Mary Jean McFadyen
1988 Educator of the Year

"I want to affirm you as church educators and as advocates for the educational ministry of the Presbyterian and Reformed family. Grounded in a commitment to teaching, we recognize the call that we have in our theaching ministry: to help the church carry our this essential part of its life and mission. Church educators model and shape and influence many people. You make a difference in people's lives because you are contributing your energies and abilities to the churches and communities where you live and work. You are making adifference because you are giving guidance to a host of educational leaders in our congregations."

Mary Jean has served educational ministries in the church for more than 25 years in a multitude of capacities. As staff Associate in Leader Development for the General Assembly Mission Board PCUS in Atlanta from 1973-1987, her responsibilities included chairing the Leader Development group for the design team of Presbyterian and Reformed Educational Ministry (PREM). She is a well-known writer and editor.

She has served as Director of Christian Education in three congregations, as Director of Children's Work and Editor of Children's Resources for the former Board of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. She has just begun a new job as Associate Director of the Leader Development Division in the Education and Congregational Nurture Ministry Unit, PC(U.S.A.). Mary Jean has been a member of the Board of Trustees, Presbyterian School of Christian Education, president of the PSCE Alumni/ae Association and of the Association of Church Educators, PCUS. She has served for many years as staff support to APCE and to the North American Event for Church Educators.

She is a native of Ellerby, NC and received her education from Queens College, Charlotte, NC, PSCE, Richmond, VA, and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. In 1984 she received the Trustee's Award from PSCE for outstanding contribution to Christian Education. She also received the Outstanding Alumnae award from her college and the Margaret Bowman award for excellence in Christian Education given by St. Andrew's College.