Library receives Christian Educators Association International Archive

Written by Robert Sivigny, Special Collections Librarian

The Library Special Collections & Archives is pleased to announce that the Regent University Library has been designated as the official depository of the Christian Educators Association International (CEAI) archives. Dating back to the Association’s founding in 1953, CEAI members, comprising classroom teachers, administrators, and para-professionals, have felt a special call to encourage, equip, and empower educators according to Biblical principles and standards. CEAI regards itself as the only Christian professional association called to serve the world’s public schools, holding to the vision of “demonstrating God’s love and truth transforming our schools.”

The archive collection consists of the Association’s annual convention presentations and other workshops on audiotape and videotape, and an extensive backfile of their publication, Teachers of Vision.

Fifteen boxes of materials have been received thus far, primarily due to the efforts of California CEAI administrator Forrest Turpen, who speaks of the collection as unique. Says Turpen, “If I was a writer I would take the time to review and write a host of books from the ideas that are contained in the magazines and the convention presentations and other workshops we have recorded over time.” CEAI convention presenters include familiar names to the Regent scene: George Selig, Alan Arroyo, Bradley Jacob, Alice Curtis, and former University administrator and professor, Don Petry.

As more CEAI materials arrive in the coming months, the materials will be carefully inventoried and processed to facilitate research in Christian education issues in the public arena for years to come. More information about the Christian Educators Association International is available on their Web site at http:ceai.org.