News & Events
2024 Administrator of the Year
- March 12, 2024
- Posted by: Caitlin McCallum
- Category: Administrator of the Year LSEM News
Matthew Couser Named 2024 Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year
Ann Arbor, MI (March 11, 2024):
Matthew Couser, principal of Our Savior Lutheran School in Lansing, Michigan, has been named the winner of the 2024 Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year. Presented by Lutheran Special Education Ministries, the award recognizes the efforts of principals in Christian schools who demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of students with learning differences within their school.
Matthew is a 2001 graduate of Valparaiso University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. He has also earned a Master of Arts in School Principalship degree from Central Michigan University in 2009. Matthew and his wife Katie have three children, Ryan, Micah, and Ella.
Matthew has been a Lutheran educator for twenty years. He began his teaching career teaching fifth grade at Our Savior, Lansing. After eight years in the classroom, Matthew was hired to serve as the school’s principal, a position he has held for the last twelve years. Matthew was recognized by the Michigan District – LCMS as their Principal of the Year in 2023.
In the nomination letters, Mr. Couser was hailed as, “a strong advocate of providing resources for students with learning disabilities and those needing support in their learning.” Another parent said, “Matt has created a culture of caring in our school that embraces students with the love of Christ. Every child is precious to him as they are to God, and he wants our school to do whatever is within our power to help them succeed.” Another nominee shared that “Matt works tirelessly to serve the students and families of our school community with a humble heart and contagious joy for Jesus!”
Lutheran Special Education Ministries is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Since 1873, LSEM has helped students successfully overcome learning challenges. LSEM created the Charles A. Winterstein Award in 2023 to honor Christian school administrators who strive to meet the needs of all learners within their school. The award is named after Charles Winterstein, a distinguished educational leader who served in Lutheran K-12 schools and universities as well as at the district and national levels. Chuck was a friend and mentor to many who serve in Lutheran schools today, as well as a staunch supporter of the ministry work of LSEM.
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