August 2025
As summer heats starts to wind down, focus for many looks toward the return to a classroom setting. Children spend their last opportunities splashing in the pool and staying up crazy-late with friends. Families pick up items on the back-to-school supply list and squeeze in one more quick vacation. Teachers finish up their summer reading list (Perhaps some of that reading is just for fun!) and begin to prepare their classroom space for another group of soon-to-arrive students.
The LCMS Northern Illinois District acknowledges and celebrates the importance of our Lutheran school educators – from
those who lead our littlest learners in counting and color recognition to those who discuss classic literature and introduce the mechanics of robotics. All across that educational spectrum are people who love the Lord and love the students and families the Lord has placed in their paths.
NIDnews.org was able to speak to several Lutheran educators throughout the District to learn a bit more about how they came to be a teacher and to share some of the joys they experience, as well as what it is that recharges them and keeps the grounded.
Lori Schneider serves as the School Administrator for Seeds of Grace Christian Child Development Center in Northbrook, Illinois. She has served as a teacher, consultant, and administrator in several states and 14 different early childhood programs. With a multitude of work and “real life” experiences, she still says simply, “My greatest joy is the children! They are the best huggers and always have the best stories to tell me everyday. Their enthusiasm for life is contagious, no matter how hard a day you are having.”
Karen Phillips is a 4th grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Belvidere. Karen became a career educator because she loves working with children and had always wanted to be a teacher. Her greatest joys in teaching are “sharing the love of Jesus with my students… I also love seeing that ‘aha!’ moment when my students get a concept I have been teaching.”
Just like Karen, each of the teachers interviewed shared different aspects of their faith which keep them grounded and bring them joy in their work. For example, Nadine Hoger, a Kindergarten teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Tinley Park commented, “My daily devotions help keep me grounded and remind me that my Father is walking with my students and me, hand in hand with us every day.” David Hasselhdahl, who serves as 8th grade homeroom teacher, Middle School Social Studies teacher, and Choir Director at Zion Lutheran School in Marengo, shared the same sort of sentiment, “… One of my favorites is having my choirs perform in concerts or worship services, sharing their God-given talents to His glory!”
That’s the Lutheran school difference, isn’t it? Academics can be taught, and taught well, in a variety of settings. Of course, our Lutheran schools strive for excellence in academic areas. Superior athletic skills can be found in any school across the nation. Yes, our Lutheran schools also have their fair share of exceptional athletes. However, what sets Lutheran school education apart is the open sharing of biblical truth with each student and family member who walks through the doors. The difference is weekly chapel services, classroom devotions, scripture-based choral music, and daily conversation about the free gift of salvation available to each of us, because of the love and sacrifice of our Savior.
Our District is honored to be home to 25 free-standing preschools, 40 elementary schools, 2 high schools, and one university. What a blessing to be able to offer learners of all ages, from the smallest of two year olds up through graduate-level students at Concordia University Chicago, daily reminders of Christ’s love for EACH of them.
Schools throughout the area will begin the year anew in just a few short weeks. NID educators have a special opportunity to kick of the school year with the annual Back-to-School Worship service and keynote address on August 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee, Illinois. This year’s keynote presenter will be Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson, who serves as Senior Development and Church Relations Officer at Concordia University St. Paul, MN.
The 2025-2026 Lutheran School Theme is “Make a Joyful Noise!” from Psalm 98:4 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” As you are able, consider joining in the joy as we celebrate the beginning of another academic year!
We pray for God’s blessing on this upcoming school year and we look forward to hearing about the many ways our Lutheran schools celebrate the joy of Jesus by “making a joyful noise” this year!
Stay tuned for Part II of this month’s Ministry Theme: Director’s of Christian Education, coming mid-August.
