Firmly rooted, reaching upward: How the College of Education honors its rich history of Lutheran teacher preparation while responding to the needs of students today

By: Megan Patsavas, Assistant Vice President of University Communications

More than a century and a half after the institution's beginning, alongside other growing academic programs, Concordia University Chicago's College of Education continues its strong tradition of preparing students to serve in Lutheran schools, while also expanding its legacy to include educators who serve in public school settings as classroom teachers, school leaders, and administrators.

"Not only are the education programs here historic and have deep roots," said Jared Stiek (MA '15), assistant professor and assistant dean of CUC's College of Education, "but as they continue to grow and expand, they remain strong because of that firm foundation."

Associate Professor Dr. Anne Thies (CQ '20) said the College's roots, its history and identity as a Lutheran teacher preparation institution, shape "everything we do."

To ensure future teachers and administrators are equipped to serve students and schools well, College of Education Dean Dr. Maja Miskovic emphasized how important it is for higher education to be attuned to market changes.

"Whether discontinuing or developing programs, we need to be informed not just by the state requirements but market needs as well, such as shortage of teachers or high demand for endorsements or accelerated degrees," she said. Last year, the College developed four new endorsements for early childhood, gifted education, reading teacher, and teacher leadership-and an accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education program.

But not all is new. CUC's Lutheran Education Journal, which was titled Evangelisch Lutherisches Schulblatt (Evangelical Lutheran School Paper) when it started in 1865, is making a return. The University still works closely with the Lutheran Education Association (LEA), and the Center for Christian Education works to extend CUC's past into the present. The center connects current students, alumni, and other teachers and administrators in the field of education, providing resources, training, and professional development. It also supports local Lutheran schools.

"Something that CUC was really good at was reminding us that the trends and the new technologies, they come and go, they're always going to be changing," said Jesse Schultz (BS '23, MA '25), now an adjunct professor at CUC and assistant middle school principal at Christ Community Lutheran School in St. Louis. "But what matters most, at the heart of it all, are the students and how to best serve your students."

The above is just an excerpt-for the full story, check out the summer 2026 edition of Forester magazine.