On December 2-3, 2026, Dordt University's Master of Education program is hosting the third annual School Leadership Symposium. This event is designed to support and encourage those serving in school leadership across North America.
Schedule | December 2-3, 2026
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Event
6:00 p.m.
Symposium Kick-Off Dinner Keynote - Leadership as Reordered Loves: Dying and Rising with Christ
Rev. Dr. Kyle Dieleman
As those who have been united to Jesus, our fallen, disordered love of self has been restored and reordered to love God and love others. Jesus shows and invites us to what it is to be fully human, which includes submitting his will to the Father and sacrificing himself for us. The opportunity for Christian leaders is to move away from leadership based on pride and selfishness and towards a leadership that dies to self and rises to Christ, resulting in a fuller, deeper love of God and others.
Thursday, December 3, 2026
Event
8 - 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast and networking
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Welcome & Devotions
Dr. Matthew Beimers
8:45 - 10:15 a.m.
Keynote - Considering the Past, Contemplating the Present, and Cultivating Hope for the Future, Session 1
Mr. Chad Dirkse
This three-part series invites participants to look back over the past several decades of cultural, family, and church life, thoughtfully examining the data and trends that have reshaped the educational landscape. Together, we will consider how these shifts have influenced parent expectations, student engagement, and the day-to-day realities of school operations, including the increasing frequency of sharp disagreement, heightened expectations, and, at times, volatile parent interactions. With a clear-eyed view of the present, we will explore both the challenges and emerging opportunities facing school leaders today. Finally, the series will cast a hopeful vision for the future, equipping participants with practical policies, leadership strategies, and partnership models designed to strengthen alignment, preserve mission fidelity, and ensure the long-term durability of their school’s mission, purpose, and core values for generations to come.
10:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Keynote - Considering the Past, Contemplating the Present, and Cultivating Hope for the Future, Session 2 Mr. Chad Dirske
12:00 - 12:40 p.m.
Lunch & Networking
12:40 - 1:00 p.m.
M.Ed. and Dual Credit Presentation
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Campus Tour
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Keynote - Considering the Past, Contemplating the Present, and Cultivating Hope for the Future, Session 3 Mr. Chad Dirske
3 - 3:15 p.m.
CACE Presentation
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closing Circle
5:00 p.m.
School Leadership Social A time for food, fun, and fellowship.
Mr. Chad Dirkse
Chad Dirkse has served in Christian education for over 25 years in roles that include math and science teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, head of school and board member. He is currently the Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School where he serves more than 850 students and 200+ faculty and staff. Prior to his current position he served as the President of Chattanooga Christian School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and as the Superintendent at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, Illinois. He also serves as a senior fellow for the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE). Chad has an undergraduate degree in education from Covenant College and an MBA with a specialization in school leadership from LeTourneau University. Chad speaks regularly to groups about the school sustainability and the importance of consistency in the process and content of Christian schooling.
Rev. Dr. Kyle Dieleman
Rev. Dr. Kyle Dieleman serves as associate professor of theology and history at Dordt University. His research interests include church history and historical theology, particularly Reformation history, Calvin studies, and the history of the Reformed tradition in the Netherlands.
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