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Sixteen Concordia Nebraska students attend LEA Convocation in St. Louis

Seward, NE (11/03/2025) — Sixteen Concordia University, Nebraska undergraduate education students - all of whom are seeking a Lutheran Teacher Diploma - attended the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) Convocation in St. Louis, Missouri October 1-4. In addition to participating in regular conference activities, Concordia Nebraska students had the opportunity to participate in LEA's unique Grow A Teacher event, which took place the day before the general conference began and included panel discussions, speakers and fellowship. The Grow a Teacher event is designed for college students seeking to become teachers and allows them to gather with education majors from other Concordias. The Grow a Teacher initiative also supports future educators through mentoring and in other ways.

Concordia Nebraska students attending included Emily Amisano, Evyn Carpenter, Eden Dehne, Grace Donnelly, Leah Fett, Lydia Fink, Ian Fiala, Matthew Guilford, Isaiah Hoehner, Alayna Laughridge, Evan Moloney, Anna Pennekamp, Tara Pester, Ethan Reynolds, Kylyn Robbins and Alina Sankey.

Within the sectionals at the event, the students clearly recognized a strong connection between their coursework and the lived experiences of Lutheran teachers in the field. Throughout the time in St. Louis, students noted the conference's positive, faith-filled atmosphere, the evident growth mindset among professionals, and the meaningful relationships within Lutheran education.

Junior Isaiah Hoehner of St. Charles, Missouri, is majoring in elementary education with a concentration in middle level science and is pursuing a Lutheran Teacher Diploma at Concordia Nebraska.

"I was very grateful and excited to attend LEA as a student," he said. "It was especially meaningful to watch both my dad and aunt present! I really enjoyed reconnecting with teachers who have influenced me in the past while also building new connections with Lutheran educators from across the country. Seeing so many passionate Lutheran teachers gathered together was incredibly affirming and strengthened my desire to go into Lutheran education."

Keynote speakers Tim Elmore and Gerry Brooks inspired participants with messages about generational collaboration and the importance of strong teaching teams. Interwoven within the sessions and conversations, faith integration was evident-affirming and strengthening students' call to serve as Lutheran educators.

As future educators, the students were introduced to the purpose of professional development and the importance of lifelong learning in education. Many students hope to return to LEA in three years when they are serving in the field as a classroom teacher.

Sophomore Lydia Fink of Olathe, Kansas, is majoring in elementary education with an emphasis in general science and is pursuing a Lutheran Teacher Diploma.

"Attending the LEA conference this year was an amazing experience. It was great to meet upperclassmen and connect with so many people who share the same passion for Lutheran education," she said. "I appreciated how the event allowed me to build relationships not only within my own university but also with teachers and students from other Lutheran universities across the United States. The time we spent together was encouraging and really helped strengthen our sense of community."

The theme for the LEA Convocation was Together. Students witnessed this concept in practice as professionals in Lutheran ministry work together through ministries of encouragement and unity of faith.

"One of the biggest takeaways from the sessions I attended was realizing that effective teaching isn't just about surprising students with visuals or engaging them with bright colors, it's about challenging them to think deeply," added Fink. "That shift in perspective really stood out to me. I also valued meeting people who brought different teaching styles and experiences to the table. It was eye-opening to see how each person approaches their classroom in their own way, and it reminded me that it truly takes all kinds of teachers to meet the diverse needs of students. Overall, my experience at LEA helped me grow in both my understanding of teaching and my appreciation for the larger community of Lutheran educators. I left feeling inspired, supported and more confident in the teacher I am becoming."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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