Jennifer Anderson’s journey to Lutheran elementary education reflects God’s faithfulness through waiting, illness and unwavering trust.
Some callings never disappear — they wait patiently until God’s timing is right. For Jennifer Anderson, the journey to becoming a Lutheran elementary teacher has been marked by family, faith, perseverance and an unwavering trust in God’s provision through seasons of joy and profound challenge.
Jennifer is currently completing her degree online in Lutheran Elementary Education through Concordia University Wisconsin — a path she describes not simply as earning a credential, but as faithfully following God’s call.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to earn my degree at CUW,” Jennifer shared. “This journey has truly been a blessing.”
A love for children rooted early
Jennifer’s educational path did not begin in a classroom — but in her home.
“When I was growing up, my mother had a daycare in our home for more than 20 years, so working with children honestly feels like home to me,” she explained. “I loved helping my mom with the children in her care as a teenager and as an adult.”
Although she initially pursued a degree in accounting because she “loved working with numbers,” something was missing. “While I loved working with numbers, I was really missing working with children,” Jennifer said.
That realization led her to change her major to Elementary Education. Soon after, however, life required another shift.
“While pursuing my degree, I became a single mother of my two young children, so I chose to step back from school so that I could focus on raising them.”
God at work in the waiting
Though stepping away from college was difficult, Jennifer now sees that season as part of God’s preparation. “God provided me this time to gain experience,” she reflected.
That experience included owning her own daycare, working in a Head Start classroom with two-year-olds, serving as a youth director and teaching preschool. “All these experiences have been a blessing to me and helped me become who I am today.”
It was while teaching preschool in a Lutheran elementary school that Jennifer felt God’s call again — this time unmistakably. “I felt God pull my heart toward returning to school to pursue my degree.”
A family grounded in faith and Concordia
Returning to school after nearly 15 years was intimidating, but Jennifer’s life circumstances had changed — and God had been preparing the way. “A lot had changed in my life, and God showed me that if I were ever to do it, the time was now.”
During those years, God had brought her husband into her life — a fellow Concordia graduate and future pastor. “My husband attended CUW and received his bachelor’s degree in theology and was continuing his education to become a pastor,” Jennifer shared. “He encouraged me to apply to CUW.”
With three children and a strong support system in place, the online program at Concordia made it possible and she was able to transfer her previous credits. “The application process was super easy, and the advisors were incredibly helpful with any questions I had.”
Persevering through serious illness
Just as Jennifer was preparing to begin classes in January 2024, her health took an unexpected and serious turn, which led to surgery. “After surgery, I found out that I had bilateral pulmonary embolism.”
She began classes while recovering — uncertain, anxious and trusting God one day at a time. “I remember being anxious about starting school while all of this was going on and wondering if I should wait,” Jennifer said. “Even though I was afraid, I felt God pulling at my heart again to move forward with school — and so I did.”
Then came another blow. “A couple of weeks later, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer,” she recalled. “I remember feeling so defeated and wondering what my future held.”
Faith, community and prayer
Once again, Jennifer considered stepping back. And once again, God’s call remained. “I did not know what my future held, but He did.”
She reached out to her professors, sharing the realities of surgery and radiation treatments. “They were so incredibly supportive,” Jennifer said. “Even more than that, they prayed for me.”
That support — academic, spiritual and relational — made all the difference. “I had my last radiation treatment in June 2024, and I am now set to walk across the stage to graduate in May 2026.”
A clear calling to Lutheran Education
Looking ahead, Jennifer’s sense of vocation is clear and deeply rooted in faith. “I feel pulled to being a Lutheran elementary teacher because I want to share the love of Jesus with my students,” she said. “I want them all to know how much He loves us, and I want to integrate faith into the subjects I teach.”
She also credits the online format for making the journey possible. “The online platform is very user-friendly, and there are many ways to communicate with professors and peers,” Jennifer shared. “I have met some amazing people during this journey, and I am so thankful for their support and encouragement.”
Whether her first call places her in a Lutheran classroom immediately or alongside her husband’s vicarage ministry, Jennifer trusts God’s plan. “If I am not able to take a call right after graduation, I know that God will continue to provide opportunities where I can use the skills He has given me.”
A testimony of faithful perseverance
Jennifer Anderson’s journey is a powerful reminder that God’s call is not derailed by hardship — and that His grace sustains us through every season. “The journey has not been easy,” she reflected, “but it has been worth it.”
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. If you feel God stirring a calling toward teaching, ministry or service, do not ignore that pull. Explore our Lutheran teacher education programs and discover how faith, flexibility and community can support your journey — just as they did for Jennifer.
God is still calling. The question is — how will you respond?