Early Grade Teachers

DEANNA SUAREZ

Kindergarten

dsuarez@immanuelcl.org

Why I teach:  I teach because it is what God has called me to do.  I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade.  My teachers have always inspired me and made me who I am today. 

Personality of my classroom: Family and Fun!  We learn together, pray together and share Jesus with each other.  My classroom is a place where we can all support and love each other during the great times and the difficult ones as well. 

Memorable teaching experience: It is hard to pick just one, but recently as I taught middle school one of my students that I also had in kindergarten wrote me a letter about how much I have helped her and what it meant to her that I was able to be such a great friend and role model for her in school.   

Why I chose Immanuel: I get to share Jesus and his amazing grace with my students every single day.   

Experience: I have taught early childhood through middle school for the past 18 years with different schools.  My most recent position was the past 12 years at Kenosha Lutheran Academy. 

 Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education 

Outside of class: Spending time with my two teenage kids, going to the beach, traveling, and going for walks with my two dogs. 


DARCY ROHRDANTZ

First Grade

drohrdantz@immanuelcl.org

Why I teach: I love seeing children grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. I enjoy mentoring children and helping them establish their self-esteem and leadership abilities. 

Personality of my classroom: My classroom is a fun, safe, and positive community where we become a family. All students are treated with love and respect, and their unique gifts from God are celebrated.

Memorable teaching experience: The most memorable teaching experiences for me are the AH HA!!! moments. It brings my heart pure joy when a student makes a learning connection. The excitement on their faces is priceless and I treasure being a part of the process.

Why I chose Immanuel: I believe God always has the plan. He led me back to teaching in a Christian environment with a  wonderful staff and a very welcoming church family. I am so thankful that God has brought me here. 

 Experience: I have been teaching since 1997 in a variety of classroom settings ranging from infants to third grade. 

Education: I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University River Forest.

 Outside of class: When I am not in my classroom, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and my family. I like to work out, take walks, go shopping, and go to craft fairs, and watch tv -- especially football!