Our teachers are the heart and soul of our program.
They are committed to supporting our students in their faith and in their studies. The teachers at AWLS are all active in our church community.
Seth Herrmann
Principal, 7th-8th grade teacher
Education:
B.S. in Education, Masters Degree: Leadership and Innovation
Experience:
I am entering my 15th year in education. I spent six years in South Chicago, eight years in North Milwaukee, and now begin year 15 here in Houston. I have held leadership positions as athletic director, head coach, middle school team leader, events coordinator, and assistant principal.
Personal Philosophy:
I believe that every child can learn, but they first must know they are loved. The adage goes, “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Every child is capable, and they all can become exceptional learners. As an educator, it is my personal goal to show each individual how much they are valued and that their limits are only defined by their expectations. Together we will learn from our failures, but we will not be defined by them. We will celebrate our successes, but we will not settle. Every day presents us with the opportunity to be better than we were yesterday.
Personal Interests:
I love spending time with my family, being outdoors, watching sports, and having meaningful conversations. I enjoy meeting new people, developing relationships, and sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Favorite Bible Verse:
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." Romans 1:16
Candice Learman
Early Childhood Director and PreK-4 Teacher
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
Experience:
3 years Early Childhood Director
8 years teaching experience
Favorite Thing about Teaching Young Children:
I love having the opportunity to teach children about their Savior everyday! It also brings me joy to watch their faces light up when they learn or try something for the first time!
Favorite Bible Verse:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Justin Wiechmann
Grades 5-8 Math and History. Grades 5-6 Homeroom
Education
Bachelors of Science in Education from Martin Luther College Masters of Science in Education from Martin Luther College
Experience
Three years of teaching elementary school in Salem, Oregon. Eleven years of teaching middle school and high school in South Korea, Hawaii, and Wisconsin.
Personal Philosophy Statement
I feel that success within a school goes beyond the classroom. A successful school works at developing relationships with both students and parents. Creating a family environment for children to grow and develop together.
Personal Interests
Spending time with our daughters, traveling, and watching sports.
Favorite Bible Verse
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Anna Gartner
4th Grade Teacher
Education:
BS in Education - Martin Luther College
Experience:
6 weeks of student teaching in 7th and 8th grade at New Ulm Middle School, MN
10 weeks of student teaching in 7th - 12th grade at Illinois Lutheran HS in Crete, IL
Two years as a 6th grade teacher and 5-8 Language Arts and Literature teacher at Bethlehem Lutheran in Menomonee Falls, WI
Personal Philosophy Statement:
My personal philosophy is to use the gifts and talents that I have as an individual to glorify God and to spread his message to the world! It is my goal as a teacher to help my students recognize their own strengths (and weaknesses), and realize their potential and ability to do the same.
Personal Interests:
I love spending time with my husband and family, drinking coffee, running, reading and writing, and exploring local attractions and restaurants!
Favorite Bible Verse:
John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! For I have overcome the world.
Amber Hildebrandt
2nd Grade Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Education - University of Houston
Experience:
This is my 6th year teaching at Abiding Word.
Personal Philosophy Statement:
I believe that everyone has a story to tell. Your story makes you unique. However, the story of Christ and his love for us is what drives our lives and my classroom.
Personal Interests:
I am happily married to my husband Brandon of 13 years, and we have three spunky kiddos; Charlotte, Anabelle, and Luke. In my free time I love reading, cooking, and drinking coffee. My favorite subjects growing up were Science, History, and recess of course!
Favorite Bible Verse:
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Kari Freiberg
Kindergarten Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Education- Martin Luther College (2015)
Experience:
6 weeks of student teaching in 3rd grade- GFW Elementary School
10 weeks of student teaching in Kindergarten- Salem Lutheran School
Personal Philosophy Statement:
My goal is that each student feels loved by their Savior, by me, and by their peers. Students will grow academically, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy getting outside and being active through running and hiking. I also enjoy crafts and painting!
Favorite Bible Verse:
"'Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'” Isaiah 30:21
Faith Brown
School Administrative Assistant
Education:
Graduated from Abiding Word and Luther Prep and attended (some) college at UofH
Experience:
Experienced Domestic Engineer and Abiding Word mom of 6
Personal Philosophy:
See a need, fill a need! Let's get organized and get the job done well.
Personal Interests:
Volunteering at church, my family, art, museums of all kinds, axe throwing for fun
Favorite Bible Verse:
"`For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11
Faith Scheer
1st Grade Teacher
Faith is in her first year of teaching at Abiding Word in Houston, TX. She taught first and second grades at Christ the Lord in Brookfield, WI since the fall of 2003. In 2020 as the school enrollment increased she began to teach only first grade for 2 years. In addition to teaching, she coached volleyball in the fall and assisted coaching softball in the spring. She received her bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education from Doctor Martin Luther College in 1993. She pursued a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University and graduated in 2002. She began her teaching career at Faith Lutheran School in Antioch, IL. There she taught first grade for ten years before beginning her work at CTL. She is passionate about math and science in the classroom and loves to connect technology to teaching and learning. In Social Studies, she enjoys teaching about the beginning history of the US and is continuing to learn the best ways to teach reading to beginning readers.
Kate Hermann
3rd Grade Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Education, licensed in early childhood and special education
M.S. in Child Development with an Administration Specialization Synod Certification for Elementary Education from the WELS
Experience:
7 years teaching at an international school in Chiang Mai, Thailand (taught 2nd grade and was Preschool director and lead teacher)
3 years providing professional development through coaching and facilitating workshops for early childhood teachers and directors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Personal Philosophy:
As a teacher I will work to know each child well and to provide meaningful learning opportunities. I will work to create a classroom that is loving and predictable. I will work to build strong relationships with families. Most importantly, I will work to make sure each of these aspects of my work as a teacher is centered in Christ.
Personal Interests:
Reading, being outdoors, and spending time with my family.
Favorite Bible Verse:
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2
Josh Bodden
7th & 8th Grade Teacher
Brittany Ly
Preschool Aid
Education: Graduated from Lonestar College with an AS degree in education in 2022
Experience: 1 year at Miller Career Center - Early Childhood Education Program
2 years at Primrose School as an assistant teacher for 2-3 age group.
Personal Philosophy: “When you arise in the morning, think what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think to enjoy, to love.”
Personal Interests: I enjoy being a mom and wife. I Love the outdoors and anything water although I prefer the beach. Love hanging out with the kids and watching them learn and grow as individuals.
Favorite Bible Verse: Whenever you feel unloved, unimportant, or insecure, remember to whom you belong. Ephesians 2:19-22