Why A Moose?
Throughout the years, many parents and students have asked me, "What's with all the mooses?" First of all, the plural of moose is MOOSE! The connection between the velvet horned animal and this teacher began with my first class of students at Messiah School. At that time I was teaching 5th graders. Half-way through the year, I found myself giving another boring spelling test using the standard example sentences. On a whim, I decided to use a moose as the subject of the next sentence I gave the class. They immediately perked up and asked if I would do it again with the next example. So, all the remaining sentences had a moose who performed incredibly silly stunts. Little did I know at the time that I had just committed myself to a permanent link with this huge beast! Every class since that first one has showered me with moose of all kinds - stuffed moose (there are over 50 by now), magnetic moose, a moose cap with enormous antlers, moose slippers, moose ornaments, bumper stickers, posters, pencils, mouse pads, you name it. There is no way, this late in my teaching career, to get out from under this connection. There will probably have to be a moose etched into the memorial stone at my grave site!
My Philosophy of Teaching
My philosophy of teaching is informed by my faith in Jesus Christ. I believe the goal of Christian education is to assist parents in the faith formation of their children. Parents have been given a precious blessing and an awesome responsibility when God grants them a child. I also believe that many other adults are granted the privilege of sharing in the education of that child. The Christian Day School teacher is one such person. My role as a Christian educator is to guide, lead, and direct that child in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit,I am granted the talents needed to instruct the child in Biblical knowledge, teach the holy catholic faith, pray with and for the child, witness to the power of God in my own life, and guide the child in learning about a life lived in praise of and service to our heavenly Father.
"I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching." II Timothy 4:1b-2
"I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching." II Timothy 4:1b-2
My Life and Times
My whole life was shaped and influenced by having been born in the great state of Wisconsin! As everyone knows, Wisconsin is truly "God's Country". I was born and raised in the small town of Watertown. There were 6 Lutheran Churches in that farming community, and my family attended St. John Lutheran Church. I attended their Day School for 8 years, was confirmed at 13, sang in the the Youth Choir, and was heavily involved in our church's youth group. My parents were devout Lutheran Christians who trained up their 2 children to love and follow Jesus. At Sunday dinners, my parents would spend countless minutes discussing and debating that morning's sermon. Although at the time I had a hard time figuring out what all the fuss was about, I do believe those long Sunday dinners sparked in me a strong interest in Christian theology and how it influences our daily life. I watched my parents worship and pray regularly, give of their time and money, and practice their faith in their work environments. Life in Watertown was safe, predictable, and idyllic.
That all changed when my father took a job at Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, MO. In the middle of my senior year of High School, my family moved to the big city and life as I knew it received a radical shift in focus. (Note to parents: NEVER make your child move in the middle of their senior year!) I had a lot of adjusting to do and it had to happen immediately. I could moan, groan, and cry, or change my focus. So I worked hard to make sure I was ready for college. I entered St. John College in Winfield, KS that next Fall. Another small town, but this time it was endless wheat fields and cattle everywhere. I loved my college experience. It was where I made life-long friends and plunged into learning History and Political Science. I couldn't get enough of Theology courses. All of this course work was preparing me for teaching in a Lutheran school.
I transferred to Concordia University in River Forest, IL, a suburb of Chicago. I spent every weekend downtown walking through the galleries of the Chicago Institute of Art and riding the EL back to campus. After graduation, I was assigned to teach at Faith Lutheran School in Harahan, LA, a suburb of New Orleans. This mid-western girl fell in love with the "Big Easy" and all of its delights and diversions.
Then my career took me to St. Louis, MO, where I taught 3rd & 4th grade at Concord Lutheran School. I learned a lot from that multi-cultural experience. I also absorbed a great deal from my colleagues. Lois Vogelsmeier had the room across the hall from mine. I was in her room every night after school, asking her questions and listening to her advice. When I "grew up", I wanted to be a teacher just like her! My 8 years there ended with a phone call from Mr. Kirst, who was the principal of Messiah School. Within 2 weeks, I had moved to Cleveland and was teaching 5th grade at Messiah.
Through all of these twists and turns, it became evident that the hand of the Holy Spirit was poking and prodding me into new venues of service to my Lord. Messiah has been my home ever since and I have never regretted being a part of this Christian community.
That all changed when my father took a job at Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, MO. In the middle of my senior year of High School, my family moved to the big city and life as I knew it received a radical shift in focus. (Note to parents: NEVER make your child move in the middle of their senior year!) I had a lot of adjusting to do and it had to happen immediately. I could moan, groan, and cry, or change my focus. So I worked hard to make sure I was ready for college. I entered St. John College in Winfield, KS that next Fall. Another small town, but this time it was endless wheat fields and cattle everywhere. I loved my college experience. It was where I made life-long friends and plunged into learning History and Political Science. I couldn't get enough of Theology courses. All of this course work was preparing me for teaching in a Lutheran school.
I transferred to Concordia University in River Forest, IL, a suburb of Chicago. I spent every weekend downtown walking through the galleries of the Chicago Institute of Art and riding the EL back to campus. After graduation, I was assigned to teach at Faith Lutheran School in Harahan, LA, a suburb of New Orleans. This mid-western girl fell in love with the "Big Easy" and all of its delights and diversions.
Then my career took me to St. Louis, MO, where I taught 3rd & 4th grade at Concord Lutheran School. I learned a lot from that multi-cultural experience. I also absorbed a great deal from my colleagues. Lois Vogelsmeier had the room across the hall from mine. I was in her room every night after school, asking her questions and listening to her advice. When I "grew up", I wanted to be a teacher just like her! My 8 years there ended with a phone call from Mr. Kirst, who was the principal of Messiah School. Within 2 weeks, I had moved to Cleveland and was teaching 5th grade at Messiah.
Through all of these twists and turns, it became evident that the hand of the Holy Spirit was poking and prodding me into new venues of service to my Lord. Messiah has been my home ever since and I have never regretted being a part of this Christian community.