Classes

Middle School Science teacher, 6th Grade Homeroom, 6th Grade Christian Studies, Memory, and Social Studies, Middle School Praise Team

Education

Mr. Bauer has a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from Concordia University in Portland (2012). He also attended Concordia Portland for his undergraduate degree in Christian Education and received his certification as a Director of Christian Education.

Experience

Before teaching at Forest Hills, Mr. Bauer taught at Faith Bible in Beaverton for six years. Before teaching, Benjamin was the Youth Leader at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aloha, Oregon.

Passions/Interests

Benjamin loves spending time with his family. They keep a family garden, enjoy spending time at the beach together, and have made a tradition of making Apple Cider in the fall.

Classes

7th Grade Homeroom & Christian Studies, Middle School Language Arts and Literature, Drama

Education

BS in Education from Concordia University in Nebraska

Experience

I started teaching in 1991 - 1992 in Seattle at Amazing Grace Lutheran School in 5th & 6th grade. I served at Pilgrim Lutheran School as a 6th and 6th/7th Grade teacher from 1992 - 1994. I was given the opportunity to be a founding teacher here at Forest Hills Lutheran School starting as the 3rd & 4th Grade teacher moving to the 4th Grade from 1994 to 1999. After serving on the school board, teaching private piano lessons, and substituting for a number of years I returned to teaching at St. Paul's Lutheran School in 2014-2015 teaching 3rd - 5th grade. I then taught Middle School History, 7th grade Christian Studies, Drama, and Speech at Emmaus Christian School from 2015-2016. I returned to Forest Hills in 2016 teaching Middle School Language Arts, Literature, and 7th Grade Christian Studies.

Passions/Interests

I have always enjoyed teaching. It is so rewarding leading and watching students discover new ideas and grasp new concepts. Watching them use the talents God gave them brings me great joy. Being a part of Forest Hills for so many years has been very rewarding. I feel so blessed having the opportunity to watch Forest Hills grow from its simple beginnings to a community richly blessed by God. My husband and I have three terrific children that keep us very busy. In my down time, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and cooking. Throughout the year I enjoy gardening and traveling with my family, especially to my childhood home in Minnesota.

Classes

8th Grade Homeroom, 8th Christian Studies, Middle School Social Studies, 6th Math, Algebra 1, 7th/8th Social Studies, 6th/7th/8th Digital Literacy, 6th Christian Music Appreciation, Middle School Choir

Education

2018 - MA: Educational Design & Technology, Concordia WI 2008 - BA: Secondary Education - Math, Concordia OR 2006 - AA: Music - Tacoma Community College

Experience

I have been serving at Forest Hills since 2008. It remains my first and only teaching position.

Passions/Interests

Teaching 8th grade at Forest Hills is a true joy as I get to explore many passions of mine. First, I get to help guide teenagers through their middle school years. Guiding these students through their last year before high school I see as a huge responsibility and a huge blessing. A primary focus for me is to make sure these students are ready not just academically, but also spiritually for the next step. Second, I get to share my passions of music and sports with others. In directing the choir, I have been able to share my love of music with many students who discover their appreciation for it in the process. In coaching basketball and track, I help students with concepts like teamwork, sportsmanship, determination, and competitiveness in a setting that I love.