Alyssa Mueller ’15
Lutheran school teacher, St. Louis, Missouri
I always wanted to become a teacher in a place where I could share my faith and pray with students. But I didn’t know if I could be a teacher because I was so shy and introverted, and I didn’t want to say the wrong thing.
My Concordia University Irvine professors encouraged me in my God-given gifts and helped me gain confidence in my strengths and abilities. They challenged me to come out of my shell. Before that I was very much a rule-follower, following the plan and pattern. Because of my Concordia University Irvine professors I stepped out and tried different things and realized that introverts can be great teachers and come up with creative and unique ideas. I also saw that it’s okay to make mistakes — that’s where growth happens.
I teach now in a studio environment in a Lutheran school — a newer model of classroom teaching that I never would have tried if Concordia University Irvine hadn’t taught me to be open to new perspectives
Don’t be afraid to try something different. Join a group, take a class, try an activity, use the gifts and skills you have. That new thing could change your perspective.
Lutheran Teaching Ministry: Elementary and Second Education
Concordia University Irvine’s Lutheran teaching program does more than just help students earned teaching credentials for elementary or secondary education. You are also equipped to be called, commissioned ministers of the Gospel in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. While the majority of classes in the program are in education and specific academic content areas, Lutheran teachers are also equipped as teachers of the faith who serve their students not only academically but spiritually. They work within a team ministry environment, exploring the interaction of faith and learning, and truly caring for their students.