Teacher Development at St. James
At St. James School, we believe that continued learning is an important part of being an educator. We are committed to supporting our teachers and instructional assistants as they develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and find new ways to support student learning!
To make these opportunities more accessible, St. James has partnered with Concordia University Chicago, a Lutheran institution with a long-standing legacy of excellence in teacher education. Through this partnership, our staff have an affordable pathway to pursuing master’s degrees, earning certifications, and continuing their professional education.
These opportunities allow our educators to deepen their expertise, explore new instructional strategies, and bring fresh ideas into their classrooms. By investing in the continued growth of our teachers and instructional assistants, we are also investing in the learning, development, and success of our students.
Dr. Hannah Meineke, a teacher and school counselor here at St. James, spearheaded this partnership, bringing her experience in higher education to support the professional growth of her colleagues. Meineke previously served as an Assistant Professor of Education and Placement at Concordia University in Austin, Texas, and we are grateful for her leadership and for the ways she uses her knowledge, experience, and passion for educator development to create new opportunities for St. James staff to continue learning and growing.
- "This semester four staff members have started Master's programs and we hope to create another cohort for the next academic year. It is really a joy to be able to use my professional experience in higher education to benefit St. James as a whole"- Hannah Meineke, PhD
St. James also supports the next generation of educators by welcoming undergraduate pre-service teachers to our school. Future teachers have opportunities to observe in classrooms, work in our after-school care program, and gain hands-on experience alongside our talented staff.
Through these partnerships, St. James is investing in the people who make a difference in our students’ lives each day. We believe that supporting educators in their growth strengthens our school community and reflects our commitment to providing a strong, Christ-centered education for every child.
