The 2024 Mennonite Educators Conference (MEC), themed “Building Bridges,” brought together over 250 educators from the U.S., Canada, and Albania for a time of learning, worship, and connection. Hosted by the Mennonite Schools Network in partnership with Everence, the conference featured keynote speakers Dr. Matinga Ragatz and Dr. John Roth, along with opportunities to engage with Mennonite Colleges and service organizations. Emphasizing the sacred calling of educators, MEC provided a space for renewal, inspiration, and strengthening the impact of Mennonite education in shaping young lives and fostering a better world.
"I really enjoyed listening and learning from our keynote speaker, Matinga Ragatz. Matinga was an engaging speaker who challenged us as educators to think seriously about the skills that our students need to succeed in the world after they graduate from Bethany. Her approach (Project-Based Learning) is meant to put students in charge of their learning and to give them the creative problem-solving and resiliency skills that will benefit them as adults in the workplace. I also enjoyed getting to spend time with the Bethany staff—the absolute best people to work with!" Christa Janzen
"The biennial Mennonite Educators Conference allows Bethany faculty to connect with our brothers and sisters from partner institutions across the United States and even abroad. We enjoy not only this chance to compare notes on current trends in education and to learn more from those who teach in similar circumstances, but also to spend important time together as a Bethany faculty, deepening our bonds as a group of colleagues committed not only to the work of educating children, but also to the faith that we share.
With that in mind, this year's MEC gave us all a chance to reflect on the meaning of Mennonite education in the current cultural environment. John D. Roth's keynote address reminded us all of the blessings and challenges that we face in this troubling time. His admonition to consider how we balance traditions that are both preserved and renewed while negotiating our distinctive Christian witness to the world left a great impression.
Dr. Mattinga Ragatz's messages complemented Bethany's goal to make sure that each student is "known, loved, and prepared" while in our care. Her discussion of the Japanese concept of "ikigai," the idea of melding life value, meaning, and purpose, was especially striking." Michael Yeakey