Miss Ruthann Gieseke, Third Grade Teacher
Rooted in Faith
God chose to plant the seed of my life in Northern Illinois on a very “green” day, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, a day which encourages me to daily teach and profess the Trinity as a witness to others. Baptized within a month on April 15, my Christian education started to root and grow at home, through regular attendance of church, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. With parents rooted in church life, Lutheran schools and close family ties, those nutrients have now flourished in my life. I attended Concordia University, Chicago, receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in 1978 and my Masters in Church Music Degree in 1981.
Abounding in Thanksgiving
With God’s blessings, I have served the church as a Lutheran educator and musician, serving first at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Dundee, Illinois from 1978-1985 as third grade teacher and assistant musician for church and school. I received the call to Green Park Lutheran School in 1985 as second grade teacher and, nine years later, as third grade teacher. I have served as assistant church musician at Peace, Lemay and The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. I am now a member of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church.
Professional interests for me include serving as an author/consultant of religious curricula for Concordia Publishing House, author of professional articles for teachers, and speaker on behalf of the LESA Music Curriculum Committee at local and state wide conferences. I have been humbled and honored to be included in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and nominated for Disney’s Teacher of the Year Award in 2001 and 2006. It is also my joy to serve as a private piano teacher after school, hosting a spring recital at Laclede Groves Retirement Center.
On a personal note, family is very important to me. Mom lives with me, and my brother, also a church worker, and wife also reside in St. Louis. I have two nieces, both married and involved in their careers. When able, we enjoy a trip to the Fox, Powell Hall, the Botanical Gardens and playing rummy.
It is a joy for me to teach at GPLS, direct musicals, and spearhead patriotic events. The classroom is my highest priority as these children are “my family” for the year. I daily challenge myself with an energetic approach to presenting my lessons especially utilizing new technology. Though the students and activities change every year, my motto of who I am and what I do remains strong: “Working Together in Love”. I thank and praise God for all the gifts He has given to me, especially as a called teacher in Lutheran Education.
