Lutheran schools have a unique calling: to teach every subject in the light of God’s Word. That work depends on teachers who are not only skilled educators but also are confident in the Lutheran faith—ready to speak clearly and faithfully in everyday moments. But supporting that kind of consistency across your entire staff can be a challenge.
To support that work, Concordia Publishing House has developed the Lutheran Educator Academy. This online professional development resource is designed for Lutheran schools and to help teachers grow in their understanding of Lutheran teaching and practice. Whether your staff includes lifelong Lutherans or educators who are newer to the tradition, Lutheran Educator Academy provides a shared foundation in the beliefs and distinctives that shape Lutheran education so teachers can approach their work with clarity and confidence.
Lutheran Educator Academy Instructors
The platform currently offers three courses, each taught by recognized LCMS theologians and educators.
Dr. Bernard Bull
Dr. Bernard Bull is president of Concordia University, Nebraska. He has held numerous leadership positions and remains actively involved in Christian higher education.
Michelle Bauman
Michelle Bauman serves as director of Y4Life and YA for Life, Lutheran pro-life organizations. She earned her Lutheran teaching degree from Concordia University, Nebraska.
Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden
Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden is associate professor of exegetical theology (Old Testament) and dean of theological research and publication at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Rev. Dr. John Pless
Rev. Dr. John Pless is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. He has authored several academic books with CPH.
Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa
Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa is senior pastor at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, California. He has contributed to several books with CPH, including a series on faith and culture.
Which Courses Are Included?
Purchase of the Lutheran Educator Academy gives you and your staff an all-access pass to each of the following courses. A team plan covering up to 10 seats costs only $300 per year, and large team access for up to 99 seats is $500 per year, both billed annually.
For what amounts to a few dollars per teacher, Lutheran Educator Academy offers something hard to put a price on: a staff that’s aligned, equipped, and confident in the Lutheran identity of the school they’re serving.
Foundational Lutheran Teachings
This course covers the core of what it means to be Lutheran, serving as an ideal starting point for any educator, regardless of their background. Sessions include the following:
- Word of God
- Baptism
- Faith in God’s Promises
- Sinner and Saint
- Joy and Hope in Christ
The Lutheran Difference
This course goes a level deeper, exploring what sets Lutheranism apart from other Christian traditions. Sessions cover the following:
- Bible
- New Life in Baptism
- Real Presence in the Lord’s Supper
- Lutheran Worship
- Christ at the Center
- Law and Gospel
Cultural Apologetics
This course equips teachers to engage thoughtfully with the cultural conversations happening in and around their classrooms. Sessions cover the following:
- Family, Sexuality, and Gender
- Life and Abortion
- God’s Word on Racism
- Government and Politics
All three courses are taught from a confessional Lutheran perspective, giving teachers the theological grounding to address these topics with both conviction and care.
Additional courses are already in development, including Lutheran Classroom Distinctives, LCMS History and Roles, and Lutheran Academic Standards.
Built for Busy Educators
Each course is asynchronous and takes less than an hour to complete, so Lutheran teacher professional development doesn’t have to mean pulling staff out of classrooms or scheduling conference days. Teachers work through content on their own time, and administrators get visibility into team progress through the platform’s built-in oversight tools.
The content is curated by CPH’s curriculum experts to focus on what matters most—courses that are theologically trustworthy, practically applicable, and accessible to educators at every level of Lutheran familiarity.
A Practical Way to Strengthen Your Staff
If your school is onboarding new teachers, refreshing your veteran staff, or simply looking for a consistent way to invest in Lutheran professional development, Lutheran Educator Academy is worth a close look.
Flexible, all-access team pricing makes it easy to get started. Subscribe today and start strengthening your school’s Lutheran identity.
