A Brief Reflection On Service

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A Brief Reflection On Service

  • April 8, 2020
  • Posted by: Caitlin McCallum
  • Category: Wow Story
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LSEM has had the privilege of having many teachers retire under our service. One of our recent retirees was Mark Reither. He left us with a brief reflection of his time here at LSEM that we wanted to share with you. We thank him for his many years of service in Lutheran education and wish him all the best in his retirement.

“When I began as the LSEM instructor here at Trinity Lutheran in Clinton Twp, MI, I was joining an experienced staff of dedicated teachers. Although it took several weeks to really feel “at home” in my job, the actual work with students was wonderful. Helping to encourage and teach reluctant readers became our daily task. My assistant Katie Erkkinen and I soon realized that it was beneficial for her to work primarily with upper-elementary students and for me to concentrate on grades K-5. Every day we talked about students’ progress, way to encourage them with difficult tasks, and strategies to keep them engaged in learning.

At the end of our second year, the school faced a great transition. Five new teachers were needed to replace retirees and teachers moving to other positions. When we met the following August for our first meeting, there were new faces for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th grades. Unlike two years earlier, I was no longer the “new guy” in staff. Instead, I was someone who assisted other teachers in becoming part of the Trinity family. Having taught for more that forty years, I now felt more comfortable teaching, as well as consulting.

Now, near the end of our fourth year, I more fully understand the role of Lutheran Special Education Ministries here at Trinity. With God’s guidance, we work within this Christian community to teach, encourage, and inspire children to grow educationally and spiritually. As I contemplate my upcoming retirement, I’m thankful for the blessing that this community has been for me, as well. I pray to God continues to bless these kids, this staff, and LSEM for the years ahead.”