The LEArning Curve

I love Lutheran education. I love Lutheran school teachers, congregational DCEs, pastors, and all church workers. I continue to be thankful that God has led each of you to your chosen vocations. I appreciate the excellence with which many continue to serve. And I know that working humbly before the Lord is important. After all, it’s God’s work, not ours.

At the same time, I have noticed in my years in education that it is difficult to encourage teachers and other church workers to acknowledge that they have expertise that they may rightly share with others. Church workers are often reluctant to recognize that their experience has given them expertise worth sharing. “Why would anyone care what I do in my classroom? and “I don’t think anyone would be interested in what I have to share” are responses I have heard on several occasions. While I understand the need to serve the Lord with a humble heart, I also believe that God has prepared us to extend our service to our colleagues.

Have you ever considered the ways in which your expertise might be used to invest in other educators around you? Let me offer some ways in which this could take place:

• Mentor: Intentionally work with new and seasoned teachers in your subject area or within your grade level. This mentoring doesn’t need to be limited to those in your building.
• Lead: Serve as an unofficial leader within your school around an important focus. Perhaps you are a reading specialist who can support literacy throughout the building. Maybe your gift is technology, drama, music, coaching, or another area. Where might your God-given gifts allow you to lead and serve others?
• Guide: Do you have an interest (or a concern!) about artificial intelligence? Schools today need someone to lead in helping colleagues and the school community better understand the educational and societal changes afoot.
• Write: Perhaps you are a gifted writer. How could that be used to serve others? (LEA would love to support your writing and provide you with an audience!)
• Speak and Share: Have you considered leading faculty workshops or conference sessions? That may seem daunting, but what incredible forums are available to bless others with your expertise?

At LEA, as we anticipate the 2028 Convocation in Indianapolis, we will emphasize encouraging new presenters to share their expertise. YOU have something to offer, and we would love to link you to other educators in Lutheran schools, equip you to share your experience and expertise with those who would benefit, and affirm you in your role as an educational leader (yes, leader!). Keep an eye out for future information blasts from LEA for more information about how you can offer to others what God has given to you.

YOU have something to offer, not because the work is about you, but precisely because it isn’t. God has given each of us experiences, knowledge, and gifts that can be used in service to others. My prayer is that more educators in Lutheran ministries will recognize those gifts, share them generously, and strengthen our shared learning community for Christ.