Dauna Werner named 2019 Lutheran
Education Association Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood
Teacher
Dauna Werner was selected to receive Lutheran Education
Association's 2019 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher
Award. Ms. Werner teaches 3 PreK classes at St. Paul Lutheran in
Grafton, Wis. She was selected by LEA's Early Childhood Network
leadership team.
Dauna graduated with a Bachelor's degree in elementary education
and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, both from
Concordia University Wisconsin. She is also a graduate of the
School Leadership Development Project (SLED). Previously, she
taught at three other Wisconsin schools.
In support of Dauna's nomination, one parent said, "One day
while we were driving home from school, [my son] stated that he had
forgotten to tell Mrs. Werner something. We proceeded to asked him
what it was, and he answered, 'That I love her.' This is evidence
of the trusting relationship she builds with each child to allow
them to grow and flourish."
Principal Mr. Michael Yurk also commented. "When walking into
Dauna's classroom, you will find a room that is full of positive
learning opportunities. Dauna's friendly and engaging attitude
endears her to her young students. Her classroom embodies our motto
of being 'Focused on Excellence.Centered on Christ.' Dauna inspires
her students to 'give things a try,' and activities are modeled
through learning strategies that bring about success. She leads a
team of three teachers and five aides in our PreK program."
Mrs. Werner's pastor. Rev. Scott Kruse adds, "This past summer,
Dauna went on a mission trip to Cambodia to work with Crossing
Cambodia. The trip with five others, including myself, focused on
sharing the love of Jesus and to work with street children and
Crossing Cambodia's staff. While overseas, I lost my voice and
became ill. Dauna, knowing the importance of Christian devotions,
stepped up without being asked and led us in devotions and prayer
time. Her words from God's Word were timely, uplifting, and helpful
on this journey."
Dauna says of her mission, "Raised in a Christian home of
educators, God began nurturing my gifts to work with children at an
early age. Helping my parents work in their classrooms, I learned
firsthand what it meant to be a servant leader. As a child's first
formal classroom teacher, parents look to me for guidance as they
begin their educational journey with their child. My classroom is
centered on Jesus Christ as our Savior and friend. I pray that the
children and families under my care will grow to know Jesus and see
how he is an important part of their everyday lives."