We are grateful for the hundreds of educators serving our Lutheran schools across the Michigan District. Each spring we recognize some of them with our Educators of the Year Awards. These individuals were nominated by their colleagues as being outstanding and going above and beyond in serving students, families, and their congregations. It is a joy to celebrate the wonderful teachers, principals, and directors that make our Lutheran schools a place where Christ’s love is shared on a daily basis!
Kitty Sweitzer – 2025 Michigan District Early Childhood Teacher of the Year
Kitty serves at Redeemer, Birmingham. Her passion for teaching, unwavering dedication, and love for her students have made a profound impact on countless young lives. Here are some comments shared by those who nominated her:
For over 40 years she has loved and cared for the children placed in her care. She has an amazing ability to connect with the children and with the parents. I can’t imagine that she will ever retire because the children give her life and energize her … even at the age of 82!
She often meets after hours with parents to help with whatever parenting needs they have. She can also laser-focus on anything her little ones might need.
Kitty gets her children ready for the rest of their education. My other staff who teach the 4 and 5-year-olds often say that they can tell the students who have been “Kitty trained”!
She is a legend in our area and people love her for her ability to make the other person feel loved and cared for. Both young and old. They remember her far after they leave our three-year-old preschool. They remember her love.
Congratulations, Kitty!
Lisa May – 2025 Michigan District Early Childhood Director of the Year
We are blessed with many early childhood centers throughout the Michigan District, and they all have administrators that play a vital role in the success of Lutheran education. Lisa serves at Bethlehem, Saginaw. Here are just a few of the heartfelt words shared by those who nominated her:
Mrs. May has grown our preschool over the last six years to the biggest numbers ever, with ten employees under her leadership. She is an amazing leader!
Lisa has taken on a challenging and exciting opportunity with the expansion into the GSRP program, and it has been a blessing. All the while she continues to make sure all areas of our early childhood program are thriving.
Lisa has a heart for serving students and families so they are able to hear the love of Jesus every day. We are grateful for her continued leadership here at Bethlehem.
Congratulations, Lisa!
Penny Pfeiffer – 2025 Michigan District K-8 Teacher of the Year
Each year we lift up outstanding educators who are doing extraordinary things in the classroom. Penny serves as the first grade teacher at St. Peter, Macomb. Here is what peers had to say about her:
Penny is a thoughtful listener and takes time from her busy schedule to see how her fellow teachers are doing and ask if they need anything. Penny is a true example of a Christian, sharing the love of Christ with those God puts in her path.
Penny goes above and beyond for her students!! When you think of a dedicated teacher, you think of Mrs. Pfeiffer! Every student knows how much she cares about them and continues to care for them as they complete first grade and continue through our school. Her classroom is full of joy in Jesus!!
Her positive attitude and servant’s heart make her an invaluable member of our St. Peter community. Through her dedication, faithfulness, and love for her students and colleagues, she embodies what it means to be a Lutheran educator. She is a blessing to our school and a shining example of Christ’s love in action!
Congratulations, Penny!
Doug Braun – 2025 Michigan District High School Teacher of the Year
It is our privilege to recognize Doug Braun as the 2025 Michigan District High School Teacher of the Year. He teaches theology at Lutheran High School Westland. Here are some comments shared by those who nominated him for the award:
Doug is an exceptionally thorough and hardworking educator who is deeply passionate about teaching theology and making an impact in the lives of his students. His dedication to his students is evident in the way he consistently goes above and beyond to support their academic, personal, and spiritual growth.
Mr. Braun takes the time to get to know his students and encourages them to do their best.
Mr. Braun has a lot of theological knowledge and teaches a great foundation and application of Christian life.
Doug truly embodies the Lutheran Westland mission—Learning for Life! Leading in Truth! He is an exceptional master educator.
Congratulations, Doug!
Roger Wolter – 2025 Michigan District Principal of the Year
Each year we lift up an outstanding principal who exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. It is our privilege to recognize Roger Wolter as the 2025 Michigan District Principal of the Year. Roger serves at Holy Cross, Saginaw, and this is what people had to say about him:
Roger’s dedication, wisdom, and passion for Lutheran education make him an extraordinary principal, but even more than that, he is a mentor, encourager, and champion for every principal and educator he encounters.
He is a man who puts Christ first in his own life and promotes it for others … It is a blessing to have him in leadership of the school and as a leader in the Church.
Mr. Wolter leads with compassion and conviction, ensuring that every student is given the opportunity to grow in both faith and academics. He models what it means to serve Christ through leadership, and he does it with humility and grace every single day.
Congratulations, Roger!
We will begin the nomination process for our 2026 annual awards at the end of February 2026.
Featured photo eternalcreative/iStock
Photos of awards courtesy of Travis Grulke
