Jan 26, 2017 - coordinator at Hales Corners Lutheran Elementary School in Hales Corners, Wis. She was selected by. LEA's
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2017 Hillary Czernicki named 2017 LEA Outstanding New Lutheran Elementary Teacher Hillary Czernicki was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2017 Outstanding New Lutheran Elementary Teacher award. She is in her second year of teaching, serving as fourth grade teacher, middle school dance coach, literature club leader, and rhythm and hum worship group dance coordinator at Hales Corners Lutheran Elementary School in Hales Corners, Wis. She was selected by LEA’s Elementary Teachers Network leadership team. Ms. Czernicki is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin with a Bachelor’s degree in Lutheran elementary education. Hillary involves her class both in the local community and Lutheran community. She has led her class to sponsor Leadachild, involving them in learning about the organization, promoting Leadachild in other grades, and leading a chapel service. She also involved the class in sponsoring a local women’s shelter during the Christmas season. She involves her class in writing to military personnel and is a lead organizer for the Power of Purple Dance Competition and 5K run to support pancreatic cancer research. One parent, in support of Hillary’s nomination, said, “The community she has created in her classroom has eased conflicts between students in the grade. Ongoing struggles seem to have melted away and been replaced with friendship and an understanding of other students differences. My son has said on multiple occasions, spontaneously, that this is the best year ever. His grades, his confidence and his relationship with his classmates also indicate this.” Hillary’s principal commented, “Hillary’s greatest strength as a beginning teacher is the importance she places on building relationships. She takes time to get to know her students and then diversifies her instruction to meet their needs. Hillary has a clear understanding of what servant ministry is.” Commenting on her ministry, Hillary said, “I know that God has called me to teach and profess Lutheran faith as an instrument for His service. I am certainly passionate about sharing my love of Christ, knowledge of the Bible, and information about what it means to be a Lutheran with my fourth graders. I hope that with this knowledge, my students are better equipped to face today’s challenges. Growing up in a Lutheran family, being a lifelong member of a Lutheran church, and attending a Lutheran school have had a lasting impact on my profession today. I am able to share stories with my students, offer advice, and help them through tough circumstances all with a Lutheran perspective. Sharing the gospel is something that I feel called to do, and it brings me joy to be able to share this with my students.” ### Edward Grube Director of Publications and Communications Lutheran Education Association 7400 Augusta Street River Forest, IL 60305 708.209.3453 Fax 708.209.3458 www.lea.org
[email protected] [email protected] 