What Works For Me

This week we speak with Tom Stueve about a solar car. Tom is the high school science teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Bend, Oregon.

This week we talk about strategies and tools that are "worth your time" in school with Katie Stiek.Katie serves at Immanuel Lutheran in Palatine, IL as was just named 2026 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher.She has a ton of great tips to share in this episode.

This week we speak with Pastor Matthew Schilling about how he supports teachers. He has been awarded the Distinguished Lutheran School Team Pastor by the Lutheran Education Association.

This week we talk about relationship building in the kindergarten classroom with Mindy Hanke.Mindy is the LEA Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher, and currently serves at St. Paul's in Des Peres, MO.

This week we talk about Shakespeare in the high school english classroom with Lindsey Bahr.  Lindsey was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2026 Outstanding New Lutheran Secondary Educator Award. She is an English Teacher and Co-Theatre Program Director at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland, Wis.You can reach her with all of your Shakespeare related questions at [email protected] 

This week we speak with Bruce Volkert about how he uses the ministry of presence to serve his school. You can reach Bruce at [email protected] is also the Lutheran Education Association’s 2026 Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator

This week we talk about mentoring new teachers with Beverly Brueggemann.

Our guest this week is Lori Schneider, the director at Seeds of Grace Christian Child Development Center. Lori is also the LEA Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Administrator for this year. This week we talk about how God uses difficult situations in our lives to help us serve others.

This is part 2 to a great part 1 back in episode 90.

This week we talk with Christa Bauer about classroom simulations, and how she uses them in her social studies classroom.Christa is also the award recipient for the Outstanding New Lutheran Middle School Teacher and it was a joy to speak with her today. You can reach Christa at [email protected]

This week we talk with Abigail Lieb about her work and being a new Lutheran school teacher. Abigail is the LEA Outstanding New Lutheran Elementary Teacher and she serves at Christ Greenfield in Gilbert, AZ.

This week Mike talks with Glenn Rollings about Set Apart to Serve.You can reach Glenn at [email protected] and learn more at https://www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Today with talk with Angela Shirley about courageous conversations.You can reach Angela at [email protected]

Today we speak with Dr. Lorinda Sankey about encouraging students to enter ministry. You can reach Dr. Sankey at [email protected]

In this episode we talk about authentic assessment with Kaitlyn Miller. Kaitlyn serves at Concordia Prep in Towson, MD. She is the World Languages Dept. Chair. You can reach her at [email protected]

This week we talk with Dr. Amy Stradtmann about using graphic novels in the classroom. Dr. Stradtmann is an Associate Professor of Education and the Middle Level Education Program Director at CUNE. You can reach her at [email protected].

This week we continue a conversation we had with Dr. Drew Gerdes about Mr. Rogers.

This week we talk about Pi Day with Aaron Hallien. Aaron serves as the 8th grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran in Washington, MO.You can reach him at [email protected] with all your Pi related questions.

Today we get to know Dr. Tom Wrege, the new executive director of LEA.

Our annual tradition of the Luke 2 reading is here! This year, read by Dr. Tom Wrege.A savior is born! Merry Christmas!

This week we talk about how to inspire students to want to go to religion class with Rev. Dr. Mark Hoehner.You can find his book at https://halopublishing.com/authors/mark-r-hoehner/

This week we speak with Dr. Drew Gerdes about what we can learn from Mr. Rogers in our classrooms. This was a great episode, and there will be a part two! Keep an eye out for that one. You can reach Dr. Gerdes with your questions at [email protected]

This week we talk about engaging classroom activities with David Hasseldahl. You can reach David at [email protected]

This week we talk about how to get boys reading, especially middle school boys. Our guest this week is Crystal Zahn. Crystal teaches 7th and 8th grade at Divine Redeemer in Harland, WI.You can reach her at [email protected]

This week we talk about incorporating games into the curriculum with Allyson Bohlmann.Allyson is a 3rd grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in St. Charles, MO.You can reach her at [email protected]

This week we talk with Jenny Stollenwerk, the head of school at Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin about strategies for working with non-compliant students. You can reach Jenny at [email protected] at 414-461-8500to answer any of your questions on this topic.

This week we talk about the Lutheran Elementary School Tournament (LEST) for the Northwest District. This tournament brings schools together in all areas of academics and athletics. It should be a fun one!You can reach Mary at [email protected]

This week we talk about the Lutheran Basketball Association of America yearly tournament

This week we talk about how lesson themes can increase joy and focus in the classroom.

This week we speak with two special guests about their work with flourishing schools.

This week we talk with Rev. Keith GeRue about this role as associate pastor, principal, and teacher at Trinity in Menasha, WI.You can reach him at 920-886-1077 or at Keith E. GeRue [email protected]

This week Mike talks with Julie Ryan about how she teaches math. Julie serves at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School. You can reach her at [email protected]

This week we talk with Kyle Gilbert about how Trinity Lutheran integrates faith into their athletics program.Kyle is the athletic director at Trinity in Bend, OR.You can reach him at [email protected]

Mike learns all about whole brain teaching with Sara Scheller. Sara is the 2nd grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in St. Charles, MO.You can reach Sara at [email protected]

This week we speak with Brian Underwood about his new book, The Giver Gets More: A Christian Renaissance in Trusting And Tithing.You can reach Brian at his website, and learn more about his book at SVM-NV.org

Mike and I discuss our favorite parts of season 2 and look forward to next season. That's a wrap on season 2!

This week, Brian and Jennie Williamson share about their music ministry in Lutheran schools across the country! Hear about how God is working through His Word and music!http://www.arisonrecords.com

This week we speak with Tyler Timm about his experience accepting a call to move across the country to serve in a Lutheran school. Tyler is the middle school social studies and drama teacher at Resurrection Lutheran School in Cary, North Carolina.

This week we speak with Eric Eckhoff about how he teaches his middle schoolers writing. You can reach Eric with your questions at [email protected]

This week we speak with a parent about why she chose a Lutheran school for her children. To hear her son's side of the story check out our sister podcast, From the Principal's Desk.

This week we speak with Kayla Marty from Ignite at Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha about how they use badges to encourage and motivate students.

This week we speak with DAST Consulting about how they help Lutheran schools access funds do support their work. You can reach them at https://dast.co/dcs.html#team

This week is Part 2 of Heidi Malone and the LJHA. Heidi shares some specific things that the students are doing through the LJHA chapter at Bethany.

This week we speak with Heidi Malone, faculty advisor for Bethany's Lutheran Junior Honor Association. Heidi shares some structural elements she has found successful with LJHA students.

This week we speak with school librarian Lisa Wedel about Harmony Houses, a unique way of building relationships and school culture. Lisa serves at St. Paul's in Janesville, WI and you can reach Lisa at [email protected]

This week we talk with Mark Cheney about the mental performance program at Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vega, NV. You can contact Mark at [email protected] you can view his blog at https://www.coachmarkcheney.com/blog-1

This week we speak with Tim Smith (associate pastor at Trinity in Rochester, MN) and Josh Grotelueschen (associate pastor at St. Paul's in West Allis, WI) about their new podcast where they explore how God speaks with us through timeless stories.

This week we speak with Anne Shearier about what she does for the National Day of Prayer. Don't worry, you didn't miss it. The National Day of Prayer is May 1st.

This week Mike speaks with Our Savior Lutheran School in Lansing, MI about their ministry dog!

This week we speak with Jonathan Jackson about how he uses the cartoon Bluey! in his classroom.