Laura Moehlman expands teaching opportunities through single-course graduate offerings

For Laura Moehlman, teaching wasn’t the career path she first imagined. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Central Missouri, she worked in higher education administration in areas like admissions, career services and enrollment management. Later, she taught preschool before moving into her current role as an English and psychology teacher at Calvary Lutheran High School in Jefferson City, Missouri. 

Although her career journey has taken several turns, Moehlman now sees clearly how God has led her to where she is today. 

“I truly believe I am doing the work God has called me to do,” she said. 

When Calvary’s administration asked if she would be interested in offering English and psychology as dual credit courses through Concordia University, Nebraska, Moehlman was excited about the opportunity. But since her master’s degree was not in English, she needed additional graduate-level coursework to qualify. 

That’s when she found Concordia’s single-course offerings. She completed six courses in English and psychology. 

“Because I already held a master’s degree, pursuing another full degree wasn’t necessary,” she said. “The coursework-only option allowed me to focus specifically on the graduate-level English courses required for teaching dual-credit English at my high school.” 

For Moehlman, the benefit went beyond credentials. The Concordia courses gave her strategies and insights she could apply in her classroom right away. 

“My favorite aspect was being able to immediately apply what I was learning in my online courses to my high school students,” she said. “That real-time connection between coursework and classroom made the experience especially meaningful.” 

“At the start of every school year, I tell my students how blessed I am to share my passion for English and psychology with them. What makes my job especially fulfilling is that, as a Lutheran school teacher, I can weave a Christian worldview into everything I teach and openly bring Christ into the classroom.” 

She also appreciated the way her professors supported students who were balancing careers, family and graduate work. “They were approachable, available to discuss specific situations and knowledgeable because of their own experience as teachers. Their encouragement to apply course concepts directly in our classrooms made the learning practical and impactful,” Moehlman said. 

Today, Moehlman is not only able to teach dual-credit English at Calvary but also has strengthened her instruction overall. 

“The courses not only strengthened my teaching techniques but also expanded the ‘toolbox’ of resources I use daily in the classroom,” she said. “Professionally, I’ve become more marketable, as I now have enough graduate-level English hours to teach at both the high school and college levels. Personally, the experience reaffirmed my passion for teaching and equipped me to serve my students more effectively.” 

For Moehlman, teaching at a Lutheran high school is more than a job—it’s a ministry. 

“At the start of every school year, I tell my students how blessed I am to share my passion for English and psychology with them. What makes my job especially fulfilling is that, as a Lutheran school teacher, I can weave a Christian worldview into everything I teach and openly bring Christ into the classroom.” 

Outside of school, Moehlman and her husband of 20 years stay busy with their two children, Heidi, 13, and Calvin, 9. Heidi competes in artistic roller skating, while Calvin plays hockey, giving the family plenty of opportunities to travel for tournaments and competitions. 

Moehlman also enjoys roller skating with her kids and teaching a dance class, drawing on her own background in cheer and roller derby. 

Reflecting on her journey, she is grateful for all the experiences that helped her grow personally and professionally. 

“Each step of my career has led me to where I am now, serving students in the classroom.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s single-course graduate offerings provide flexible opportunities for educators to meet professional goals without committing to a full degree. Whether you need additional graduate hours for dual-credit eligibility, want to strengthen your teaching strategies or simply explore a new subject area, Concordia’s courses are designed to fit your life and equip you to serve students more effectively.