The Michigan District, LCMS has selected the recipients for the 2017 Lutheran Schools recognition awards in the categories of Early Childhood Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of the Year.
Jessica Findlay, Kindergarten teacher at St. Lorenz Lutheran School in Frankenmuth, is the Michigan District 2017 Early Childhood Teacher of the Year. She not only follows Christ but encourages her students to follow her in developing a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Leanne Davis, Preschool Director, says: “Jessica is passionate about her students and sharing the love of Jesus with them.” Parent Karen Conzelmann said, “With her blend of visible love for her students and high expectations that each child can achieve all that they are capable of, Mrs. Findlay is a gift to all of us!” We thank God for teachers like her who not only follow Jesus but lead children to Him through Lutheran schools.
Renee Brenner, Spanish teacher at Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, is the Michigan District 2017 High School Teacher of the Year. She has invested over twenty years in teaching students Spanish and in modeling her faith and engaging students in meaningful faith discussions. She continually motivates students to excel and practices this in her teaching life by continually adding new ideas and delivering common materials in new and different ways. Her AP students nearly all pass their AP Test but, more importantly, they develop a love for the language that many continue to pursue in college. She continues to daily model Christ by doing her best for students and Valley Lutheran. John Brandt, Executive Director at Valley, says it best: “Renee does this day after day, year after year, with a positive attitude based on her love for Jesus and His students at Valley.”
We thank God for teachers like Renee and Jessica who serve at Michigan District Lutheran Schools. These outstanding educators will each receive a sculpture of Jesus as servant, their name on a plaque at the District Office, and $500 to spend in their classroom. To God be the glory for their ministry!
