Faith. Knowledge. Leadership.
Transformative Education at Concordia University Chicago
The Center for Christian Education at Concordia University Chicago is dedicated to disseminating educational knowledge, programming and resources to enrich the lives of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the wider community. Esteemed for its commitment to nurturing a holistic understanding of truth, freedom and vocation, the Center will integrate faith-based pedagogy, character development initiatives, leadership cultivation and innovative learning frameworks to forge an unparalleled educational experience.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Christian Education is to serve as a catalyst for the exploration, cultivation and expansion of educational initiatives imbued with faith-based principles founded in the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.
Vision
Our vision is to be a leading force in faith-based educational opportunities, significantly impacting and driving innovation in the field, setting new standards and expanding the limits of faith-based education aligned with the mission, vision and values of Concordia-Chicago.
Goals
The Center will serve to embody Concordia-Chicago's overarching mission of fostering academic excellence and preparing students for their vocational pursuits, all while upholding steadfast alignment to the doctrinal tenets of the LCMS.
In addition, the Center will provide innovative opportunities to integrate faith and scholarship while fostering robust partnerships to enrich the lives of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
The Center for Christian Education at Concordia University Chicago is hosting a Spring 2026 Professional Development Series featuring two free online sessions open to teachers, administrators, and students, with CPDUs available.
The first session, held March 24, 2026, focuses on strengthening Tier 1 reading instruction using the Teach What Works Framework. The second session, on April 21, 2026, provides a reflective and supportive space for educators to discuss secondary trauma and social-emotional challenges in education. Both sessions are offered online through Microsoft Teams and aim to support educators with practical strategies and meaningful professional reflection. Click on or scan the QR code to sign up today!
Free Professional Development Workshop
Curriculum Mapping for PK–8 Schools The Center for Christian Education invites PK–8 educators and school leaders to attend a free professional development workshop on Curriculum Mapping on June 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. This hands-on session will help schools strengthen alignment, clarity, and collaboration across grade levels and subject areas. For more information or to reserve a spot, please contact Anne Thies, Director of the Center for Christian Education, at anne.thies@cuchicago.edu.
New Teacher Institute 2026
The New Teacher Institute 2026 will offer a series of 4 professional development sessions to support educators new to the classroom. Taking place from September through November, these sessions will focus on practical strategies, encouragement, and tools to help new teachers grow in confidence and effectiveness during their first years of teaching.
Stay tuned for more information about session topics, dates, and registration. We look forward to supporting new teachers as they begin and continue their journey in the classroom!
Center Leadership
Dr. Anne Thies is the Director of the Center for Christian Education and an Associate Professor in the College of Education. She obtained her teaching license from Northwestern University and her Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. With more than two decades of experience in education, Dr. Thies has held roles as an elementary classroom teacher, math specialist and school administrator. She started serving at Concordia University Chicago in 2016 and is an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL.
