Murray Cooper, Carla Thrower, Rose Thomas, Lori Thieme, Andrea Henry-Smith, and Luberta Biggs

Forest Lake Academy (FLA) received HRS Level 1 at the HRS Summit. Members of FLA leadership and faculty joined other educators across the Southern Union for dinner while attending the HRS Summit in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2026.

Students care for a butterfly garden during the GMAA ECE accreditation visit in April 2026.

“Heaven is for Everyone” was the theme of this student-created artwork during the accreditation visit at Kiddie Kampus in 2026. It reinforces the school’s mission to welcome and nurture every child.

Pre-kindergarten students from Madison Academy use donated materials to build an outdoor “mud kitchen,” to engage in meaningful play that encourages exploration, measurement, creativity, problem-solving, storytelling, and cultural sharing.

The Southern Union Office of Education team, led by Murray Cooper, M.Ed., director, has worked diligently throughout this quinquennium to support and enhance the educational programs in our territory. With enthusiasm, each department is opening its doors to provide an overview of our efforts for the children we serve and the educators who guide them. This article presents a collection of snapshots for our valued Southern Union members, highlighting our collective commitment to excellence in education.

Administration – Murray Cooper, M.Ed.

The Southern Union Conference is the largest of the nine union conferences within the North American Division (NAD). This status presents both opportunities and responsibilities, as we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of education in every program. Currently, 176 educational programs serve more than 13,000 students from birth through 12th grade, and are supported by more than 1,400 educators. Through a variety of initiatives, the Southern Union Office of Education shares resources to strengthen the spiritual and academic development of our schools.

Educational Support: New Educator Salary Supplement Program (NESSP)

In response to the current teacher shortages across the NAD, the SUC Executive Committee approved the New Educator Salary Supplement Program to support new teachers during their first three years of employment in our territory. In the 2025-2026 school year, the Southern Union designated $180,372 to fund this program. The NESSP provides additional financial assistance to help new teachers establish successful and sustainable careers in education. Fifty-seven early-career educators participated in this program in 2025-2026. This initiative continues to strengthen our recruitment efforts, and provides a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talented teachers to the Southern Union territory. The chart above indicates the number of NESSP recipients per conference.

Teacher-in-Training Scholarship

The Teacher-in-Training Scholarship is a growing initiative aimed at strengthening the future of Adventist education. Each year, four academy seniors from among the 13 Southern Union Conference academies are awarded this scholarship.
Recipients are encouraged to enroll in a teacher preparation program at either Oakwood University or Southern Adventist University, equipping them to become the next generation of educators. Now in its fourth year, the program is beginning to show results, as its first group of participants has graduated and entered the teaching field.

Association of Seventh-day Adventist School Administrators (ASDASA)

In February 2026, the Southern Union Conference demonstrated its commitment to ongoing professional development by covering registration costs for school and conference education leaders to attend the ASDASA convention in the greater Houston, Texas, area. The event brought together more than 400 education administrators from across the North American Division.

The convention’s theme, “Learning Leaders,” featured nationally recognized speakers, and provided timely and valuable insights to benefit school leaders. Approximately 60 educators from the Southern Union participated, engaging in presentations, and networking with colleagues from across the Division. Many Southern Union educators also contributed by sharing their expertise through presentations and collaborative discussions.

Spiritual Support School Chaplain Retreat

The School Chaplain Retreat is a meaningful program established in partnership with the Southern Union Conference Youth Ministries Department. It was launched in the spring of 2023. Guided by our mission to help every student build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the retreat is designed to nurture community, provide opportunities for professional development, and encourage spiritual growth among chaplains serving in academies and larger elementary schools. Planning is already in progress for the next retreat scheduled for November 2026.

Secondary Education – Carla Thrower, M.A., M.S.

At the Southern Union Conference Office of Education, one of our greatest joys is supporting the incredible educators and leaders who serve our students every day. While much of our work happens behind the scenes, our goal is simple: to help our schools thrive as they provide Christ-centered, high-quality education across our territory.

Accreditation: Growing Together

One important way that we help is through accreditation. More than a process, accreditation is an opportunity for schools to reflect, celebrate accomplishments, and identify areas for continued growth. Through collaboration with teachers, administrators, boards, parents, and students, schools engage in meaningful conversations that strengthen their programs and keep them focused on their mission.

Building Strong Leadership

We recognize that strong schools are led by strong leaders. Through our Principal Cohort, secondary principals gather throughout the year to learn, share ideas, seek solutions, and encourage one another. These connections help foster a supportive network of leaders who understand both the challenges and blessings of Adventist education.

Professional Learning Community: #2GetherWeTeach!

Another exciting initiative is #2GetherWeTeach!, our professional learning community that unites educators across conferences and schools. This collaborative space allows teachers and administrators to exchange ideas, discuss effective instructional practices, and learn from one another. Some of the best professional growth happens when educators come together with a shared purpose, and #2GetherWeTeach provides that opportunity.

Whether through accreditation, leadership development, or professional learning, our goal remains the same: supporting schools as they nurture students academically, spiritually, and socially. We are grateful for the dedicated teachers, principals, and school communities throughout the Southern Union who faithfully answer the call to ministry through education. Together, we are growing stronger and making an eternal difference in the lives of our students.

Elementary Education – Rose Thomas...

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