A Weekend of Learning, Growth, and Fellowship at Birch Bay
From March 22–24, Family Academy’s board members, Teacher Consultants, and learning center representatives gathered in the breathtaking setting of Birch Bay, Washington for our Annual Board & Teacher Meeting, with additional teachers joining remotely via a live teleconferencing video feed. Against the backdrop of stunning coastal views, we came together for a weekend of professional development, collaboration, and celebration of the incredible work happening across our Family Academy community.
A Perfect Setting for Connection & Growth
Nestled at the beautiful WorldMark Birch Bay resort, teachers and leaders from across Family Academy enjoyed a weekend filled with great conversations, delicious meals, and inspiring training sessions. Beyond the workshops and meetings, the retreat provided a much-needed opportunity for our educators to unwind, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that make Family Academy such a supportive and thriving network.
Professional Development & Training
A key highlight of the weekend was the training courses presented by Diana McAlister, Tammie Elliot, and John Elliot. These sessions offered valuable insights into teaching strategies, learning center development, and Washington State educational compliance, allowing our teachers to earn clock hours while enhancing their skills. The discussions were engaging, with teachers exchanging ideas on curriculum planning, student engagement, and creating Christ-centered learning environments.
A Major Milestone: The New Family Academy Website
One of the most exciting moments of the weekend was the official unveiling of the brand-new Family Academy website! Attendees were thrilled to see the revamped online experience, which now features:
- Enhanced marketing tools to help teachers and learning centers grow
- Updated, easy-to-navigate content for parents and students
- A streamlined online registration process for a smoother enrollment experience
- A detailed course catalog showcasing the many learning opportunities available through Family Academy
The overwhelmingly positive feedback confirmed that these updates will be game-changers for our community!
Key Decisions & Future Plans
In addition to training and networking, the Family Academy board members and attendees voted to approve the annual budget and adopted important changes to our rules and procedures to better serve our students, families, and teachers. These decisions reflect our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, Christian values, and continuous improvement.
A Weekend to Remember!
Beyond the meetings and workshops, this retreat was about fellowship and fun. Teachers and board members enjoyed leisurely strolls along Birch Bay, delicious meals together, and plenty of laughter. The weekend was a wonderful reminder of the passion, dedication, and heart that make Family Academy such a special place for students, teachers, and families alike.
We are grateful for everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a huge success. Here’s to another amazing year of Family-Directed Education!
Check out the photo gallery below to relive the best moments from the weekend!
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