Author Archives: MLC

Peer Mentoring: A Solution

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Written by Calista Leistekow

Lutheran school educators need an effective instructional strategy to meet the needs of every student, including those with special needs. When the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” and the “No Child Left Behind Act” were enacted in the early 2000s, the inclusion of students with disabilities in the classroom became a requirement and not an exception. This requirement has its rewards. However, the lack of funds, teacher training, and manpower cause many challenges. In WELS schools these challenges are especially prevalent. Our schools may turn students away because we do not have the resources to help them achieve their best. In short, we are losing evangelism opportunities. Continue reading →

Can Lutheran Schools Reimagine the Principal Position?

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Written by Dr. John Meyer

The Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod (WELS) is attempting a radical shift in the way it approaches the Lutheran school principal position. Termed the 21st Century Lutheran Principal Initiative, its goal is two-fold: 1) to fully prepare experienced teachers to be principals before their first principal call, and 2) to provide the level of administrative time and compensation needed for success. This initiative is a completely different way of thinking about the Lutheran school principal.

Historically, new Lutheran school principals are called because they demonstrate potential for leadership based upon spiritual maturity, organization ability, and personality. These first-time principals usually have no preparation in principal skills and may even lack teaching experience. Most new principals are full- or nearly full-time classroom instructors and are expected to do administrative duties on the side. They may receive a slight pay bump symbolic of their role as lead teacher. These historical practices imply that the principal position is not very difficult, time consuming, or important. Continue reading →

The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

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Written by Jared Matthies

What are the characteristics of a quality, Christ-centered education in WELS schools? Would extracurricular activities be included on that list? Indeed, school-supported extracurricular activities are an absolute must for every WELS school. Here is a definition and four benefits of extracurricular activities. Continue reading →

Teaching Social Studies: Why? How?

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Written by Dr. Jeff Wiechman

Is your social studies classroom lifeless? Was your social studies classroom lifeless as an elementary school student? Students describe social studies classrooms in this way still today (Grant & VanSledright, 2014). Why? Perhaps it’s the pressure to give more and more time to the teaching of reading and math, forcing a subject like social studies into a dimly lit corner of the curriculum. Standardized tests only look for low level, factual information in social studies. Maybe you never liked social studies as a student, and this dislike has carried over into your attitude in teaching it. These are issues with which we all must contend, and yet we know the potential for better instruction in social studies exists. Continue reading →

Recruit by Strategically Connecting Parents

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Written by Steve Haag

Lutheran schools are a great way to share the gospel with the next generation, but that’s hard to do when a congregation’s school is the “best-kept secret in town.” One way Lutheran schools can reach more children and families is by utilizing some simple branding principles. Continue reading →

Lutheran Principals Can Strengthen Schools By Listening

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Written by Eric Ziel

Every journey begins with one small step. This is true for principals who want to strengthen their school’s culture. According to Kruse and Seashore Louis, “Lasting change in school culture takes time” (2009, p. 12). There are no shortcuts on this journey that calls for effective communication and shared leadership. The journey begins with an important first step: listening. Continue reading →

The Principal’s Critical Role with New School Families

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Written by Allen M. Labitzky

Each year, I struggle to incorporate new families into our school. Despite newsletters and event calendars, many remain on the fringe. New parents say it is intimidating to break into our community where everyone seemingly knows everyone else. The truth is, there are 10-15 new families coming in each year. Some never get plugged in; they remain virtual outsiders even years later. What can be done? There are numerous suggestions out there, but my research has led me to three key ideas for school principals. Continue reading →

Words Printed on a…Screen?

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Balanced literacy instruction in a technological era

Written by Andrea Van Sice

Reading is powerful. Author Emoke B’Racz reflects, “How my life has been brought to undiscovered lands, and how much richer it gets – all from words printed on a page.” Words are no longer just printed “on a page”, as technology devices have drastically changed what and how we read (Biancarosa & Griffiths, 2012).  Literacy instruction and assessment is a blessing and challenge in many schools, and Lutheran schools are no exception. Teacher time is often limited, increasing the necessity of technological resources and tools. It is important to maintain balance between technological and traditional instructional tools. Here are six tips to help Lutheran teachers develop a strong culture of literacy in the classroom. Continue reading →

Do You Value Physical Education?

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Written by Prof. Dan Gawrisch

What does your physical education (PE) program look like at your school? Does your PE classroom look the same as it would have looked 10, 20, or even 40 years ago? Classrooms in every other academic discipline have continued to change and adapt with time, yet often our gym or PE area has not changed. The days of teaching PE with one ball and a whistle in a gym without technological capabilities are gone. Continue reading →