Teachers

NAME: Michelle Degenhardt,Kari Penrose and Kim Lauder

SCHOOL: Salem Lutheran School

CLASS: Fifth Grade Homerooms

SCHOOL PHONE: 281-351-8122


Michelle Degenhardt

Hi! My name is Michelle Degenhardt. I was born and raised in the great state 
of Nebraska. Yes, I will always be a Nebraska Husker fan! I am the daughter 
of a Lutheran pastor and Lutheran school teacher, and they have been great 
examples of putting Christ first in their lives for as long as I can 
remember. It was in third grade that I knew I wanted to be a Lutheran 
school teacher.  I followed God's calling as I attended Concordia University 
in Seward, Nebraska. At Concordia, I majored in elementary education with a 
concentration in physical education. I also played volleyball for all four 
years of college. I took my first call to St. Paul Lutheran, in Thorndale, 
Texas where I taught all subjects for fifth and sixth grade for five years.

This is my third year here at Salem! This year I will be teaching fourth and 
fifth grade math as well as religion. I love teaching God's children every 
day and sharing my faith with them. It is my prayer that God will richly 
bless our year together and that He will give each of your children a big 
year of growing academically, but most important spiritually. 

Kari Penrose

Education:  

Master's Degree in Education Curriculum specializing in the area of Reading 
and Children's Literature from California State University East Bay in 
Hayward, California

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Concordia University in 
Seward, Nebraska with a concentration in Theatre Arts/Communication

I am so blessed to be a part of Salem Ministries again this 
year.  I truly believe that God has led me to this place to teach the 
wonderful children here at Salem Lutheran School!

A little bit about me...This is my third year of teaching at Salem.  
I have been teaching in Lutheran and public 
schools for the past ten years.  I have taught just about every grade 
between Pre-School to sixth grade.  I am a native Nebraskan but lived in 
Northern California for eight years before moving to the great state of Texas 
with my husband Ryan and our two little boys; Riley (6 years) and Peyton (3 
years).  I am passionate about my faith, teaching, my family, reading and 
cooking.  I am looking forward to another great year as a fifth grade homeroom 
teacher, 5th and 6th grade Language Arts teacher, and co-teaching the 7th and 8th grade Drama 
elective this year!

Kim Lauder

I will be teaching Social Studies to our precious children again this year.  
I am starting my third year at Salem as a teacher.(I have been a parent here 
for 7 years.)I previously taught in public school for four years.  I am so 
glad to be at Salem.  I graduated from Sam Houston State University.  I am a 
native Texan.  I have 3 children, two of which come to Salem.(Payton, Breanna 
and Blake)  I am married to a police officer who is a K9 unit. My hobbies are 
watching my kiddos play soccer and baseball, gardening and cooking. I am 
looking forward to a great year. Thank you for allowing me to share your 
child with you!