LEA honors 2020 distinguished educators

Chuck Winterstein (center), assistant to the superintendent of schools for the LCMS Michigan District, takes part in a planning meeting with Travis Grulke (right), the district’s superintendent of schools, and Jennifer Rumberger (left), administrative assistant. Winterstein recently received the Lutheran Education Association’s highest honor, the Christus Magister award. (Elisa Schulz)

Charles (Chuck) Winterstein has received the Lutheran Education Association’s (LEA) highest honor, the Christus Magister award. The award has been given annually by LEA since 1965. Recipients are selected by the LEA Board of Directors.

Winterstein serves as assistant to the superintendent of schools in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Michigan District. He has previously served as a school teacher and coach; assistant principal and principal; university instructor; director of development and marketing; education executive for the LCMS Mid-South District; and vice-president, executive vice-president and acting president for Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Winterstein has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Distinguished Principal and National Distinguished Lutheran Principal and has received education honors in Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Winterstein was nominated for the Christus Magister award by a colleague, who said, “Chuck has been the definition of a servant! And what I admire most is his desire to be a champion for students in any way that he can. He loves our Lutheran schools and desires excellence so our students have the very best. I’m grateful for his leadership and know that so many others have been blessed by it as well.”

Upon receiving the honor, Winterstein said, “I serve administrators and teachers, assisting them as they meet the needs of the students entrusted to their care. I find great joy in helping administrators become better facilitators of educators and the educational process. A successful school ministry makes my heart sing.”

Other LEA award recipients recognized in 2020, selected by task forces composed of subscribers to LEA’s retired educators’ network, are:

Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator

Nathan Domsch, Omaha, Neb.

Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Administrator

Roy Stuckwisch, Seymour, Ind.

Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher

Dian Schlichtmann, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Teacher

Amanda Graham, Hew Haven, Ind.

Outstanding New Lutheran Elementary Teacher

Allyson Hoger, St. Charles, Mo.

Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher

Paula Myers, Utica, Mich.

Outstanding New Lutheran Middle School Teacher

Allison Seeliger, Boca Raton, Fla.

Distinguished Lutheran Secondary Educator

David Bahr, Hartland, Wis.

Distinguished Retired Lutheran Educator

Brian Young, Bay City, Mich.

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Find out more about LEA’s award process

Learn more about this year’s award recipients

See photos of all the award recipients and learn more about LEA.

Posted Feb. 28, 2020