Faculty and Staff Empowered by Support Initiative

Story by Janel Haas Ware 

Some say going back to school is like returning to war. Maybe that’s too strong of a description— but is it? Teachers battle within the context of the Great Controversy, the conflict between good and evil playing out each day in the lives of students and their families, and in the professional and personal lives of faculty, staff and administrators. Adventist educators know well the battles waged in an attempt to tear down God’s intentions for students in His schools. Perhaps this is most apparent in the challenges teachers and staff often face— professional and spiritual burnout, and health and personal concerns.

“We deeply value our faculty and staff and want them to know they are supported by receiving spiritual and practical tools for them to thrive and serve students well,” says Principal Don Short.

Last school year, the important decision was made to pilot a unique faculty and staff support initiative. Led by “Adult Dream Manager” Stephanie Powell, a mental health professional and 15-year Adventist education veteran, faculty and staff were presented with the voluntary opportunity to participate in personal coaching sessions. The first cohort explored their professional and personal dreams, goals and passions in a God context, with the opportunity to make plans to achieve them.

The second-year iteration of the initiative took shape over the summer as Powell and SVA lead teacher Becky Patrick, a 28-year Adventist education administrator/teacher and certified wellness coach, discussed how to optimize support of faculty and staff.

“We realized the support needs of the teachers and staff Stephanie and I worked with were similar, and by collaborating we could provide even greater support,” says Patrick.

For 2025–26, Powell’s coaching sessions that focus on deepening attachment, connection and communication with God are being combined with the professional support Patrick offers new and seasoned teachers. Faculty and staff may sign up for meetings on a voluntary basis to identify key areas for growth—personally and in the classroom—and to support action steps toward meaningful progress. Together, Powell and Patrick also work to infuse prayer, encouragement and support into official staff meetings, as well as day-to-day activities.

“We seek to support the personal and professional development of faculty and staff who will then show up to work prayed over, ready to be in the battle together to more effectively manage the talents and resources they are blessed with to educate God’s children at SVA,” says Powell.

“We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. … Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you” (Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 146).