Hope Teachers' Institute
Hope Teachers' Institute 2025
July 29-31, 2025
The institute will be at
Ebenezer Mennonite Bible School
137 Rampike Hill Road,
Bendersville, PA 17306
Ebenezer Mennonite Bible School moved to this new location in 2023.
The institute is now held at this new location.
Registration is open; register at the following link.
"What the teacher is,
is more important than
what he teaches."
. - Karl Menninger
"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:
teach a just man, and he will increase in learning"
(Proverbs 9:9).
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Feel free to pass the program on to interested persons.
Institute Schedule
Tuesday - Thursday, July 29-31, 2025
July 29, 2025
Tuesday Morning
8:30 Registration
9:00 Singing and Opening
9:10 – 9:45 Topic #1 Facing the Mountain -Mike Yoder
9:45-10:00 Announcements
10:05 – 10:55 Workshop #1
- A. Calming Elementary Fears -Carolyn Martin
- B. Harnessing Middle School Energy -Loren Martin
- C. Mentoring the Youthful Mind -Linford Horst
- D. New Teacher Orientation #1 -Gary Horst
- E. SPECIAL ED Understanding the Struggling Student -Jennifer Anderson
11:05 – 11:55 Workshop #2
- A. Keeping the Ordinary Interesting -Lucy Showalter
- B. Come to English Class (Elementary) -Andrea Nolt
- C. Come to English Class (Middle School) -Martha Stoltzfus
- D. Come to English Class (High School) -Elijah Brubaker
- E. SPECIAL ED Relating to the Struggling Student -Jennifer Anderson
12:00-1:10 Lunch
Tuesday Afternoon
1:10-1:40 Chorus -Norman Martin
1:50 – 2:40 Workshop #3
- A. Teaching Music -Jaron Witmer
- B. Beginning Steps to Reading (Part 1) -Heidi Stauffer
- C. A Look at the World (Part 1) -Esther Good
- D. Teaching Public Speaking -Linford Horst
- E. Maintaining Faith in a Skeptical World (Part 1) -Myron Histand
2:50 – 3:40 Workshop #4
- A. Teaching Chorus -Jaron Witmer
- B. Beginning Steps to Reading (Part 2) -Heidi Stauffer
- C. A Look at the World (Part 2) -Esther Good
- D. Teaching Writing -Linford Horst
- E. Maintaining Faith in a Skeptical World (Part 2) -Myron Histand
3:50 – 4:30 Topic # 2 Following the Humble Christ - Using the Rod -Henry Martin
4:30 Dismissal
4:30-5:30 Networking and Idea Sharing
Shop for books / Visit with other teachers / Bulletin Board, Art, and Idea Exchange
5:30 Supper
Tuesday Evening
7:00 Singing and Devotions
7:15 Baiting the Hook in Our Teaching -Randy Bridge
July 30, 2025
Wednesday Morning
9:00 Singing and Opening
9:10 – 9:45 Topic #3 Conquering the Mountain -Mike Yoder
9:45-10:00 Announcements
10:05 – 10:55 Workshop #5
- A. Preparing for Middle Grades -B. Jean Meyer
- B. Preparing for Upper Grades -Logan Shirk
- C. Preparing for Ten Years From Now -Dan Groff
- D. New Teacher Orientation #2 -Gary Horst
- E. Learning to Read -Regina Martin
11:05 – 11:55 Workshop #6
- A. Coho Salmon, Skunk Cabbage, and the Christian Day School -Vincent Burkholder
- B. Come to Reading Class (Elementary) -B. Jean Meyer
- C. Come to Reading Class (Middle School) -Adam Wenger
- D. Come to Literature Class (High School) -Kendall Sensenig
- E. Understanding Children From Troubled Homes -Randy Bridge
12:00-1:10 Lunch
Wednesday Afternoon
1:10-1:40 Chorus -Norman Martin
1:50 – 2:40 Workshop #7 – Personal Enrichment
- A. The Wonders of Nature -Randy Bridge
- B. Mounties and Maple Syrup -Matthew Frey
- C. What a Massive Minnow! -Vince Burkholder
- D. Flood Geology: Beauty From Catastrophe -Andrew Zimmerman
- E. How to Square a Circle -Norman Martin
2:50 – 3:40 Workshop #8
- A. Come to History Class (Elementary) -Heidi Stauffer
- B. Come to History Class (Middle School) -Christine Leid
- C. Come to History Class (High School) -Kendrick Funk
- D. New Teacher Orientation #3 -Gary Horst
- E. Dissecting Cow Eyes -Michael Zimmerman
3:50 – 4:30 Topic # 4 Following the Humble Christ - Using the Staff -Henry Martin
4:30 - 5:30 Dismissal
4:30-5:30 Networking and Idea Sharing
Shop for books / Visit with other teachers / Bulletin Board, Art, and Idea Exchange
5:30 Supper
Wednesday Evening
7:00 Singing & Devotions
7:15 Reptiles -Michael Zimmerman
July 31, 2025
Thursday Morning
9:00 Singing and Opening
9:10 – 9:45 Topic #5 The Mountaintop Experience -Mike Yoder
9:45-10:00 Announcements
10:05 – 10:55 Workshop #9
- A. Excellence Without Perfection (Teacher) -Matthew Frey
- B. Parent/Teacher Interaction – How Much? How Often? -Linford Weaver
- C. SCHOOL BOARD Resolving Board Conflicts -Wendell Martin
- D. New Teacher Orientation #4 -Gary Horst
- E. SPECIAL ED A Beginner’s Guide to Dyslexia -Jackie Wideman
11:05 – 11:55 Workshop #10
- A. Excellence Without Perfection (Student) -Matthew Frey
- B. Using the Chalkboard -Jason Burkholder
- C. SCHOOL BOARD Balancing Your Responsibilities -Vernon Shirk
- D. Practical Tips for Reading Comprehension -Glenda Martin
- E. SPECIAL ED Understanding the Trauma Brain -Jackie Wideman
12:00-1:10 Lunch
Thursday Afternoon
1:10-1:40 Chorus -Norman Martin
1:50 – 2:50 Panel Discussions
3:00 – 3:30 Topic #6: Summing It All Up Give Me This Mountain -Mike Yoder
3:30 Dismissal
Workshop Descriptions
Workshop 1
A. Calming Elementary Fears -Carolyn Martin
First day butterflies, hot lunch tummy aches, test stress, new adventure anxieties – school can be a stressful place for young students. What can a teacher do to alleviate anxious moments for the students?
B. Harnessing Middle School Energy -Loren Martin
The middle grades are hard to teach. That’s for sure! But handled correctly, your students will be your favorite people.
C. Mentoring the Youthful Mind -Linford Horst
Every teacher desires to win the hearts of his students. This workshop will primarily be a storytelling session showing how one teacher struggled through the successes and failures of relating with teenagers.
D. New Teacher Orientation #1 -Gary Horst
These workshops are designed to help prepare new teachers for their new responsibilities as well as to help anyone who is endeavoring to become a more effective teacher. We will discuss principles of effective teaching and their practical applications. This class is designed to help you confidently prepare for teaching.
E. Understanding the Struggling Student -Jennifer Anderson
This class explores the world of specialized education and various levels of specialized teaching and placement options. This class reflects on why specialized education is needed and how it guides individuals into participation within the home and community.
Workshop 2
A. Keeping the Ordinary Interesting -Lucy Showalter
Schedules are crammed with devotions, mathematics, language arts, spelling, history, science, and Bible classes. Are these subjects doomed to be monotonous day after week after month? Or could there be simple ways to add spice to lessons without exhausting ourselves?
B. Come to English Class (Elementary) –Andrea Nolt
Welcome to 3rd grade English class! After our “'in action” English class, we will discuss some tips and tricks you have found helpful in laying the basic parts of speech foundation.
C. Come to English Class (Middle School) -Martha Stoltzfus
In this workshop we will explore engaging ways to teach essential grammar skills to 3rd-5th graders. We will be talking about concepts such as capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, and basic diagramming. Come prepared to share ideas and methods that are effective for you.
D. Come to English Class (High School) -Elijah Brubaker
English from the student: “I’ve spoken English all my life, I know how to talk.” “So why is diagramming important?” “What’s the point of research papers; can I use AI?” Come to English class - where we discover that the Bible has things to say about studying English and where we realize diagramming sentences makes us as Christians better equipped to share the love of God with the world around us.
E. Relating to the Struggling Student -Jennifer Anderson
This class more specifically looks at individual needs, what to teach, and how to teach them. The class will explore targeting needs, methods of teaching, dealing with inappropriate behavior, safety issues, and reflecting on our own perspectives as teachers to special needs individuals.
Workshops 3&4
3A. Teaching Music -Jaron Witmer
Music is a language! How do we teach it? Will our students learn it effectively? From 1st grade to high school we will cover all kinds of teaching methods, resources, and ideas so that our students can experience, read, and enjoy music fully!
4A. Teaching Chorus -Jaron Witmer
A choir experience can sometimes make or break a child’s experience with music so how can we have the most effective choir time? From rehearsals to program time we’ll explore many tips and tricks to making an enjoyable choir time for teacher and student.
3B & 4B. Beginning Steps to Reading (Part 1&2) -Heidi Stauffer
Learning to read can be an intense journey for both students and teachers. In this workshop we will discuss the BSR curriculum and tips that will be beneficial in teaching it.
3C & 4C. A Look at the World (Part 1&2) -Esther Good
Have you floated down the Amazon? Worshiped with the Muslims? Traveled the parched Sahara? Sailed with Columbus? Get ready for adventures around the world that you can take to your classroom, along with some practical tips and hands-on learning. This is a workshop, so be ready to participate!
3D. Teaching Public Speaking -Linford Horst
According to Mark Twain there are only two types of speakers in the world – the nervous and the liars. In this workshop we will discuss how to control the nerves and engage an audience.
4D. Teaching Writing and Composition -Linford Horst
The discipline of writing is the final frontier for many people. In this workshop we will discuss how to help students develop skill, creativity, and confidence in writing.
3E & 4E. Maintaining Faith in a Skeptical World (Part 1 &2) -Myron Histand
Post Modernism, Deconstructionism, Conspiracy Theories. We are told there are no absolutes. We cannot trust anything or anyone. How do we keep from falling for these ideas and arguments? We will look to the Bible for ways to keep our faith strong.
Workshop 5
A. Preparing for Middle Grades -B. Jean Meyer
What is “normal” child development in Kindergarten through 4th grade? What can teachers do to promote social, physical, and
academic growth? This workshop explores the challenges teachers and students encounter as
they work through standards and expectations in the beginning years of school.
B. Preparing for Upper Grades -Logan Shirk
Have you ever wondered if you are majoring in the things that matter for the next grade? What unmastered skills and concepts are cause for concern as a student moves into the upper grades? In this workshop we plan to discuss how you as a middle grade teacher can better prepare your students for upper grades.
C. Preparing for Ten Years From Now -Dan Groff
In this workshop we will consider life lessons that transcend academics. Come prepared to share lessons you have learned in life that could benefit your students 10 years from now.
D. New Teacher Orientation #2 -Gary Horst See workshop 1D description.
E. Learning to Read -Regina Martin
“I can read!” Learning to read is a miracle that opens the world of books to a child, but it happens through careful, deliberate instruction. Come explore with us how to lay a solid foundation so every child can be successful. We will be using Christian Light’s Learning to Read course.
Workshop 6
A. Coho Salmon, Skunk Cabbage, and the Christian Day School -Vincent Burkholder
Nature teaches us many lessons for life’s experiences. This workshop will focus on these lessons, with an emphasis on establishing a school vision while carefully analyzing educational fads.
B. Come to Reading Class (Elementary) -B. Jean Meyer
The ability to read lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning. This interactive workshop aims to encourage teachers as they strive to instruct non-readers and reluctant readers, creating confident and competent students with the skills and knowledge they need.
C. Come to Reading Class (Middle School) -Adam Wenger
Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic… Reading class may feel as if it is an “extra subject” in your busy day. We will read a story as well as look at some tips for middle grade reading.
D. Come to Literature Class (High School) -Kendall Sensenig
A Poem… A Short Story… An Essay… A Bible Passage… What could these all have in common? Why do you teach literature? Literary masterpieces that reveal, explain, apply, and exalt Truth deserve our time, our energy, and our thought. Through discussion and a model class, we hope to inspire the vivacity to teach literature like it matters.
E. Understanding Children From Troubled Homes -Randy Bridge
The uninterested child that sits in your classroom may have broken connections. What he needs is for you to have a heart of love and compassion that shows him the love of Jesus.
Workshop 7
A. The Wonders of Nature -Randy Bridge
We will look at some things to do in nature that will inspire us and teach us as we observe plants and animals around us.
B. Mounties and Maple Syrup -Matthew Frey
We will explore the history and some stories of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. We will also talk about the sweet industry of Canadian Maple Syrup. How could the syrup industry get so sticky that the law gets involved?
C. What a Massive Minnow! -Vince Burkholder
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. Freshwater ecosystems are home to abundant and diverse aquatic life. This workshop will provide an overview in identifying local freshwater species and understanding their habitats.
D. Flood Geology: Beauty From Catastrophe -Andrew Zimmerman
Flood Geology, the Great Unconformity, and beauty from Catastrophe; we will look at landscapes and geological formations. We will also see pics from our trip to Saudi Arabia.
E. How to Square a Circle -Norman Martin
Problems. Problems on top of problems. When life gets tough, as it did for the Apollo 13 astronauts, we must be able to problem-solve and use what we have available to us to find answers to our problems. We will examine the Apollo 13 mission to find out how they managed to square a circle to solve one of their problems.
Workshop 8
A. Come to History Class (Elementary) -Heidi Stauffer
Why do we need to study history/social studies? Is it valuable to know about things that happened hundreds of years ago, or about the cultures and resources of other countries? Come join the discussion of how to effectively and engagingly teach history to young students.
B. Come to History Class (Middle School) -Christine Leid
Why should our middle grade students “come to history class?” What is the purpose? Can I make the subject matter relevant to my students’ lives? Come prepared to engage in an interactive class.
C. Come to History Class (High School) -Kendrick Funk
Do your students tune out in history class? Do they find it irrelevant and boring? In this workshop we’ll demonstrate and discuss some ways to make history class real, alive, and relevant.
D. New Teacher Orientation #3 -Gary Horst
See workshop 1D description.
E. Dissecting -Michael Zimmerman
Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of vision by dissecting a cow’s eye! This hands-on workshop will guide you through the intricate structures, from the cornea to the retina. It promises to be an eye-opening experience, and who knows, maybe dissecting an eye will offer a clearly humorous perspective on how we see the world (or how a cow does!). Preserved cow eyes are available for all participants. Feeling adventurous and wanting an authentic experience? You are welcome to bring your own fresh, raw cow eyes from your local butcher shop! Get ready to see the Creator’s designs in a whole new light.
Workshop 9
A. Excellence Without Perfection (Teacher) -Matthew Frey
H. Jackson Brown Jr. said, "Strive for excellence, not perfection." After exploring how excellence inspires and perfectionism debilitates, we will discuss practical ways to achieve a reasonable excellence as a teacher.
B. Parent/Teacher Interaction – How Much? How Often? -Linford Weaver
What are some tips on how teachers should keep parents involved and informed in the education of their children? How does one deal with different types of parents, stories coming from homes, homework, etc.? Bring your questions?
C. Resolving Board Conflicts -Wendell Martin
Conflict: something we would like to avoid, but when we are working with other people, it is inevitable. What are some steps we can take to resolving these conflicts?
D. New Teacher Orientation #4 -Gary Horst
See workshop 1D description.
E. A Beginner’s Guide to Dyslexia -Jackie Wideman
As the teacher, you get to navigate the coming school year alongside your student and their parents. With the right tools, it is not only fully possible, but it can be a positive experience for all. We will start by defining dyslexia, removing common myths about it from our perspectives, then explore ways to teach and support the student with dyslexia.
Workshop 10
A. Excellence Without Perfection (Student) -Matthew Frey
H. Jackson Brown Jr. said, "Strive for excellence, not perfection." After exploring how excellence inspires and perfectionism debilitates, we will discuss practical ways to help our students achieve a reasonable excellence and deal with scrupulosity.
B. Using the Chalkboard -Jason Burkholder
I love the chalkboard. In this workshop, we will discuss ways it can be an effective teaching tool. We will pool our ideas on how to make the most of this focal point in our classrooms.
C. Balancing Your Responsibilities -Vernon Shirk
Various responsibilities....all calling for our attention....How do we reach around and fulfill our duties appropriately?
D. Practical Tips for Reading Comprehension -Glenda Martin
Good readers recognize patterns in letters and understand how words are made. Skilled readers find meaning in the words. Decoding is the beginning of reading; comprehension is the goal of reading. Come to explore methods of building comprehension in young readers.
E. Understanding the Trauma Brain -Jackie Wideman
What is trauma? How does it affect the brain? How does this impact education? To explore these questions, we will define big T and little T traumas, and the way they shape the function of the limbic system. We will also discuss recognizing and managing triggered behaviors and creating felt safety for our students.
Email us if you want to be added to the Teachers' Institute email list.
[email protected]
If you received an email from us in 2025, you are already on the email list.
For any questions on the institute, call or text 717-679-5837
or email [email protected] .
"The art of teaching
is the art of assisting discovery."
-Martin Van Doren
"And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not"
(Galatians 6:9).