Congratulations Dauna Werner! Dauna was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2019 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award. Ms. Werner teaches 3 PreK classes at St. Paul Lutheran in Grafton, Wis. She was selected by LEA’s Early Childhood Network leadership team.

Dauna graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, both from Concordia University Wisconsin. She is also a graduate of the School Leadership Development Project (SLED). Previously, she taught at three other Wisconsin schools.

In support of Dauna’s nomination, one parent said, “One day while we were driving home from school, [my son] stated that he had forgotten to tell Mrs. Werner something. We proceeded to asked him what it was, and he answered, ‘That I love her.’ This is evidence of the trusting relationship she builds with each child to allow them to grow and flourish.”

Dauna’s principal also commented. “When walking into Dauna’s classroom, you will find a room that is full of positive learning opportunities. Dauna’s friendly and engaging attitude endears her to her young students. Her classroom embodies our motto of being ‘Focused on Excellence…Centered on Christ.’ Dauna inspires her students to ‘give things a try,’ and activities are modeled through learning strategies that bring about success. She leads a team of three teachers and five aides in our PreK program.”

Ms. Werner’s pastor adds, “This past summer, Dauna went on a mission trip to Cambodia to work with Crossing Cambodia. The trip with five others, including myself, focused on sharing the love of Jesus and to work with street children and Crossing Cambodia’s staff. While overseas, I lost my voice and became ill. Dauna, knowing the importance of Christian devotions, stepped up without being asked and led us in devotions and prayer time. Her words from God’s Word were timely, uplifting, and helpful on this journey.”

Dauna says of her mission, “Raised in a Christian home of educators, God began nurturing my gifts to work with children at an early age. Helping my parents work in their classrooms, I learned firsthand what it meant to be a servant leader. As a child’s first formal classroom teacher, parents look to me for guidance as they begin their educational journey with their child. My classroom is centered on Jesus Christ as our Savior and friend. I pray that the children and families under my care will grow to know Jesus and see how he is an important part of their everyday lives.”