing tic-tac-toe, volleyball, Jenga, and other games, which the STEM playground gave people the opportunity to experiment with 3-D printers and building challenges. Tables displayed toys designed to teach coding logic and other technical skills.
In keeping with the theme of Opening Eyes, Minds, & Hearts, an illusionist performed during one of the banquets.