Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) and the Model System of the Southwest Region Conference (SWRC) of Seventh-day Adventists are strengthening their partnership to support educators, enhance student learning, and build a stronger educational pipeline across the conference.

The collaboration brings together SWAU's academic resources and faculty expertise with the Model System's commitment to instructional excellence and student success. Together, both organizations are creating opportunities for professional development, student engagement, educator support, and future teacher recruitment.

A key example was the Summer Learning Institute for Model System Schools, hosted on SWAU's campus during summer 2026. Through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Mary Peterson, SWAU's academic leadership, and the Model System's Teaching and Learning Team, the institute provided professional learning, collaborative planning, and practical instructional strategies.

“The Summer Learning Institute was a great success,” said Mrs. Patrice Jenkins, Model System Teaching and Learning Instructional Coach and Play-Expert. “SWAU was very accommodating,” she added, highlighting the university's responsiveness to educators' dietary and accessibility needs.

Mrs. Ellenor Paul O'Neil, Model System Consultant, described the experience as inspiring, joyful, and hopeful. “This was more than a professional development experience for our educators, rather the collaboration created space for reflection, collaboration, creativity, and renewed purpose as our educators prepared to bring joyful, meaningful learning experiences back to their learning communities.”

Participating educators echoed these sentiments. One teacher described the institute as the “Highlight of my professional development summer,” while another called it “Inspiring and full of resources to use.” Others described the experience as “Insightful,” “Intentional,” and “An opportunity to fully engage.”

The institute emphasized experiential learning, allowing educators to explore instructional strategies through SWAU's learning spaces, including the learning lounge and Educator's Lab. Participants also engaged with the COMPASS approach to teaching and learning.

“We watched educators move from learning about COMPASS to truly experiencing it,” Mrs. Paul O'Neil explained. “They questioned, collaborated, problem-solved, reflected, and took ownership of their learning, exactly the kind of experience we want them to create for their students.”

Beyond professional development, participants appreciated the sense of community. One educator shared, “This institute made me feel truly welcomed through the warmth, kindness, and genuine support of its people, creating an environment where I immediately felt at home.”

The partnership extends beyond the institute. SWAU and the Model System are exploring additional opportunities connecting university faculty, education majors, school leaders, teachers, and students through recruitment, experiential learning, and shared educational initiatives.

“This partnership gives us an opportunity to think more intentionally about how higher education can support the entire Adventist educational system,” said Dr. William Smith, SWAU's Vice President for Academic Administration. “By working alongside the Model System, we can strengthen educators, create meaningful experiences for our university students, and help develop a stronger pathway from our schools into higher education and ultimately back into service within Adventist education.”

Through continued collaboration, SWAU and the Model System are investing in educators, strengthening schools, and preparing future generations to serve within Adventist education.