ELEA Annual Meeting: Highlights, Updates, and What’s Ahead!
On Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, ELEA staff, Board, and members recently gathered for the annual meeting, bringing together leaders and partners from across the network to reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the year ahead. Some of the key highlights included organizational updates, shared successes, and upcoming opportunities for members.
Executive Director Cory Newman opened the meeting by highlighting several key milestones from the past year. These included well-attended Lunch and Learn events, a successful national conference in Cleveland, and continued growth in ELEA’s communications reach, expanding the organization’s ability to connect, develop, and inspire early childhood educators nationwide!
Board President Katie Jones shared important updates regarding the upcoming biennial conference in Los Angeles and reminded members of several key opportunities, including grant applications due April 30th, 2026, with another opportunity in September! These grants continue to support innovative ministry, professional development, and faith formation efforts across member schools.
Membership Director Melanie Bicket emphasized ELEA’s ongoing commitment to walking alongside member schools. She encouraged schools to reach out for support, school visits, or opportunities to host ELEA events, strengthening connections across the network.
Rev. Janelle Hooper, representing Ministry with Children, ELCA, shared updates on the continued partnership with ELEA! Her reflections focused on shared advocacy work and new initiatives that are building stronger connections between early childhood education, higher education, and ministry formation.
The meeting concluded in prayer, led by board member Deacon Andrew Larsen, grounding the gathering in gratitude and shared purpose.
Key Notes for ELEA Members
Members are encouraged to engage in the following opportunities and resources:
- Explore the Nurturing Faith Study Series: https://elcaschools.org/nurturing-faith-communities/
- Apply for awards or nominate a leader (deadline extended): https://elcaschools.org/awards-and-recognition/
- Register for the Biennial Conference in Los Angeles: https://www.biennialconference.org
- Note: The first 20 registrants who confirm with Gabby will receive The Spiritual Child book!
- Apply for ELEA Endowment Grants by September 30th: https://elcaschools.org/elea-endowment/
- Share School Spotlight ideas or communications content with Gabby
- Explore ELCA college and university locations via the School Locator and https://www.necuelca.org/institutions
- Attending a state NAEYC event? Submit participation here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVtDNi5Dg3QYovP7UeTxzibGdzcQZKTusC7sQIrLEzmhm7DQ/viewform?usp=header
- Contact Cory or Melanie if interested in hosting a Lunch and Learn or ELEA board meeting
- Invite ELEA staff or board members for a school visit
All ELEA Staff contact info can be found here: https://elcaschools.org/leadership-team/
As the meeting closed, we celebrated what has been accomplished while stepping forward together into new opportunities to support children, families, and educators across the ELEA community.
At its core, ELEA continues to live into its mission: to connect, develop, and inspire those serving in early childhood education and ministry. We are grateful to all who joined us for the annual meeting, as well as those who continue to support and strengthen this work throughout the year.
To view the full report, click here.