Florida Conference Education

Robert Henley, FLCOE Innovation Director, recently had the opportunity to conduct the certificate course in Innovation and Leadership for Adventist Education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through Antillean University for the West Puerto Rico Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Ten educators representing the five schools that comprise the conference’s educational system participated in the program.

"I am also deeply inspired by the vision of Edwin Hernandez,Ph.D., President of Antillean University, Ruben Rodriguez, conference president, and Johana Rodriguez, conference superintedent, to establish a seamless K–20+ STEM+C pipeline between the conference schools and Antillean University. Their shared commitment to creating intentional pathways for students to pursue advanced study and careers in STEM+C represents an exciting step forward for Adventist education in Puerto Rico," said Henley.

Marielis Guerra, Administrator of Bella Vista Hospital, partnered with the conference by providing the educators with the opportunity to collaborate with the hospital’s Physical Therapy Department. This experience allowed the educators to engage with healthcare professionals, gain a deeper understanding of real-world challenges, and explore meaningful opportunities for innovation that can positively impact patient care and rehabilitation.

"I was truly inspired by the passion and commitment the teachers who took part in the experience. Their enthusiasm for reimagining Adventist education and preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution was evident throughout the training."

The course focused on innovation, leadership, design thinking, problem-based learning, and strategies for creating engaging, relevant, and future-focused learning environments. As a result of this collaborative effort, we are excited to begin implementing the AE4™ Framework in each of the conference’s schools this fall, creating new opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.

-20