A Global Light Ablaze in Croatia
May 9, 2023
By: Caitlyn Harding, Public & Media Relations Coordinator
Publish Date: May 9, 2023
A soft breeze drifted off of the Adriatic Sea as the hallways of Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik in Croatia buzzed with educators sharing their session takeaways. The ACSI International School Leaders Conference was underway, and 125 school administrators from 34 countries across the globe would leave with refreshed commitment to their mission of leading and discipling the next generation for Christ.
While standing in the buffet line at the final meal of the conference, Tim Shuman, Senior Director of the ACSI International Division and conference host, was reflecting on the incredible three days when his thoughts were interrupted by a delegate, plate in hand, approaching him with a serious expression.
“Tim,” she said, “I just want to say that when the keynote speaker finished, I was very sad.” Bracing himself for constructive feedback, Tim leaned in.
“I’m just sad that this conference had to come to an end,” she shared. “It has been so wonderful to be with other international leaders like me, to worship and learn together. Each speaker was so good, just what I needed to hear. I’m just sad it’s all ending.”
Tim relaxed and welcomed the sentiment, sharing a bittersweet smile with the delegate.
The International School Leaders Conference was a packed three days combining Dr. Roger Parrott’s keynote sessions with interactive breakout sessions.
“This conference has been on my calendar since before the pandemic,” Dr. Parrott shared. “I couldn’t wait to meet with school leaders to share about how they can lead well and embrace change. I’ve always thought that I don’t have to motivate an employee if I can just help them find their calling and fulfill that calling.”
Originally slated for three years prior, the conference was rescheduled due to the pandemic, leaving international school leaders hungry for networking, fellowship, and quality professional development.
One participant shared that the special time designated for leaders to meet new friends and collaborate was invaluable. “There was a perfect amount of rest to length of sessions,” they shared. “The informal times were powerful, but the speaker was also brilliant. Having the afternoons free was crucial in ‘catching my breath’ from the hectic season.”
One of the key distinctives of the International School Leaders Conference is the number of international stories represented.
“From individuals starting small schools in the Middle East, to large schools in places like Hong Kong and Indonesia, people are hungry to hear and to share their stories,” Tim shared.
Each day included rich keynote content, participatory breakout sessions, and some allotted free time. Whether they were strolling the historic streets of Dubrovnik, reflecting on concepts from the day, or simply relaxing, school leaders were given a much-needed opportunity to recharge.
ACSI President & CEO and Keynote Speaker Dr. Larry Taylor unpacked recent research detailing what ingredients lead to a flourishing school community. Among them, the domain of Well-being stood out as extremely important, both for students and school staff.
“As a recent head of school, I can personally attest to the challenge of building and sustaining a Kingdom-focused, successful school culture,” Taylor shared. “We were so glad to be able to gather in person, working side by side through this process.”
Reflecting on the very real leadership challenge between 2020 and 2023, Tim chose to start each morning’s general session with verses of blessing—one for each day.
Verses read aloud over the conference delegation included: Numbers 6:24-26; Ephesians 3:16-21; Colossians 3:15-17; and Hebrews 13:20-21.
“Our leaders have prevailed through much,” Tim shared. “If I could pray one thing over our educators, it would be this: Your work and your calling, dear international educator, is vital. May you feel the joy of God’s face shining upon you today as you serve and love your students in Jesus’ name.”
The next International School Leaders Conference will take place in 2025. To learn more about this year’s conference, visit the press release.
Publish Date: May 9, 2023
A soft breeze drifted off of the Adriatic Sea as the hallways of Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik in Croatia buzzed with educators sharing their session takeaways. The ACSI International School Leaders Conference was underway, and 125 school administrators from 34 countries across the globe would leave with refreshed commitment to their mission of leading and discipling the next generation for Christ.
While standing in the buffet line at the final meal of the conference, Tim Shuman, Senior Director of the ACSI International Division and conference host, was reflecting on the incredible three days when his thoughts were interrupted by a delegate, plate in hand, approaching him with a serious expression.
“Tim,” she said, “I just want to say that when the keynote speaker finished, I was very sad.” Bracing himself for constructive feedback, Tim leaned in.
“I’m just sad that this conference had to come to an end,” she shared. “It has been so wonderful to be with other international leaders like me, to worship and learn together. Each speaker was so good, just what I needed to hear. I’m just sad it’s all ending.”
Tim relaxed and welcomed the sentiment, sharing a bittersweet smile with the delegate.
The International School Leaders Conference was a packed three days combining Dr. Roger Parrott’s keynote sessions with interactive breakout sessions.
“This conference has been on my calendar since before the pandemic,” Dr. Parrott shared. “I couldn’t wait to meet with school leaders to share about how they can lead well and embrace change. I’ve always thought that I don’t have to motivate an employee if I can just help them find their calling and fulfill that calling.”
Originally slated for three years prior, the conference was rescheduled due to the pandemic, leaving international school leaders hungry for networking, fellowship, and quality professional development.
One participant shared that the special time designated for leaders to meet new friends and collaborate was invaluable. “There was a perfect amount of rest to length of sessions,” they shared. “The informal times were powerful, but the speaker was also brilliant. Having the afternoons free was crucial in ‘catching my breath’ from the hectic season.”
One of the key distinctives of the International School Leaders Conference is the number of international stories represented.
“From individuals starting small schools in the Middle East, to large schools in places like Hong Kong and Indonesia, people are hungry to hear and to share their stories,” Tim shared.
Each day included rich keynote content, participatory breakout sessions, and some allotted free time. Whether they were strolling the historic streets of Dubrovnik, reflecting on concepts from the day, or simply relaxing, school leaders were given a much-needed opportunity to recharge.
ACSI President & CEO and Keynote Speaker Dr. Larry Taylor unpacked recent research detailing what ingredients lead to a flourishing school community. Among them, the domain of Well-being stood out as extremely important, both for students and school staff.
“As a recent head of school, I can personally attest to the challenge of building and sustaining a Kingdom-focused, successful school culture,” Taylor shared. “We were so glad to be able to gather in person, working side by side through this process.”
Reflecting on the very real leadership challenge between 2020 and 2023, Tim chose to start each morning’s general session with verses of blessing—one for each day.
Verses read aloud over the conference delegation included: Numbers 6:24-26; Ephesians 3:16-21; Colossians 3:15-17; and Hebrews 13:20-21.
“Our leaders have prevailed through much,” Tim shared. “If I could pray one thing over our educators, it would be this: Your work and your calling, dear international educator, is vital. May you feel the joy of God’s face shining upon you today as you serve and love your students in Jesus’ name.”
The next International School Leaders Conference will take place in 2025. To learn more about this year’s conference, visit the press release.