Gary has devoted his entire career –  40 years – to Christian education at the elementary and university levels. For the past 19 years he has taught Fifth Grade and in recent years Middle School Computers and some physical education classes.  With a specialty in Science and computers, he is committed to extending technology to all subject areas so that students have the multi-media tools they need to learn in the way that is best for each child. Gary has Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from Concordia University, River Forest, IL, plus 55 additional university credits.

He enjoys computers and other technologies as well as reading, walking and collections. His favorite is Disney pin trading.

“My mission is to encourage my students to grow by walking in God’s standards in their daily lives and sharing His truths with others out of love for what God’s Son has done for us and to give children the opportunity to be the best student he or she can be.”

In her eleven years as a teacher, Valerie has often combined her Music Ministry with teaching other subjects, especially Math, and also Social Studies and Religion.Valerie joined the St. Paul family in 2004 as the Music Director for the church and school. Her mission is to help students understand and use the elements of music, recognize and explore music as part of their personal expression, imagination and culture and encourage them to use their own God-given musical abilities in joyful worship.Valerie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Concordia University, Seward, NE, and is working toward a Master’s in Church Music from Concordia University, Mequon, WI.

Valerie says she enjoys playing piano just for fun, traveling, playing with her dog, and reading.

“As a servant leader, my task is to teach and prepare young people for their own acts of service to God, supporting their relationship with Christ and encouraging a love of learning through a variety of tools and strategies.”

Dawn’s three-decade career and her outside interests can be summed up in one word: Music. Teaching it, playing it and sharing it. Dawn has been the Director of the Fifth Grade Band  for three years and Sixth to Eighth Grade Band for the past eleven years at St. Paul. She also gives private lessons to students in Grades Three to Twelve. Her goal is to help her students learn to appreciate and perform all different forms of music and to teach them the history and theory of each composition they perform.

Dawn performs on flute and piccolo with the Lakeshore Symphonic Band and also plays the flute for weddings, church services and at retirement homes.  She is also the director of the St. Paul Flute Choir.

I strive to help my students understand that their musical talents come from our Father above and to always use those talents to give Him all the praise and glory.”