Staff & Faculty

Education

• Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Concordia University
• Master of Business Administration, University of Michigan
• Bachelor of Arts, English and Communications, Hope College
• Lutheran Teaching Certificate
• Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate
• Michigan Administrator Certificate

Experience

23 years, 14 years as Principal of St. Paul

Educational Philosophy

I believe that Lutheran Education is a remarkable opportunity to make an eternal difference in the lives of children and families.  I believe that children need a safe and loving environment in which to grow and learn about the world God created.  Education is about leading children to discover their individual strengths while growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It has been my greatest joy to see children grow into young adults who are accomplished scholars, confident leaders and  bold and courageous witnesses for Jesus.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation to all who believe."  Romans 1:16

Education

• Bachelors of Science--Concordia University, Ann Arbor
• Masters in Educational Technology-University of Michigan
• Lutheran Teaching Diploma
• Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate

Experience

21 years of teaching, 17 years at St. Paul Lutheran

Educational Philosophy

I believe that I have been given the awesome task of educating and nurturing the next generation both academically and spiritually. I enjoy bringing technology into the classroom to help  my students learn and strive to apply innovative methods to make math and science exciting and relevant.  I also have the joy of helping them grow in their faith with Jesus Christ.

"Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

Education

• Master of Education- Special Education
• University of Michigan-Flint
• Bachelor of Science-University of Michigan-Flint
• ZA Endorsement-Oakland University
• Michigan Teaching Certificate

Experience

24 years, 6 years at St. Paul

Educational Philosophy

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

My goal as a teacher, is to aid in the development of a student’s character, confidence, and desire.  Character to accept failure and to turn it into success.  The confidence to ask what they do not understand, or to try what they have never done.  The desire to explore all that the world has to offer to them and to excel beyond the limits of their individual dreams and goals.

Background

Collene Minto has been an Early Childhood Teacher for seven years at St. Paul. She holds a Child Development Associates certificate and has taken advanced course work through Baker College in Flint.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
• Texas A&M University - Commerce
• Michigan Teaching Certificate

Experience

9 Years of Teaching

Educational Philosophy

"Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be build on Him.  Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught.-"

Colossians 2:7-8

If Jesus himself said, "Let the little children come to me," then we as teachers are an extension of Him in our classrooms.  It is a blessing to teach children, not just academic content, but foremost, that they belong to Jesus and that there is joy in yielding their will to Him, and His faithful leadership over their lives.  I believe that my job as a teacher starts with fostering a family partnership because it is key to a student's success.  This paves the way by providing the home and school support necessary for them to thrive in confidence.  I like to incorporate S.T.E.M. and arts into my classroom for critical thinking and creativity.  I believe that this method is truly teaching the whole child by giving then multiple opportunities to learn.  I feel honored to be a part of my students' lives, and as their teacher, to help be an arrow pointing to Jesus.

Education

• Masters of Early Childhood
• Bachelor of Arts, Concordia University - Ann Arbor
• Child Care Assistant Certificate, Baker College - Flint

Experience

13 years working in day care, 10 years at St. Paul

Educational Philosophy

I believe that each child is a gift from God and that it is our privilege to help them learn new things every day about the world God created. I believe that children learn the best when they are in a comfortable environment and surrounded by people that love them. I strive to provide this type of environment every day.

Education

• Masters in American Culture University of Michigan-Flint
• Bachelor of Arts (U.S. History and English) University of Michigan Flint

Experience

25 years at St. Paul Lutheran, Flint

Educational Philosophy

I believe that children are our future.  I have been greatly blessed in this position as a Christian educator and consider it an honor to be able to work with this next generation.  These students will be our future leaders, doctors, and professionals.  My purpose is to get them ready for this upcoming responsibility in a loving, safe, and nurturing environment.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan-Flint
• Michigan Teaching Certificate
• Language & Social Studies Endorsements
• Master of Arts, Concordia University- Ann Arbor
• Lutheran Teaching Certificate

Experience

21 years teaching, all at St. Paul Lutheran, Flint

Educational Philosophy

I believe that education is extremely important to the development of our future generations. I feel that I have been given the awesome task of educating and nurturing the next generation both academically and spiritually. I need to share my knowledge with my students, and help them grow in their faith walk with Jesus Christ. In the classroom, I would like to see students succeed academically and spiritually. I would want them to use the gifts that they have been given to their full potential. I want to be a support and encouragement to my students and help them achieve success.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, Concordia University - Ann Arbor
• Lutheran Teaching Certificate

Experience

26 years of teaching, 5 years at St. Paul Lutheran, Flint

Educational Philosophy

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.

It is a blessing to teach the children to become the person the Lord has created them to be. I partner with families to continue teaching by example, not only preschool skills, but also the love the Lord has for them. The program begins with building a positive relationship between the teacher, family, and the child. Once this relationship is built, we are ready to learn in a positive way.

Education

• Master of Business Administration, Michigan State University
• Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from GMI Engineering and Management Institute.

Experience

34 years working as an automotive engineer and international consultant, 2 years at St. Paul Lutheran School

Educational Philosophy

As a long-time supporter of the school, and as a parent of my own St. Paul graduates, I was presented with a chance to repay some of life's blessings.  I have found teaching to be the most rewarding and simultaneously most exhausting part of my career. I continually strive to bring the real world of engineering and science to the classroom.  I believe in giving students a firm foundation in basic principles, but also challenge students to build higher skills in problem solving and critical thinking.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Masters of Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University-Ypsilanti, Michigan

Experience

• 21 years of teaching experience
• 2 years at St. Paul Lutheran, Flint

Educational Philosophy

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

It is through teaching that I am able to use my God given gifts and talents.  I believe in utilizing active, hands-on methods of instruction which utilize whole brain learning.  Each child has a unique talents and strength that can be shared with others.   The student is an active participant in the classroom community of learners and teachers through the exchange of ideas and strengths.  Building a relationship between a student and their family is vital.  A child's unique path to educational success is possible when teachers, families, school, community and students work together to perform their specific role in the educational process.