LINDSBORG, KS. FEB. 8th, 2025 – On February 8, 2025, Bethany College hosted its second annual Education Conference, titled “Innovative Next Steps in PreK-12 Learning.” Nearly 130 attendees from across Kansas, including P-12 teachers, pre-service teachers, high school students, and college faculty, participated in academic presentations on a variety of educational topics, including student engagement, artificial intelligence in education, chronic absenteeism, behavior interventions, and the science of reading. In his opening address, Dr. Alan English, Associate Professor and Chair of the Bethany College Education Department, emphasized that the primary goal of the conference was to contribute, even in a small way, to addressing the state’s P-12 teacher shortage. “I hope that all who attended left feeling informed, motivated, and inspired to succeed in their current and future classrooms,” he said. Bethany College's Education Department has historic roots, boasting one of the oldest accredited programs in Kansas and proudly serving as the alma mater of over 600 educators and administrators in the state. Today, education remains one of the college’s top five majors. The Bethany College Education Department—comprising of Dr. Alan English, Dr. Gretchen Norland, Professor James Baker, and Adjunct Professor Kelley Menke—organized the event alongside Associate Director of Admissions, Sabrina Wollenberg and numerous other staff at Bethany. Conference presenters included: Dr. Beth Clavenna-Deane Stephanie Stindt Dr. Chris Hoverson Janell NeerAdjunct Susan Schiffelbein Dr. Pari Ford* Professor Molly Mosher* Dr. Rachel Finnell* Professor Emily Rude* Dr. Troy Robertson* Mary Ellen Hodge Paula Hough Professor Denise Carson* Kimberlee Chestnut Chang Amanda Baxa* Chris Perry *Bethany Faculty You can view photos from the event by clicking HERE . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was stablished by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany as been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.