This week in our “Getting to know our teachers” series, we’re talking to Mrs. Emily Platzer, our 1st/2nd grade teacher at Our Savior Lutheran School.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

1 John 3:1 “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called on children of God! And that is what we are!”

I love this passage because it’s a great reminder to us all that we have an almighty Father and we are his children! God is always with us and what a blessing that we can always call on him as his daughter/son.

What inspires you about teaching?

Teaching is an opportunity to take students on a journey. To teach them about their Savior and the joy of learning. I love seeing students get that “ah-ha” moment and light up, excited to share what they have learned.

Can you give me a brief description of your classroom and objectives for this school year?

My classroom is a bright place with spaces for students to write, read, create and sing. My objectives for the school year are for the students to foster a love of reading and for their Savior. I’d love for the students to come home and read their family and friends a Bible story. 🙂

You are a cookie. What kind would you be and why?

I would say Chocolate chip cookie. While I love many different types of cookies you can’t beat the “classic cookie.” I love the classic look for clothing and I love to listen to oldies-classic! 🙂

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while teaching?

A few years ago while I was living and teaching in Nebraska I had a visitor show up to class. In the middle of one of my morning classes I looked up and said “cow.” My students quickly turned around and noticed a cow looking into our classroom. I walked down to my principal’s room and he told me to herd the cow back into the pasture. So for the next 10 minutes my students got to watch me from the window as I herded the cow back into it’s pasture.

A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?

“Hola, I”m Peter Piper Penguin and I’m here to eat your pickles. Por favor”

 

 

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This week in our “Getting to know our teachers” series, we hear from Mr. Aaron Trimmer.  Mr. Trimmer is our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teacher at Our Savior Lutheran School in Grafton, WI. 

Can you give me a brief description of your classroom and objectives for this school year?

I would describe my class as being designed to challenge students to reach their potential and to be their best selves, while at the same time providing appropriate time for the joy that we have being around believers in Christ. There needs to be time for laughter and and fun, whether it is planned and in some cases not planned.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth in not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:8-9

I sin. You sin. We all sin. If we can agree on that, then there is only one place to turn.  What a hope we have in Him!

You are a cookie. What kind would you be and why?

Peanut Butter chocolate chip-Because they are the best 🙂

When you were in fourth grade, what did you want to be when you grow up?

I wanted to be a teacher and coach. I still have a good number of basketball plays that I ran or wrote while playing basketball in grade school and high school.

A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?

“Wow it is bright in here. Can anyone give me directions to the southern tip of Africa?”

What inspires you about teaching?

That everyday something is new. This means teaching is never boring. Each child needs to grow and learn in every way, and in their own way. I am just blessed to have that opportunity to give the tools to the next generation that they may go into the world and do whatever God has planned for them.

Anything else you want to share about yourself or your classroom?

I enjoy competition and what it brings out in people. I feel you see the true side of a person when they compete.

This week in our “Getting to know our teachers” series, we hear from Mrs. Amy Grulke.  Mrs. Grulke is our preschool teacher, teaching both 3K and 4K classes at Our Savior Lutheran Preschool in Grafton, WI.

Can you give me a brief description of your classroom, objectives, and curriculum for Our Savior’s Preschool?

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool serves to assist families in educating the whole child: spiritually, academically, physically, and socially.

Our Savior wants each child to KNOW Jesus as their Savior, GROW in loving service to God and each other, and GO into our community and the world with the good news of Jesus’ forgiveness.

3K and 4K Curriculum:

• Jesus Time
• Happily-Ever-After
• Alphabet
• Numbers
• Shapes
• Colors
• Pre-writing/Writing
• Theme/Seasonal
• Singing and Music
• Arts and Crafts
• Snack Time
• Physical Education/Recess Activities
• Author
• Story Time
• Guided Play/Playtime
• Technology

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Ps. 46:10 is a comfort to me because I know that God is with me as I journey through this life.  I know God is saying to me, “I’ve got you covered. Just trust me, follow me, stay close to me and believe in me.”

When you were preschool age, what did you want to be when you grow up?

At the age of 3 or 4 I loved playing with baby dolls and playing house.  I knew back then that I wanted to spend my time with children and taking care of them.

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

My crayon color would be Sunshine Yellow, because I want to be able to brighten someone’s day.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

Rather than an animal, I would like to be a butterfly so I could view the world from the sky and gracefully land on delicate daisies and fragrant lilac bushes.

What inspires you about teaching 3K and 4K?  

The children inspire me to teach when I see their smiles, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.  Those little ones are sponges waiting to soak in everything that is presented to them.

By far, the faith of a 3 or 4 year old is most inspiring, as they hear and believe in Jesus’ love for them and learn that they will someday be with Him in heaven forever.

For the third week in our “Getting to know our teachers” series, we’re looking at Mrs. Annette Diener.  Mrs. Diener teaches Kindergarten all day, and 1st and 2nd grades for part of the day at Our Savior Lutheran School in Grafton, WI.

Can you give me a brief description of your classroom and objectives for this school year?

My classroom is a combined grades K, 1 and 2 classroom. This multi-grade setting allows students to interact with other students of various ages which often makes it seem almost like a family.

I assist parents in training their children for life here on earth and for eternity. The curriculum objectives are designed to allow each child opportunities to successfully develop in all areas of service to God and others – spiritually, academically, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

I have many favorite Bible verses, it’s hard to chose just one! This is one of my favorites:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors[b] through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

I have found this Bible verse to be especially comforting as I move forward in my journey through life. Circumstances in my life may change. Death of loved ones and unanswered questions may change my life in an instant. Relationships may change. Leadership changes. Many things come into my life that may threaten to undermine my feeling of security and confidence and may even allow seed of doubt about my past, present and future to take root.

There is one thing that I can is always certain about: I am completely victorious through Him who loved me and absolutely NOTHING can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord! That reassuring promise is a source of strength to me reminding me that I am never alone nor do I need to fear changes that come my way!

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while teaching?

I was blessed to have both of my own parents volunteer as helpers in my classroom for over 15 years. One day as I was describing to them how they were going to be helping that day and how they should go about carrying out those tasks working with the students, one little boy leaned over to me, put his hand on my arm and asked me rather sternly (and loud enough for my parents to overhear), “I don’t you think you should be bossing your parents around, do you?” Wow! I guess I never thought about it that way before! My parents and I all started laughing! From the mouths of children…

You are a cookie. What kind would you be and why?

I would be a sugar cookie made from my Great-Aunt Clara’s Sugar Cookie recipe. They are SO delicious and everyone loves them! It’s a cherished recipe handed down from my dearly loved great-aunt who was also a teacher. It’s a very versatile cookie because after the dough is rolled out, it can be made for any occasion or holiday depending on which of the hundreds of cookie cutter shapes used! It can be baked and served plain and still delicious! What most children and grown-ups like are the ones that are fancied up with colored sugar sprinkled on. MY personal favorite is topped with colorful, piped frosting using decorator’s tips or colorful, spread frosting, and topped with beautifully colored sugar, sprinkles, or candy bits. Best of all though, they are best when made with families working together, spending time together, and sharing the fun and making memories which will be cherished for many years to come!

What inspires you about teaching?

I have always been inspired in teaching by the natural love most students have to learn about the world around them using their God-given gifts and talents. It’s a true privilege to be able to help prepare these young people for the future.

Collaborating with other teachers, and partnering with the child’s family gives me a greater awareness of how to better meet the needs of each student and prayerfully take them to the next steps toward using the tools and knowledge they acquire to succeed and serve those around them now and in the future.

Watching children grow using their abilities with the ongoing prayers, nurturing and encouragement of those around them is a priceless gift that also inspires me in my teaching. The wide-eyed, happy glow on a student’s face filled with wonder and surprise when they finally acquire a new skill or understand a new concept is a reward in itself to any teacher and spurs me on to take that student to the next level of learning!

Mrs. Monica Dierker is the second teacher we are focusing on in our continuing series, “Getting to know our teachers”.  Mrs. Dierker assists students in grades 2-8 with reading and math at Our Savior Lutheran School.

Can you give me a brief description of your classroom and objectives for this school year?

My classroom is very unique as I see grades 2-8 on a regular daily basis teaching math and reading in a three hour time frame.  My objectives are always to grow each child in their reading and math abilities.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

This passage reminds me that I get my strength from God.  Through the many ups and downs in my life God has always been there for me and given me the strength to face everything.

What inspires you about teaching?

I love watching the students grow in their faith, their learning, and as a person with unique God given gifts and talents.

When you were in fourth grade, what did you want to be when you grow up?

From what I can remember from this time in my life is that I wanted to be a wife and mother.

You are a cookie. What kind would you be and why?

I would be a Minnesota Muncher.  There are so many different taste layers to this cookie and I look at teaching as unwrapping the layers of learning so that the students continue their learning journey.

We’re excited to kick off this series, “Getting to know our teachers”, with Mr. Joel Grulke.  Mr. Grulke is our principal and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teacher at Our Savior Lutheran School.

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Can you give me a brief description of your classroom and objectives for this school year?

Our 6th-8th grade classroom is filled with students who will soon be entering high school and a world that will continue to challenge their faith and their morality, as well as produce exciting new discoveries and advancements in technology along with a changing workforce.

Our objectives are to continue to prepare our students for these new experiences and challenges. We do this by equipping them with God’s Word of truth to guide them in decision-making and giving them the necessary academic tools, skills and opportunities to see how the Lord could use them to make a difference in the lives of people they meet by sharing the Gospel.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14b

This passage is a favorite of mine as it reminds me that while we may think we have nothing meaningful to contribute to various situations in life, God may be leading us to see how He may use us to accomplish His work – especially the proclaiming of the Gospel to save souls for eternity.

As I look at children who may not have a strong self-confidence or see themselves as not being very good at anything, I have the privilege of helping them see how God may have gifted them, and how He might use them and their gifts to carry out His work of spreading the Good News of  Christ, our Savior.

What inspires you about teaching?

What inspires me most about teaching is seeing God’s children respond to His Word and show their love for Him with the talents He has given to them.

You are a cookie. What kind would you be and why?

I would be a chocolate chip cookie. Not just because it is my favorite cookie, but because it brings back a flood of memories of yummy, warm, chocolaty smells in the kitchen, chocolate messes on my hands and face, my mother letting me add ingredients, helping stir the batter, scooping the batter onto the cookie sheet, teaching me how to make them soft and mushy or thin and crispy, and, of course, letting me sample the batter as well as the final product.

Learning and experiencing at its finest!

When you were in fourth grade, what did you want to be when you grow up?

When I was in the fourth grade I wanted to be a pastor. In fact, I wanted to be pastor since Kindergarten all the way through my sophomore year in high school. But when I was in fourth grade, I had my first male teacher who had a desire to teach us science through various hands-on failures and successes. He showed us, or should I say privileged us, to see God’s amazing wonders of creation and the laws He enacted to guide the world He created as well as encouraging us to never give up trying to learn something.

As I look back as a teacher today, I see the importance of having both male and female teachers to guide and encourage children to discover and use the gifts that God has given them to serve Him and one another. While I was not a great scientist in the fourth grade – and still am humbled by the vastness of all God placed in our world – I did grow in my faith and understanding of what a marvelous and loving God we have as He cares for us and governs this world for our benefit and blessing. Our children need to know this!