Lutheran Education Podcast

Episode 46: Episode 46: Rebecca Friedrichs talks about the dangers of teachers unions and their influence on students and curriculum

Rebecca Friedrichs, author of Standing up to Goliath, has spent her career fighting within the school system to protect her students and parents from the darkness and grief that the teachers' unions have caused. Friedrichs wrote an editorial that was featured in her local newspaper. That piece started the wheels in motion in challenging the union and eventually led to their case appearing before the U.S. Supreme Court. By sharing her story and experiences, Friedrich wants to ensure ...

Episode 45: Episode 45: Rev. Joel Kaiser talks about evangelizing and welcoming new families to their Lutheran school

Rev. Joel Kaiser, Associate Pastor at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, MI, talks with Richard Schumacher on the role he plays in welcoming new students and families to their Lutheran school. With enrollment increasing during the pandemic, a wonderful opportunity presented itself to evangelize to these new students and families. Kaiser is involved with the school in working with staff and faculty on how to maximize the opportunity to welcome and bring the news of Jesus to t...

Episode 44: Episode 44: Dr. Danisha Keating tells her story of growing up in foster care and how she's helping today's foster children and parents

Dr. Danisha Keating  joins the podcast and shares her story about growing up in an environment of abuse within a foster care environment. From homelessness and taking care of her siblings, to earning her Ph.D. Dr. Keating tells her story to help other children who are in foster care as well as foster parents. A research psychologist, Dr. Keating’s traumatic upbringing gave her the passion and tools to help others through her books and speaking engagements. 

Episode 43: Episode 43: Dr. Tanya Calendo and Angie Schiller talk about what makes their schools succesful

LSEM’s Dr. Tracie Salgado and Richard Schumacher are joined by Dr. Tanya Calendo, Principal at Christ Greenfield Lutheran School in Gilbert, AZ and Angie Schiller, Principal at Yuma Lutheran School in Yuma, AZ. In their conversation they talk about how each principal made their respective schools so large and successful. Each has a larger vision for their schools and are prepared for continued growth. Both principals talk about how they incorporated special education and the service...

Episode 42: Episode 42: Travis Grulke discusses the training and education he provides to Lutheran teachers

A frequent contributor to the podcast, Travis Grulke, Superintendent of Schools for the Michigan District, is also a frequent conference speaker where he provides education and training on a variety of topics including the difference between balance and harmony in our lives, what it means to be a Lutheran educator, decision making and the seven habits of highly effective educators. 

Episode 41: Episode 41: Kyle Chuhran talks about helping young teachers find their financial way

Kyle Chuhran is the Elementary Education Coordinator at Concordia University Ann Arbor and Act Money Coaching. In this podcast we talk finances and help our teachers better use their God-given resources. He loves teaching and helps students become teachers and ultimately get placed in their student teaching positions.  Seeing his students grow academically and spiritually is the most satisfying aspect of his career. He talks about the financial challenges teachers face as they embar...

Episode 40: Episode 40: Doug Grove shares his experience in working internationally.

While the sun was rising behind Doug Grove, the Head of School at Concordia International School in Hanoi, Vietnam, we were recording our first international podcast the evening before. In this engaging conversation, Doug talks about his path to accepting the call to work internationally. Always interested in learning and experiencing new things, Doug and his wife took a major leap by studying the Asian culture and acclimating themselves to a whole new world; first in China and now ...

Episode 39: Episode 39: Dr. Kim Marxhausen talks about learned helplessness

Dr. Kim Marxhausen, a frequent contributor to the podcast and a teacher in the honors program at the University of Nebraska, shares her insights with special education educators and in this episode covers the topic of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness occurs as a result of a set of circumstances that students face, including trauma, that can cause learning challenges. It became prevalent during and following the Covid pandemic. Parents and teachers can learn from this episo...

Episode 38: Episode 38: Karin Freeland talks about living the best version of yourself

Karin Freeland, a life coach, speaker and author, joins the podcast for an inspiring conversation with LSEM’s new Director of Special Education, Dr. Tracie Salgado. Karin, a self-proclaimed recovered corporate workaholic,  talks about the challenges teachers face in and out of their classrooms and what they can do to create the best version of themselves.  She touches on focusing more on what’s important, self-care and setting goals so you can take control of your day, put God first...

Episode 37: Episode 37: Dr. Tracie Salgado, LSEM's new Director of Special Education

In this podcast, we introduce Dr. Tracie Salgado — LSEM’s new Director of Special Education. Dr. Salgado has taught for over 25 years, both here and internationally in New Zealand, China and Mexico. She knew she wanted to become a teacher at a young age  when she playeed the role with her siblings and friends growing up. She talks about the importance of building positive relationships with her students, the lessons she learned about edcuation on an international level and chats abo...

Episode 36: Episode 36: Ted Neitzke returns to the podcast to discuss developing leaders in education

Ted Neitzke makes a return visit to the podcast and shares his insights on developing good leaders in our educators and helping teachers embrace the idea of being a leader and how administrators can support them in their roles. Neitzke has an extensive background in education and leadership. The former teacher, principal and superintendent is currently the mayor of Port Washington, Wisconsin and is also the CEO of CESA 6, an educational service agency focusing on the current educati...

Episode 35: Episode 35: Dr. Julian Petzold talks about safety in our schools

Dr. Julian Petzold, president of Lion Safety Consulting, joins the podcast to talk about safety in our schools, churches and buildings. He sheds light on the many things school administrators may not think of, but need to consider in today’s educational environment. After 28 years in education he earned his doctorate degree and did his research in best practices in school safety and started to present at conferences. He’s helped many schools and their families in developing their sa...

Episode 34: Episode 34: Trip Rodgers joins the podcast to talk about trauma in the classroom

Trip Rodgers is the Education Executive with the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. In this role he specializes in education and congregational life and talks today about trauma and trauma response in our schools. During the discussion, Trip discusses how the pandemic has affected students both socially and academically. He also addresses some of the traditional classroom tactics that can trigger a traumatic event for a student. This episode will make t...

Episode 33: Episode 33: Stacy McGhee, Nicole Legalley and Richard Schumacher talk about LSEM's 150th Anniversary Celebration

Stacy McGhee, President and CEO of LSEM, and Nicole Legalley, LSEM's new Philanthropy Specialist, join the podcast to talk about the ministry's 150th Anniversary celebration over the course of 2023 and the exciting future that God has planned for LSEM as they look to serve even more children across the country as well as the world. 

Episode 32: Episode 32: Dr. Kim Marxhausen, former educator at Lutheran Special Education Ministries joins the podcast to educate us about about "Neurodiversity".

Episode 31: Episode 31: Dr. Jonathan Laabs, Executive Director of Lutheran Education Association joins the podcast and talks about his role at LEA over the past 25 years.

Episode 30: Episode 30: Dr. Kara Bratton joins the podcast to discuss the latest at Lutheran Special Education Ministries. In this episode she discusses the “whole brain child” and how all the working parts need to work together and how to approach situations differe

Episode 29: Episode 29: Reverend Dr. Ryan Peterson talks about his role and leadership at both Concordia University of Ann Arbor and Wisconsin.

Reverend Dr. Ryan Peterson, Vice President of Concordia University of Ann Arbor joins our podcast to discuss his responsibilities and how he landed in his role of Vice President. In this episode he recalls stories of what led him into the world of ministry, how he lives and breathes both Concordia University of Ann Arbor and Wisconsin’s mission and how that mission drives both institutions. He sheds light on the importance of finding future church workers and with that paying attent...

Episode 28: Episode 28: Ted Neitzke talks about the ability of us all to be leaders

Ted Neitzke is CEO of Cesa 6, an influential and innovative education service agency based in Oshkosh, WI. His background consists of a life-long dedication to children; serving on all levels from middle school teacher to superintendent. Ted, who is also the mayor of Port Washington, WI, joins the podcast and talks about the ability for us all to be leaders. In this entertaining episode you'll learn about buffalo leaders and feel Ted's enthusiasm and passion for education and leader...

Episode 27: Episode 27: Dr. Chris Cody and Travis Grulke discuss their districts' COVID response

Dr. Chris Cody and Travis Grulke, education executives with the South Wisconsin and Michigan Districts, respectively, chat on the podcast about their districts' responses to COVID during these past two school years. They share how their schools and teachers have adapted to new ways of teaching that have included both virtual and in-person classrooms, the possibility of vaccination requirements and how the classroom may forever change in a post-COVID future. 

Episode 26: Episode 26: Dr. Rebecca Schmidt talks about Lutheran education during the pandemic

Dr. Rebecca Schmidt returns to the Lutheran Education Podcast and shares how things have changed in Lutheran education over the past year. Dr. Schmidt talks about how schools have continued to keep their focus on God and the needs of their students in the midst of the pandemic.

Episode 25: Episode 25: Aaron Rohde discusses brain-based education and his original music

Aaron Rohde, a third/fourth grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Reed City, MI, joins the podcast to discussed brain-based education. In the second half of the episode he shares news about the release of his upcoming record, Rooted to Grow — a collection of original songs written and recorded by Rohde over the course of his career as a teacher. Stay tuned at the end of this episode to hear a track he recorded for LSEM, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Episode 24: Episode 24: Dr. Kara Bratton talks about the idea of inclusion

Inclusion means a lot of things to a lot of different people. In this podcast, Dr. Kara Bratton, LSEM's Special Education Director, discusses how it relates to students with special learning needs. She talks about how these students are valued in the classroom and how their presence is felt by their teachers and peers.

Episode 23: Dr. John Brandt reflects on a career in Lutheran education

Dr. John Brandt, Executive Director at Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, MI, joins the podcast for an entertaining conversation with host and former student, Richard Schumacher. The two share stories as Brandt reflects on his rewarding and successful career in teaching, coaching and school administration.

Episode 22: Brett and Heather Hardecopf talk about dealing with personal crisis

In this episode Brett Hardecopf, Principal of St. John Lutheran Church and School in Elk River, MN, and his wife, Heather, share their personal insights for how church workers can deal with personal crisis.

Episode 21: Matthew Bergholt talks about adapting to the COVID-29 crisis through online learning

Matthew Bergholt, manager of online support and services for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, joins the podcast to talk about the use of online learning technologies in these times and how we can apply what we're using today when we return to the classroom.

Episode 21: Matthew Bergholt talks about adapting to the COVID-19 crisis through online learning

Matthew Bergholt, manager of online support and services for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, joins the podcast to talk about the use of online learning technologies in these times and how we can apply what we're using today when we return to the classroom.

Episode 20: COVID-19 Special Podcast with Kara Bratton

Lutheran Special Education Ministry's Kara Bratton and Rich Schumacher talk about the current state of special education and how the pandemic and school closures are affecting their services to children and families.

Episode 19: Joel Landskroener and Kim Ross talk about the future of online learning

Recorded prior to the Coronavirus outbreak that has disrupted the traditional school year across the entire country, Joel Landskroener, the executive director at Mayer Lutheran High School in Mayer, MN and the Genesis Virtual Academy and, Kim Ross, Director of the Genesis Virtual Academy, join the podcast in what has turned out to be a very timely discussion about online virtual learning and the future of how we do school. They talk about the creation of the Genesis Virtual Academy —...

Episode 18: DJ Schult Talks About Developing Stronger Relationship Within Schools

DJ Schult, Assistant to the President of the North Wisconsin District, joins Rich Schumacher on the podcast to talk about his efforts in developing stronger relationships with the schools within his district and creating better opportunities to share and provide ideas to help teachers and administrators with professional development in an ever-changing educational environment.

Episode 17: Continuing our discussion on parents and self-regulation with Dr. Kim Marxhausen

This is part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kim Marxhausen, a former Lutheran school teacher and current LSEM speaker. We continue the conversation around parents and self-regulation. In this episode we take a closer look at the essential interaction that needs to take place in order for a child to develop.

Episode 16: A discussion on parents and self-regulation with Dr. Kim Marxhausen

Dr. Kim Marxhausen, a former Lutheran school teacher and current LSEM speaker, returns to the podcast to talk about parents and self-regulation and its importance to learning. She'll discuss how students can take care of their own learning, behavior and emotions by appropriately activating, controlling and evaluating them.

Episode 15: Tom Wrege talks about how to run an effective meeting

Tom Wrege, principal at Zion Lutheran School, Walburg, TX, joins the podcast to talk about how to run effective meetings. With 35 years in ministry and 20 as a principal, he’s participated in all types of meetings with fellow leaders, teachers and parents. He’s seen the good and the bad and this podcast is for anyone in a leadership role looking for a few pointers on how to run a better meeting through proper planning and preparation.

Episode 14: Chuck Winterstein shares his insights on parent teacher conferences

In this episode we chat again with Chuck Winterstein, Assistant to the Superintendent of Michigan Schools at the LCMS. He talks about turning those parent teacher conferences away from something that's feared and, oftentimes, full of surprises, into a useful tool for teachers to grow and develop their relationships with parents and students.

Episode 13: Stacy Hoeft shares her journey from teacher to LSEM president and CEO

Stacy Hoeft, President and CEO of Lutheran Special Education Ministries, joins the podcast and talks about her journey to LSEM. From teacher to principal to CEO, Hoeft shares how each one of those roles shaped her into the leader she is today. She also reflects on some of her career experiences and talks about the valuable mentors and teachers who helped her along the way.

Episode 12: Matthew Bergholt talks about technology in the school ministry

Matthew Bergholt, manager of online support and services for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, talks about his role with the synod and how technology is ever changing in the school ministry. His schedule keeps him busy as he travels the country providing information and connectivity between the schools and the synod and helps teachers better use technology in their classrooms.

Episode 11: Dr. Chris Cody talks about the state of Lutheran education in his district

Dr. Chris Cody, Education Executive with the South Wisconsin District, joins the podcast and talks about the state of his district and the challenges in finding Lutheran-trained teachers to fill the growing demand. As an educator who moved the administrative side at a young age, Dr. Cody also touches on his passion for urban education, school of choice options, curriculum and the need for principals to move from being managers to becoming instructional leaders within their schools. ...

Episode 10: Dr. Rebecca Schmidt talks about the state of Lutheran schools

Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, the Director of School Ministry at the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, joins the podcast to talk about her role and the importance of working directly with the districts and schools across the synod. She also talks about how Lutheran schools can better serve the non-traditional learner.

Episode 9: School Ministry in "Forgiven Sin" City with Dr. Steven Buuck

Dr. Steven Buuck, CEO of Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vegas, NV, joins the podcast and discusses the opportunities involved in ministering in one of the most unique and iconic cities in the US. He also shares his passion and excitement on what it's taken to become the largest Lutheran school in the country.

Episode 8: Teaching Students to Defend their Faith with Brad Alles

Brad Alles, a professor at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins the Lutheran Education podcast to talk about apologetics and preparing our students to defend their faith as they go out in a post-modern world.

Episode 7: Retention in Schools with Kara Bratton

Kara Bratton, Lutheran Special Education Ministries Special Education Director, joins the podcast again to talk about the topic of student retention. This episode tackles the difficult decision teachers and administrators need to handle when deciding whether or not to hold a student back.

Episode 6: Learn about LSEM with Stacy Hoeft and Kara Bratton

Stacy Hoeft, LSEM President/CEO, and Kara Bratton, Resource Center Director, join the podcast to talk about LSEM and its role in serving Lutheran and Christian schools across the country. They take us from the origins of LSEM where it began as the Lutheran School for the Deaf that assisted students with hearing impairments and how the focus has changed over the years to serve all students with learning needs.

Episode 5: Dr. Kim Marxhausen (Part 3)

We conclude our series with Dr. Kim Marxhausen, a former Lutheran school teacher and current guest speaker for LSEM. In this episode we explore our third topic about trust in the classroom and how it's essential to learning.

Episode 4: Dr. Kim Marxhausen (Part 2)

We continue our conversation with Dr. Kim Marxhausen, a former Lutheran school teacher and current guest speaker for LSEM. In this episode we talk about repentance, the second way of being "smart."

Episode 3: Dr. Kim Marxhausen

We interview Dr. Kim Marxhausen, a former Lutheran school teacher and current guest speaker for LSEM, and talk about building socio-emotional skills and the teaching of faith in this first of a three-part conversation.

Episode 2: Accommodations and Modifications

We interview our very own Resource Center Director, Kara Bratton, and talk about the differences in and the importance of accommodations and modifications. As Kara points out, every student has a unique need and that the curriculum should meet the child right where they’re at in their learning. She also discusses the importance of documenting these accommodations and modifications in order to better serve the child as they continue throughout their education.

Episode 1: A Conversation with Travis Grulke and Chuck Winterstein

In this episode we hear from Travis Grulke, superintendent of Michigan District Lutheran Schools, and Chuck Winterstein, assistant superintendent. They join the podcast to talk about the state of education in Michigan’s Lutheran schools.