What Works For Me

Season 3 is in the books, and it was a great one! From interviewing award winners, learning about pi, introducing the new executive director of LEA, and learning from so many great Lutheran school teachers; it was a fantastic season! See you in the fall!

This week we speak with Tom Stueve about a solar car. Tom is the high school science teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Bend, Oregon.

This week we talk about strategies and tools that are "worth your time" in school with Katie Stiek. Katie serves at Immanuel Lutheran in Palatine, IL as was just named 2026 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher. She has a ton of great tips to share in this episode.

This week we speak with Pastor Matthew Schilling about how he supports teachers. He has been awarded the Distinguished Lutheran School Team Pastor by the Lutheran Education Association.

This week we talk about relationship building in the kindergarten classroom with Mindy Hanke. Mindy is the LEA Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher, and currently serves at St. Paul's in Des Peres, MO.

This week we talk about Shakespeare in the high school english classroom with Lindsey Bahr.   Lindsey was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2026 Outstanding New Lutheran Secondary Educator Award. She is an English Teacher and Co-Theatre Program Director at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland, Wis. You can reach her with all of your Shakespeare related questions at Bahr...

This week we speak with Bruce Volkert about how he uses the ministry of presence to serve his school. You can reach Bruce at bvolkert@trinityutica.com Bruce is also the Lutheran Education Association’s 2026 Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator

This week we talk about mentoring new teachers with Beverly Brueggemann.

Our guest this week is Lori Schneider, the director at Seeds of Grace Christian Child Development Center. Lori is also the LEA Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Administrator for this year. This week we talk about how God uses difficult situations in our lives to help us serve others.

This is part 2 to a great part 1 back in episode 90.

This week we talk with Christa Bauer about classroom simulations, and how she uses them in her social studies classroom. Christa is also the award recipient for the Outstanding New Lutheran Middle School Teacher and it was a joy to speak with her today. You can reach Christa at cbauer@lncrusaders.org

This week we talk with Abigail Lieb about her work and being a new Lutheran school teacher. Abigail is the LEA Outstanding New Lutheran Elementary Teacher and she serves at Christ Greenfield in Gilbert, AZ.

This week Mike talks with Glenn Rollings about Set Apart to Serve. You can reach Glenn at glenn.rollins@lcms.org and learn more at  https://www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve .

Today with talk with Angela Shirley about courageous conversations. You can reach Angela at ashirley@ccls-stlouis.org

Today we speak with Dr. Lorinda Sankey about encouraging students to enter ministry. You can reach Dr. Sankey at Lorinda. Sankey@cune.edu

In this episode we talk about authentic assessment with Kaitlyn Miller. Kaitlyn serves at Concordia Prep in Towson, MD. She is the World Languages Dept. Chair. You can reach her at kaitlynmiller@concordiaprepschool.org

This week we talk with Dr. Amy Stradtmann about using graphic novels in the classroom. Dr. Stradtmann is an Associate Professor of Education and the Middle Level Education Program Director at CUNE. You can reach her at amy.stradtmann@cune.edu.

This week we continue a conversation we had with Dr. Drew Gerdes about Mr. Rogers.

This week we talk about Pi Day with Aaron Hallien. Aaron serves as the 8th grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran in Washington, MO. You can reach him at aaron.hallien@imlutheran.org with all your Pi related questions.

Today we get to know Dr. Tom Wrege, the new executive director of LEA.

Our annual tradition of the Luke 2 reading is here! This year, read by Dr. Tom Wrege. A savior is born! Merry Christmas!

This week we talk about how to inspire students to want to go to religion class with Rev. Dr. Mark Hoehner. You can find his book at https://halopublishing.com/authors/mark-r-hoehner/

This week we speak with Dr. Drew Gerdes about what we can learn from Mr. Rogers in our classrooms. This was a great episode, and there will be a part two! Keep an eye out for that one. You can reach Dr. Gerdes with your questions at drew.gerdes@cune.edu

This week we talk about engaging classroom activities with David Hasseldahl. You can reach David at david.hasseldahl@zionschool.net

This week we talk about how to get boys reading, especially middle school boys. Our guest this week is Crystal Zahn. Crystal teaches 7th and 8th grade at Divine Redeemer in Harland, WI. You can reach her at crystal.zahn@dreagles.org