All Things Change

Gayle Denny, ELEA Executive Director

     The only thing we know for sure in life is that things will change, and often, change that may seem negative at the time will turn out to be positive in the long-run - and vice versa.

     I like to think of myself as someone who adapts easily to change, who “rolls with the punches”, “goes with the flow”, and can meet the challenges of a new direction in life.  My husband reminds me, however, of my unwillingness to move the furniture around in our home or hang a new picture on the wall.  In every home I have lived in (and I’ve moved quite a bit), I get it looking the way I like it early on and leave it that way - forever.

     You’ve probably noticed by now that Views & Vision has changed.  It has gone from a 16-page publication to an 8-page, the paper and ink have changed, the masthead is different, and probably the most significant change of all is that it is now, once again, an ELEA publication.  Although it was originally only an ELEA publication, for approximately the last ten years, Views & Vision has been the collaborative effort of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association AND the ELCA Schools and Early Childhood Ministries (formerly known as the ELCA Department for Schools). Popular opinion, backed up by a survey sent out to all schools and centers last fall, is that there has always been much confusion about “which entity does what” to support and promote weekday educational programs of the church.  A joint newsletter, although it has some significant benefits, has been a catalyst in that confusion, and the time has come for us to communicate our own identities to  you, the schools and early childhood centers of the ELCA.

     The ELCA Schools and Early Childhood Ministries Team, comprised of Robert Federwitz, Director for Schools; Donna Braband, Assistant Director for Schools; and Angela Ross-Evans, Administrative Assistant, serve the 2000+ early childhood centers, elementary and high schools which are ministries of ELCA congregations nationally.  Their services include, but are not limited to, assisting congregations in starting a new school or center; providing school locator and teacher clearinghouse services, along with downloadable print resources on their web site; consultations on conflict management and staff relationships, and specific training programs.  Those services are available to all ELCA programs with no charge.  (for more info see www.elca.org/dhes/schools)

     ELEA was formed many years ago as a way for schools and centers to join together and receive a higher level of services (including Annual Conferencing, Elementary Accreditation, Early Childhood Center Certification, video training library, standardized testing programs, web-based employment law resource, Member Benefits Program which includes health, dental, retirement, disability, and student accident insurance, a subscription to “On Board”, etc.) and a way of networking with one another for which they are willing to pay nominal dues and employ staff at the national level to coordinate programs.

     Do our services overlap?  Naturally.  Do we, as staff, collaborate to find the best ways to serve our constituents?  Definitely.  But there is a difference, and separating our news into two separate newsletters is a starting point in helping folks know where to go for the best service.

     Due to cost considerations, the Fall issue of Views & Vision will be distributed to all 1900+ schools and centers, but the Winter, Spring and Summer issues will be distributed to current ELEA members only.  So, joining the Association and mailing dues is important to keep your subscription coming.  Individual memberships are available to those who are not employed at an ELCA school or center but want to stay informed of ELEA activities and enjoy most of the benefits.

     So, how am I adapting to the change?  Even my husband would say “quite nicely.”  I think every publication needs a new face periodically to capture readers’ interest.  As editor of Views & Vision, it is forcing me to “think outside the box”.  I might even go home and rearrange the furniture.

Gayle Denny serves as Executive Director of ELEA and may be reached at 800-500-7644 or by email at eleanational@cs.com

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