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.
New Teacher Institute – Fall 2026
The Center for Christian Education at Concordia University Chicago invites teachers in their first three years of teaching to participate in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) Fall 2026 Series. This affordable professional development opportunity provides practical strategies, expert guidance, and valuable support for educators as they build confidence and effectiveness in the classroom. Participants may earn ISBE CPDUs, and each live online session is just $25.
Fall 2026 Session Schedule:
September 8, 2026 | Classroom Management Presented by Dr. Jessica Knobbe Explore practical classroom management techniques from Teach Like a Champion 3.0 that can be immediately implemented to establish routines, strengthen expectations, and create a positive learning environment.
September 29, 2026 | Engaging Students in Curriculum: Focus on Content through Active Engagement Presented by Dr. Jenna Nelson Learn active engagement and differentiated instruction strategies that help students interact meaningfully with content while enhancing learning for diverse learners.
October 27, 2026 | Organizing Your Literacy Block Presented by Dr. Samantha Caesar Discover how to structure a literacy block effectively, establish strong instructional routines, and make purposeful decisions that support student reading success.
November 17, 2026 | Special Education in a Nutshell Presented by Dr. Kathleen Briseno Gain an introduction to special education laws, services, and instructional strategies while learning how to collaborate effectively with families and specialists to support diverse learners.
Additional Benefits: Live online professional development sessions ISBE CPDUs available Networking and support for early-career educators Limited-time opportunity: Attend a College of Education professional development session and receive a waived application fee for Concordia University Chicago endorsements, certificates, and degree programs. Registration Space is limited. Register today at: https://cce.cuchicago.edu/new-teacher-institute/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Upcoming Events
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.
