Hope Teachers' Institute
Hope Teachers' Institute
July 28-30, 2026
Registration is open at HTI2026.eventbrite.com ;
register at the following link.
“The influence of a good teacher can never be erased;
it is etched forever in the hearts of those they touch.”
-John Chrysostom
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way
which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8).
it is etched forever in the hearts of those they touch.”
-John Chrysostom
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way
which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8).
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Feel free to pass the program on to interested persons.
Institute
Schedule
Tuesday - Thursday
July 29-31, 2025
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Tuesday Morning
8:30 Registration
9:00 Singing and Opening
9:10 – 9:45 Topic #1
Steadfast and Unmovable–1 Cor. 15:58 –Cole Schrock
9:45-10:00 Announcements
10:05 – 10:55 Workshop #1
- Basics for Beginning Teachers #1 –Henry Martin
- Developing Phonemic Awareness (Elementary) –Carissa Matthews
- Developing Oral Reading (Middle School) –Gary Horst
- Developing Students’ Vocabulary (Middle to High School) –Justin Ebersole
- SPECIAL ED Defining Success and Measuring Progress –Jackie Wideman
11:05 – 11:55 Workshop #2
- Creating Story Time –Gary Horst
- Come to Math Class (Elementary) –Crystal Faus
- Come to Math Class (Middle School) –Veanna Nolt
- Come to Math Class (High School) –Neil Weaver
- SPECIAL ED Routine, Rhythm, and Rest –Jackie Wideman
12:00-1:10 Lunch
Tuesday Afternoon
1:10-1:40 Chorus –Kendrick Funk
1:50 – 2:40 Workshop #3
- Practical Vocal Techniques (Part 1) –James Hostetler
- Beginning Steps to Reading (Part 1) –Heidi Stauffer
- Engaging Students With Astronomy (Part 1) –Dana Atkinson
- Deliberate Devotionals (Lower) –Crystal Faus
- Deliberate Devotionals (Upper) –Neil Weaver
2:50 – 3:40 Workshop #4
- Music Class Out Loud (Part 2) –James Hostetler
- Beginning Steps to Reading (Part 2) –Heidi Stauffer
- Engaging Students' With Astronomy (Part 2) –Dana Atkinson
- Productive Classroom Procedures –Anita Weaver
- Healthy Classroom Rapport –Linford Horst
3:50 – 4:30 Topic # 2
Does Your Teacher Do That? –Kendall Sensenig
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 Astronomy -Dana Atkinson
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Wednesday Morning
9:00 Singing and Opening
9:10 – 9:45 Topic #3
Always Abounding–1 Cor. 15:58 –Cole Schrock
9:45-10:00 Announcements
10:05 – 10:55 Workshop #5
- Basics for Beginning Teachers #2 –Henry Martin
- Diligent or Distracted, Neat or Sloppy –Jolene Martin
- Poetry Appreciation –Gary Horst
- Art Class (Part 1) –Martha Stoltzfus
- Learning to Read –Connie Zimmerman
11:05 – 11:55 Workshop #6
- Come to Science Class (High School) –Kendrick Funk
- Come to Science Class (Elementary) –Monica Yoder
- You Can Teach Science Class (Middle School) –Vincent Burkholder
- Art Class (Part 2) –Martha Stoltzfus
- SPECIAL ED Reading Intervention –Carissa Matthews
12:00-1:10 Lunch
Wednesday Afternoon
1:10-1:40 Chorus –Kendrick Funk
1:50 – 2:40 Workshop #7 – Personal Enrichment
- Essential First Aid for Teachers (Part 1) –Randy Snyder
- Apologetics and the Christian Life –Steve Long
- Virology –Kendall Sensenig
- The Shape of America Over 250 Years –Lyndon Martin
- Composing for Beginners –Austin Miller
2:50 – 3:40 Workshop #8
- CPR and Choking Response (Part 2) –Randy Snyder
- Basics for Beginning Teachers #3 –Henry Martin
- The Write Spark: Cultivating Confident Early Writers (Elementary) – Elizabeth Avery
- Come to Writing Class (Middle School) –B. Jean Meyer
- Come to Writing Class (High School) –Ryland Zimmerman
3:50 – 4:30 Topic # 4
You Do WHAT After School? –Dervin Witmer
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
Wednesday Evening
7:00 Singing & Devotions
7:15 Physical Therapy –Steve Long
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Thursday Morning
9:00 Singing and Opening
9:10 – 9:45 Topic #5
Your Labor is Not in Vain–1 Cor. 15:58 –Cole Schrock
9:45-10:00 Announcements
10:05 – 10:55 Workshop #9
- Basics for Beginning Teachers #4 –Henry Martin
- Just the Facts? The Research Processes That Create the Content You Teach –Cory Anderson
- SCHOOL BOARD Grappling with Technology –Kirby Witmer
- Challenges and Blessings of Long-term Teachers –Justin Ebersole
- Recess Reset –Monica Yoder
11:05 – 11:55 Workshop #10
- Receiving Criticism Humbly; Giving Counsel Lovingly –Raymond Peachy
- Common Denominators in Middle Grade Math –Veanna Nolt
- SCHOOL BOARD Serving the Vision, Serving the Servants –Brian Yoder
- Has Teaching Verb Tenses Left You “Swumming”? –Vincent Burkholder
- SPECIAL ED Less Autistic About Autism: Connecting with the Spectrum–Jennifer Anderson
12:00-1:10 Lunch
Thursday Afternoon
1:10-1:40 Chorus –Kendrick Funk
1:50 – 2:50 Panel Discussions
3:00 – 3:30 Topic #6: Summing It All Up
Does Your Teacher Pray? –Brian Yoder
3:30 Dismissal
Workshop Descriptions
WORKSHOP #1 DESCRIPTIONS
A. Basics for Beginning Teachers #1 –Henry Martin
In this workshop, we will look at the teacher and his classroom: preparing for order and a pleasant atmosphere.
B. Developing Phonemic Awareness (Elementary) –Carissa Matthews
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in spoken language. It is said to be the missing link in reading instruction and bridges the gap between the auditory and the visual spelling of words. Come explore fun and engaging ways to implement instruction in your classroom.
C. Developing Oral Reading (Middle School) –Gary Horst
Students need oral reading for a beneficial life. We will discuss and examine reasons for and methods of oral reading.
D. Developing Students’ Vocabulary (Middle to High School) –Justin Ebersole
Developing vocabulary is an important part of helping students grow as thoughtful readers, clear communicators, and capable learners. As students encounter more complex ideas and texts, teachers have the opportunity to intentionally build word knowledge through reading, discussion, writing, and meaningful practice. This practical topic will focus on ways to strengthen vocabulary instruction so students can better understand, express, and apply what they are learning across all subjects.
E. SPECIAL ED Defining Success and Measuring Progress –Jackie Wideman
Do you consider it a privilege to inspire growth in your students? This topic focuses on defining and achieving success for your student, tips for measuring progress, and encouragement for when it feels you aren’t getting anywhere. The path to success may be steep, but your student is not defined by pace. We will also look at accurate evaluation methods that reflect a student’s abilities rather than their challenges.
WORKSHOP #2 DESCRIPTIONS
A. Creating Story Time –Gary Horst
Story time is an important time of the day. Use story time for your students and yourself. Come to this workshop prepared to share tips on making story time an investment.
B. Come to Math Class (Elementary) –Crystal Faus
Welcome to 2nd grade math class! Take a seat at our class table. Join us chanting triplets, reading clocks, carrying and borrowing, and counting money. Then be prepared to critique the class time and explore ways to add spice to daily drills.
C. Come to Math Class (Middle School) –Veanna Nolt
Come to this workshop to discover methods to conduct effective math classes and to present new concepts to 4th-6th graders. Be prepared to share your successful methods and ideas as well.
D. Come to Math Class (High School) –Neil Weaver
Problems, paper, and pencils provided! Our lesson will include percents, decimals, fractions, story problems, and a few geometric formulas. You’ll get some hands-on experience with showing your work and checking in class.
E. SPECIAL ED Routine, Rhythm, and Rest –Jackie Wideman
Many students in Special Education programs thrive on structure. They need frequent breaks to keep learning time productive, rather than overwhelming. We will discuss practical tips to help them feel comfortable in your established routines and to create a balanced rhythm of work and rest time. This workshop will also include a time of sharing ideas for educational activities while taking a “break from the books.”
WORKSHOPS #3 AND #4 DESCRIPTIONS
3A. Practical Vocal Techniques (Part 1) –James Hostetler
Running out of breath? Voice wearing out? Want to sound better? Wish you could project your voice across a room? Learn to improve your voice with practical tips that will help your singing and speaking. We’ll cover details that will help you sing longer, blend better, and make your voice carry farther without hurting it.
4A. Music Class Out Loud (Part 2) –James Hostetler
Music theory, sight reading, ear training, rhythm, dynamics, harmony, song leading—it’s all dead if it’s just in the head. Help your students grasp musical concepts by doing them. This class is about taking what’s on the page and turning it into sound.
3B & 4B. Beginning Steps to Reading (Parts 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. Engaging Students With Astronomy (Parts 1&2) –Dana Atkinson
Practical and engaging exploration of the solar system and night sky objects through presentation, hands-on activities, and discussion.
3D. Deliberate Devotionals (Lower Grades) –Crystal Faus
Deliberate—characterized by awareness of consequences; intentional, purposeful. You’re hired—studying teacher manuals, designing wall décor, collecting stickers. And yes, that’s right, there’s that sentence in your list of teacher’s duties that defines part of your responsibility is to lead out in a daily morning devotional. What are some ways to make our brief morning worship impactful without compromising class time and taking lots of prep time?
3E. Deliberate Devotionals (Upper Grades) –Neil Weaver
Not only deliberate but delightful. In this encouraging workshop we will share plans and attempt to provide helpful insight for some common problems that can show up during devotions.
4D. Productive Classroom Procedures –Anita Weaver
What is it that you want to happen in your classroom? How do you have a successful day in the classroom? This class will focus on ways to succeed in your goals.
4E. Healthy Classroom Rapport –Linford Horst
In this workshop we will discuss ways to build trust and goodwill with students without slipping into the roles of cool buddy or benevolent grandparent.
WORKSHOP #5 DESCRIPTIONS
A. Basics for Beginning Teachers #2 –Henry Martin
In this workshop, we will study the teacher and the teaching process: planning, presenting, and evaluating.
B. Diligent or Distracted, Neat or Sloppy? –Jolene Martin
Students’ work habits vary as greatly as their personalities! As long as the work gets done, does quality really matter? To what extent do we require neatness? Can we unburden the slow and meticulous? How do we encourage staying focused? Is there a way to inspire diligence? Come explore possible solutions for lower to middle grades.
C. Poetry Appreciation –Gary Horst
Two poets have said, “Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world,” and “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought, and the thought has found words.” To inspire your students to appreciate poetry, the teacher must appreciate poetry. Come and see how “the journey of life is best expressed in verse.”
D. Art Class (Part 1) –Martha Stoltzfus
It’s time for art class again. What should art class look like in an elementary classroom? One of my goals is to make art fun and engaging. Although I do not consider myself an art teacher, I have found helpful tools and sources that make teaching art manageable and enjoyable. In this workshop, I will share examples of my students’ artwork and our projects. This workshop includes a short, hands-on art activity.
E. Learning to Read –Connie Zimmerman
Welcome to Learning to Read! Join me on an adventure to “crack the code” by matching letters to sounds. Here we will talk and learn about different strategies to deepen the student’s interest in reading. I also will be sharing a few insights of a 1st grade reading lesson.
WORKSHOP #6 DESCRIPTIONS
A. Come to Science Class (High School) –Kendrick Funk
Science is a fascinating study but sometimes communicating that is difficult. How should we excite students’ curiosity? In this workshop we will discuss and model techniques for achieving good student engagement in high school science.
B. Come to Science Class (Elementary) –Monica Yoder
An interactive, hands-on, activity-based science class fosters curiosity and learning in students. Come to this workshop prepared to engage in a demo elementary science class, followed by a discussion on how to teach science successfully.
C. You Can Teach Science Class (Middle) –Vincent Burkholder
This workshop will focus on the objectives and elements of a science class that interests middle school students and increases our marvel of God’s Creation.
D. Art Class (Part 2) –Martha Stoltzfus
I enjoy doing projects with my students that extend beyond a single art period. In this workshop, we will begin an art project that can be completed over several class periods. I would also love to hear your ideas. Bring your art projects or ideas to share with the class.
E. SPECIAL ED Reading Intervention –Carissa Matthews
The struggling reader often experiences far-reaching effects such as a loss of confidence, frustration, anxiety, and avoidance behavior. Our ultimate goal in reading intervention is to help our students move beyond "learning to read" to "reading to learn." This workshop will explore available resources to identify the struggling reader and assist in closing the gap between them and their peer group.
WORKSHOP #7- PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
A. Essential First Aid for Teachers (Part 1) –Randy Snyder
Learn how to respond when a student or colleague becomes injured or ill. This session reviews common school emergencies, when to call 9-1-1, and practical first-aid measures that can be provided while awaiting additional medical assistance.
B. Apologetics and the Christian Life –Steve Long
This introductory course on Christian apologetics will explore the foundational principles of apologetics and its role in spiritual life and Christian witness. We will consider the impact of the internet and social media on this discipline and explore the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate today’s vast sea of information.
C. Virology–Kendall Sensenig
“Ah-choo! Ah-choo!” Yes, that’s probably a virus making you sneeze! In this class we will discover the intricate design, structure, and function of viral diseases. We will look at symptoms, transmission, and treatment of viruses; and if time permits, some historical viral catastrophes and some misconceptions about viral diseases. Sneeze on – it’s good for you!
D. The Shape of America Over 250 Years –Lyndon Martin
Have you wondered why America looks the way it does, on a map and in culture? This session explores how geography, expansion, and borders have quietly guided the nation’s development from the frontier to today. Behind every state line is a story of negotiation, conflict, and vision. You’ll never look at a map of the United States the same way again.
E. Composing for Beginners –Austin Miller
Have you ever had a melody run through your mind and wished you could write it down? Maybe you have found a melody and wished to write harmony to sing it with your students. In this workshop, we will explore some of the elements of writing simple harmonies for a song. An understanding of basic music fundamentals will be helpful 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 DESCRIPTIONS
A. CPR and Choking Response (Part 2) –Randy Snyder
Practice the basic lifesaving skills of CPR and choking response for children and adults. Participants will learn the key steps for recognizing cardiac arrest and airway obstruction, understand the importance of early intervention, and have the opportunity to ask questions about real-world situations they may encounter in the classroom or school environment.
B. Basics for Beginning Teachers #3 –Henry Martin
In this workshop, we will consider the teacher and his students: needs, relationships, and discipline.
C. The Write Spark: Cultivating Confident Early Writers (Elementary) –Elizabeth Avery
There are four important principles of growing confident writers. When teachers understand these concepts, we can naturally and easily incorporate writing instruction across the curriculum. Writing can be fun, and writing class does not need to be dreaded. This workshop gives you a "toolbox" to teach writing to pre-writers and early writers.
D. Come to Writing Class (Middle School) –B. Jean Meyer
David McCullough once said, “Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That’s why it’s so hard.” Middle grade teachers encounter many challenges as they incorporate writing into their schedules. This workshop aims to address why to teach composition, what to include, and how to overcome barriers to good writing. Bring your writing utensils and be prepared to participate!
E. Come to Writing Class (High School) –Ryland Zimmerman
Writing fiction does not always take scientific approach. I will present a method to balance the planning and accountability needed to make a story writing project happen while allowing the students to be creative. Learn how to get students’ creative juices flowing; turn those juices into quality stories.
WORKSHOP #9 DESCRIPTIONS
A. Basics for Beginning Teachers #4 –Henry Martin
In this workshop, we will consider the teacher —all the way to the end and back again—maintaining energy and enthusiasm with vision.
B. Just the Facts? The Research Processes That Create the Content You Teach –Cory Anderson
(Plus Ways to Motivate Student Research Projects) You teach students the curriculum’s stream of facts, but where did all this information come from? Should you fully trust it or maintain some skepticism? In this session, we’ll examine how university professors conduct the research that ends up in your textbooks, connecting what students learn to how people know these “facts.” After this session, you will be able to (1) explain several core methods used in the research process, (2) evaluate lesson materials through these research lenses, (3) map how universities and institutes organize their research programs, and (4) develop strategies for moving students’ research projects beyond copying encyclopedia entries.
C. SCHOOL BOARD Grappling With Technology –Kirby Witmer
Technology: it is here. How much should be in our schools? How do you use it without putting our students at risk? How do you address security concerns? We’ll explore this and more…
D. Challenges and Blessings of Long-term Teachers –Justin Ebersole
Long-term teachers are a gift to Christian education because they faithfully invest in the hearts, minds, and souls of students year after year. Though teaching often requires sacrifice through lower pay, disciplined schedule, and seasons of discouragement, it is a calling that carries eternal value. Faithful teachers impact not only what students learn, but who they become before God. This presentation will encourage teachers to see their labor as service to the Lord and His church, trusting that God sees their sacrifice and can use their steady faithfulness for lasting fruit.
E. Recess Reset –Monica Yoder
Students spend the majority of their time at school sitting in chairs, studying. Research shows that taking a break from mental work to run, play, and be outside helps students be successful. In this workshop, we will discuss why recess is necessary, how to manage it successfully, and what to include.
WORKSHOP #10 DESCRIPTIONS
A. Receiving Criticism Humbly; Giving Counsel Lovingly –Raymond Peachy
Serving our schools requires effective communication across varied levels of responsibilities and relationships. How can we learn from criticism and still give counsel to the needs of the school? Come prepared to share the personal character and skills needed to navigate the challenges this brings.
B. Common Denominators in Middle Grade Math –Veanna Nolt
Do your students frown at fractions? Do you struggle to help them understand decimal places and percent values? Come to this workshop to gain inspiration and possibly new methods for teaching fractions, decimals, and percents.
C. SCHOOL BOARD Serving the Vision, Serving the Servants –Brian Yoder
Parent pleaser, teacher keeper, problem solver, visionary. What defines the role of a school administrator, and how would God view success? Come prepared to share experiences and learn from each other.
D. Has Teaching Verb Tenses Left You “Swumming”? –Vincent Burkholder
Without a scene, we will workshop our way through understanding the incremental steps students should take to appreciate verbs that have already been being used in their speech.
E. SPECIAL ED Less Autistic about Autism: Connecting with the Spectrum –Jennifer Anderson
In this class we will be looking at definitions of autism and para off-shoots (such as screen addiction). We will focus on life skills and methods of teaching social appropriateness. This class will attempt to be inclusive from mild to semi-severe children, diagnosed to undiagnosed.
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"If I may only please my God,
This is my true desire, And this is my delight."
-Christopher Dock
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).