Concordia Nebraska hosts Early Career Teacher Academy

Concordia University, Nebraska hosted an Early Career Teacher Academy event June 15-16, 2025. Designed for 1st–3rd year teachers who are alumni of the university, the special event was organized by university Associate Professors of Education Dr. Amy Stradtmann and Dr. Keith Kerschen and offered encouragement, practical strategies and professional connections to help newer educators thrive. The two-day conference included sessions that covered topics such as classroom management, trauma-informed teaching, building resource stacks and celebrating successes.  

“Attendees especially loved connecting with one another, sharing their journeys and learning from experienced educators in a supportive environment,” said Kerschen. 

Event participants represented six different states including Florida, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Indiana and Nebraska.  

Event sessions included: 

• "Effective Classroom Management for New Teachers: Practical Strategies for Success" led by Kayla Marty from Concordia Omaha’s Ignite Academy and Kaitlyn Miller from Concordia Preparatory School, Towson, Maryland. 

• "Celebrating Successes and Navigating Challenges: A Workshop for Early Career Teachers" facilitated by a panel of experienced educators including DeAnn Warren, JaLena Slack and Riley Hubach from Seward Public Schools and Heather Haug from Emmanuel-Faith Lutheran School, York, Nebraska. 

• "Supporting Trauma and Building Resilience in the Classroom" led by Kathy L’Heuxreux, Concordia Nebraska’s director of counseling services. 

• "Building Your Stack: Essential Resources for Early Career Teachers" hosted by the owner of Seward’s Chapters Books and Gifts, Kelley Limback. 

Kerschen is the university’s most recent Richardson Endowed Professor. In 1992, Willard and Leitha Richardson established and funded the Richardson Professorship of Education. The endowed professorship has a three-year term. Since its founding, numerous members of the education department have held this professorship. According to the donor’s wishes, during the professorship the faculty member will develop and fulfill a special project or projects with the funds generated from this endowment.  

“It was encouraging to see our graduates thriving as they navigate many of the same challenges faced by veteran educators. This new generation of teachers brings the skills and passion needed to make a meaningful impact in today’s classrooms. We pray that all who attended left feeling renewed, supported and inspired by the fellowship and learning shared at this conference.”

“This inaugural conference was made possible through the funds of the Richardson Professorship Endowment,” said Stradtmann. “It was encouraging to see our graduates thriving as they navigate many of the same challenges faced by veteran educators. This new generation of teachers brings the skills and passion needed to make a meaningful impact in today’s classrooms. We pray that all who attended left feeling renewed, supported and inspired by the fellowship and learning shared at this conference.” 

“We are so thankful for the commitment of the donors of this endowment that allowed us to use the funds to provide a meaningful professional development that will help support and grow the wonderful teachers that graduate from Concordia Nebraska,” added Kerschen.  

Concordia University, Nebraska’s education program prepares teachers to lead, teach and serve from a foundation of faith that asserts the value of every individual. Education majors sharpen their God-given gifts as they learn to minister to future students, families, churches and communities.