Christa Bauer, Lutheran North Middle & High School
The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is proud to announce that two local educators have received prestigious awards from the Lutheran Education Association. Christa Bauer of Lutheran North Middle & High School has been named the Outstanding New Lutheran Middle School Teacher, and Melinda (Mindy) Hanke of St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres has been named the Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher.
Christa Bauer recently completed her second year of teaching and her first year at Lutheran North. She teaches seventh and eighth-grade social studies as well as American Sign Language. Bauer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, with a minor in American Sign Language, from Concordia University Nebraska.
Bauer’s nomination noted her personal mission statement:
“Remember everyone is created in the image of God. That means my students are created in the image of God, my coworkers, my family, and I am created in the image of God. Knowing this, I strive to be the best representation of Christ I can be.”
Speaking on behalf of Bauer’s nomination, her principal Tim Brackman noted, “Mrs. Bauer is excellent in the classroom. She designs engaging, interactive lessons and makes learning fun without sacrificing structure. Christa is also receptive to feedback and collaborates well with others to improve her work and the impact it has on young minds.”
Mindy Hanke, St. Paul’s Lutheran School
Mindy Hanke teaches kindergarten at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. She coordinates Lutheran Schools Week, helps supervise the Lutheran Junior Honor Association, and volunteers at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Hanke graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.
Hanke’s personal mission statement is:
“Each child in my care is somebody’s pride and joy. I love my learners and their parents as Jesus does, investing in them academically and, most importantly, spiritually. I believe in my learners, even when they don’t believe in themselves, celebrating that they are created exactly as God intended them to be.”
Hanke’s principal, Dawn Walker, said, “When you walk into Mindy’s classroom, it is immediately clear that learning is active, joyful, and engaging. Every learner is
participating. Her classroom management emphasizes positive reinforcement and clear expectations, and when discipline is needed, it is carried out in a deeply Christian manner—using logical consequences, grace, and forgiveness. Her students know that she loves them, values them, and sees them as beloved children of God.”
“LESA is thrilled that our mission to equip families, Lutheran schools, and faith communities for dynamic, Christ-centered education supports the excellence of our schools,” said Laura Montgomery, LESA director of educational resources. “These teachers exemplify both that excellence and God’s grace. We continue to support these teachers and their schools as they bring God’s Kingdom to life.”
