What's your title at CLHS?
Math & Theology Instructor, Koinonia Coordinator
Are you a Concordia alum or parent?
Yes, Class of '90, wife Rebekah ('91), son John ('14), daughters Tirzah ('16) and Ruth ('24)
When did you start at CLHS?
1997
Please describe your position at CLHS.
I currently teach Old Testament (Anthropology in the fall and Biblical Literature 1 in the spring) to about 3/4th's of our first-year students. I also teach AP Statistics (started in 2002). I am the Koinonia Coordinator, which means I oversee the formation of our ~60 groups and the training of our ~120 Koinonia Leaders.
What was your education that led you to CLHS?
Undergrad: Secondary Math Education (Concordia University Chicago - Lutheran Teacher Diploma) Master's: Mathematics (Purdue University FW)
What did you love most about teaching at CLHS?
Seeing Christ at work in faculty, staff and students every single day.
What's your favorite story about your time at CLHS?
Twenty-five years cannot be condensed into one story. However, I did have "fun" with a student who fell asleep in class during one of my earlier years at CLHS. I changed my wall clock to 3:15 and signaled his classmates to quietly leave the room. Once we were all out in the hall, I gave the door a hard shut. A moment later we all heard a "Huh?" followed by a sleepy exit of the student.
Who were your mentors in your career to becoming an educator?
Every teacher of mine has helped shape who I am today, both in and out of the classroom. Donald Luepke and Donald Reinking were my high school math teachers. Jeffrey Limmer, my high school physics teacher, was also influential. My youth leaders, James and Anne Smith (aka Dad and Mom), inspired me to attend Concordia "River Forest", and my father instilled a vital work ethic.