What are your predictions for the future of lutheran schools post-pandemic?
Dr. Craig Ernstmeyer, Head of School, Lutheran High School (St. Peter, MO)
“Online learning will become an established part of every high school curriculum moving forward. It will not replace face-to-face learning, but creative scheduling will allow for bigger ‘classes’ for teachers as they don’t have to meet ‘in person’ on a daily basis (this may also be a solution to plant capacity concerns).”
“Enrollment in Lutheran schools will trend up. People who were on the fence with a Lutheran education will hop over the fence and join as they see and are impressed by the response and ‘un-interruption’ of learning in Lutheran schools.”
“Third source giving will increase to schools who are responding in innovative ways. Donors want to see how the sails of ministry are adjusted not just to help students, but the greater community as well. It's cool that 3D printers help students, but you also are willing to use them to make protective gear for those on the front line? Donors want to be a part of that greater good solution!”
Sheila Psencik, Head of School, Luther South Academy, (Houston, TX)
“I think this has opened the eyes of students and parents in terms of remote learning. Some students are finding that they really like taking classes online and this could affect enrollment unless we figure out a good way to capture that within our system. I’m talking beyond the normal offering of online classes that many of us already offer.”
Dr. Jay Krause, Executive Director, Metro-East Lutheran High School, (Edwardsville, IL)
“Schools that fundraise effectively will remain financially sustainable.”
“Be able to answer the question: What is it we (as a school) do well?”
“Lutheran Schools need to be experts at e-learning & technology.”
“Lutheran Schools need to have a clear plan on how they will share the Gospel with non-Lutherans that makes it important and personal for all of the students in their school…both LCMS and non-LCMS.”
“LCMS high school administrators better not assume that just because an LCMS family sends their child to an LCMS grade school, they will automatically enroll at your LCMS high school. Competition will continue to be a significant challenge for all of our LCMS high schools as we move forward.”
Dr. Steven Buuck, Chief Executive Officer, Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, NV)
“I believe that Lutheran schools will come out stronger after this pandemic. I think the nimble, caring, and quality ways with which Lutheran schools responded to the pandemic and the remote learning it required will set us apart from schools that were unable to deliver in such a fashion.”
“I believe there may be an opportunity to provide remote learning that is more plausible than ever before. I've been skeptical that there is much of a market for K-12 students who would prefer to learn online. But these months may have opened the door for more students who found the asynchronous method desirable to consider it. Perhaps a hybrid model of half of one's courses on-ground and the other half on-line can keep tuition down for those who would prefer an alternative delivery method. That said, I also believe of course, that what our schools offer on-ground and face-to-face will only be sought after more deeply after this. We are social beings and Lutheran schools deliver caring, fun, challenging cultures and people are willing to pay for.”
Dan Gehrke, Executive Director, Lutheran High School (Parker, CO)
“School culture will remain everything in education. People will be in search of it even more after their public schools closed and dumped work on them for the last two months.”
“Good teachers will be more on display. The parents in the background that heard teachers teaching while at home during the lockdown will want to see talent before they choose a school.”
“Most will predict that buildings will be less needed after people experience home education and zoom classes. The opposite will be true. People will flock to awesome community places—both culturally and facility. This follows the law of unintended consequences. Smart leaders will build and improve their facilities right now.”
Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz, Executive Director, THE Lutheran High School of Kansas City, (Kansas City, MO)
“I predict we need to directly recruit future teachers from within the ranks of our Lutheran High Schools. Those students nurtured within Lutheran education, both elementary and secondary, know our system well. They have admired and loved many a teacher along their journey to adulthood. We need to track their progress in higher education and recruit them back to our schools again. No one knows better the influence of Lutheran education than those who have experienced its benefits. For these students the archaic colloquy program would be waived, or scaled back. But, alas, we as a Synod would have to get out of our own way to figure this out.”
“Schools will adopt three and four day weeks with a variety of delivery options. I hope Lutheran schools lead the way. This might allow students to begin working during high school in a trade, or internship, as they also choose a career path to the work force or university of their choice. We are all realizing students learn in spite of us, as much as they do because of us. So, we need to navigate their path along side of them instead of force feeding an archaic system down their throats. This might lead to interesting staffing, scheduling, and budgeting alterations for Lutheran schools. In my 40 plus years in secondary education I am amazed how little has changed with regard to schedule, curriculum, traditions, etc. Regulatory state agencies still refer to ‘seat time’ and ‘school days.’ Amazing.”
“Counseling jobs will multiply, as will educational specialists. Anxiety ridden teens inhabit our schools and need special care. We are engulfed with parents who neglect their children’s needs. Teacher/counselor undergrad majors need development. Hint, hint.”
“Higher education is pricing itself out of the market. A new path to a successful career is necessary. Too many debt ridden young people are working at Starbucks. This has produced a socialist mentality because they realize the future is not theirs anymore. And they are correct. Too many ‘Have Nots’ and not enough ‘Haves.’ I fear and pray for my grandchildren.”