This year, two teachers from the Missouri District won awards from the Lutheran Education Association (LEA). Each year LEA selects several educators from Lutheran schools who have demonstrated faithful commitment and service both in their classroom and to the church at large. This year, Mrs. Annie Ziegelbein, from Trinity Lutheran School in Jefferson City was awarded the “Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Teacher” award. Additionally, Mr. Kevin Rudzinski, from St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres was awarded the “Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher” award.

Mrs. Ziegelbein has been a Lutheran school teacher for 16 years. She attended Concordia University Nebraska where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education; she later earned a master’s degree from William Woods University in Curriculum and Instruction. She first served as a teacher in Morton, IL, and is currently teaching fifth grade at Trinity, Jefferson City. She saids, “[M]y ultimate joy comes in being able to build meaningful relationships with my students which allows me to share Jesus’ love with them each and every day. I am thankful to be able to engage in meaningful conversations in our devotions, class studies, or in the teachable moments throughout the day.”

Mr. Rudzinski has been a Lutheran school teacher for 17 years. He is currently teaching middle school science, math, and STEM at St. Paul’s, Des Peres. He attended Concordia University Chicago earning his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in the areas of Biology and Mathematics. He also earned a master’s degree from University of Missouri–Kansas City, in Curriculum and Instruction in Natural Science. He notes, “My joy comes when I can connect with a student on a personal level with their personality, attitude, and level of learning, and make a breakthrough.”

Lutheran schools provide an opportunity for children to receive a strong Christian education from devoted teachers like Mrs. Ziegelbein and Mr. Rudzinski. Josh Swartz, the Director of Schools for the Missouri District, said, “Lutheran education is a profound commitment to sharing the transformative message of Christ crucified. It requires dedicated, Christ-centered, servant-minded, passionate educators willing to invest in the children in their care. We thank God for educators like Annie and Kevin, who are instrumental in guiding, inspiring, and empowering children academically, emotionally, and especially as ambassadors of Christ.”