Stories of Children’s Lives Changed

LSEM > stories
Jan
28
Small Change, Big Impact

~written by Ann Zum Brunnen, LSEM teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School in Catonsville, MD~ I have been working with a student for a year and a half on spelling.  It has been very hard for him to succeed in learning his spelling words. It finally got to the point where he said that he did […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Jan
21
Brave Moments

~written by Kara Struhall, LSEM teacher at Let it Shine Enrichment Academy in Austin, TX~ When this student first joined our class over a year ago, they brought with them a sparkle in their eyes and a spirit that was impossible to miss. At our school, many children face developmental challenges that can make everyday […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Jan
14
God at Work Through Professional Development

~written by Brooke Weise, LSEM teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Giddings, TX~ One of the biggest blessings in my role is getting to see how God works through professional development to touch both teachers and students. Recently, during our RTI (Response to Intervention) training, I had a true WOW moment that I just have to share.  From a Veteran Teacher’s Perspective:  A seasoned teacher pulled me aside and told me this was the first time she has ever […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Jan
07
Compassionate Service

~ Written by Andrea Hicks, LSEM teacher at St. Peter Lutheran School in Macomb, MI~ The LSEM students at St. Peter Macomb had the opportunity to give back with a service project through the organization Fleece and Thank You.  This nonprofit’s mission is to make sure that every child is guaranteed color and comfort in […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Dec
17
Hard Work Pays Off

~ Written by Karen Bieberich, LSEM teacher at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran School in Fort Wayne, IN~ My student, “E,” came to my school in first grade and recently finished fourth grade.  E was home schooled for preschool, Kindergarten, and the first half of first grade.  She couldn’t even write her name when she started here.  I worked with her on her reading and writing skills […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Dec
03
Blessed Leadership

~written by Linda Schumacher, LSEM teacher at St. Michael Lutheran School in Wayne, MI~ Every year LSEM awards The Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year to a principal who demonstrates a commitment to meeting the needs of all learners in the school community.  As I looked at the criteria of the award, I decided […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Aug
06
Confidence

~written by Margaret Hocking, LSEM teacher at Our Savior Lutheran School in Hartland, MI~ “Look at how long that is,” my student exclaimed when we finished writing her summary after reading a short selection. “I am remembering so much more than I did at the beginning of the year,” she continued.  Then we both smiled […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Jul
30
From Struggling to Striving

~written by Erin Baller, LSEM teacher at St. John Lutheran School in Rochester, MI~ At the start of 5th grade, Maria (name changed for privacy) could barely read beyond simple three-letter words. She struggled to sound out words, lacked confidence, and often sat quietly during reading time, trying to hide the fact that she couldn’t keep up. […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Jul
23
A Familiar Face in a New Space

~written by Stacie Price, LSEM teacher at Yuma Lutheran School in Yuma, AZ~ When I started my new position at Yuma Lutheran School in August 2024, the Arizona heat was its usual oppressive self; an old friend to another school year. However, everything else was new and … different. I needed to learn new things […]

Posted in: Wow Story,
Jul
16
Determination

~ written by Nohely Marini-Latorre, LSEM teacher at St. Luke’s Lutheran School in Oviedo, FL ~ This school year has been filled with trials and tribulations. My students and I have faced numerous challenges, some of which felt almost impossible to overcome. As I reflect on this journey, I can see that even at our […]

Posted in: Wow Story,