Join us in Iowa City for our 1st Annual INSPIR(ED)Conference
Friday, September 26
9am-3:30pm
Faith Academy
1030 Cross Park Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
INSPIR(ED) exists to equip and encourage Christian educators in missional schools across Iowa.
Intentional Instruction – Offer high-quality professional development opportunities that enhance teaching effectiveness and instructional excellence.
Nurturing Relationships – Create meaningful connections among educators to share experiences, challenges, and encouragement.
Sowing of Biblical Truth – Provide resources, training, and support to help educators confidently teach from a biblical worldview.
Persevere in our Calling – Support initiatives that expand high-quality, faith-based education in vulnerable communities for students with varied experiences, cultures, and needs.
Influence the Next Generation – Partner with schools dedicated to making Christ-centered education accessible to all students.
Reflect Christ in our Teaching - Share strategies for creating learning environments that reflect Christ’s love and foster faith, compassion, and spiritual growth in students.
Encourage One Another in Faith – Strengthen educators in their faith through biblical encouragement, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
Tia Gaines is the Executive Director of UnifiEd: A Center for Hope and Unity. A seasoned consultant, writer, and conference speaker, Tia is passionate about advancing kingdom diversity, unity, and belonging within Christian education.
With over 20 years of experience in education—spanning international, suburban, and urban settings—she brings a rich and varied perspective to her work.
Tia has developed curriculum and resources focused on cultural humility, intercultural competency, dialogue, and reflection, with a particular passion for urban education, community engagement, and school partnerships. She also serves in the Office of Social Equity and Community at the University of Pennsylvania and is a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE).
Tia sits on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the board for B2THEWORLD, a nonprofit organization that establishes schools in war-torn countries. She and her husband, Joel, live in Philadelphia, Pa.
INSPIR(ED) Conference Schedule (1-day)
7:45 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Check-in & Breakfast
8:00 A.M. - 8:50 A.M. Licensure Renewal Credit
9:00 - 9:30 A.M. Welcome and Worship
9:30 - 10:45 A.M. Keynote
11:00 - 11:50 P.M. Group 1 Sessions
12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Lunch/Grade Level
1:00 - 1:50 P.M. Group 2 Sessions
2:00 - 2:50 P.M. Group 3 Sessions
3:00 - 3:30 P.M. Closing Worship (connections to organizations and resources)
Integrating Biblical Teaching into Curriculum
Behavior and Academic Interventions
Culturally Responsive Practice
Supporting English Language Learners
Extending Programs for Accelerated Learners
Family and Community Partnerships
Development (Fundraising, Marketing, Recruitment)
Office and Administrative Practice
The one-day Christian educators conference will foster collaboration, provide practical resources, and create opportunities for professional growth, equipping educators with the fellowship, training, and encouragement needed to uphold excellence in biblical teaching while serving students with varied experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
www.inspired-life.org/inspiredconference