Imagine the possibilities - The dream of an Internet resource to serve Lutheran teachers anywhere in the world with spiritual, academic and communication support has now become a reality!  That is what the Lutheran School Portal is all about. It is a doorway into a growing array of resources, discussion groups, downloadable lesson plans, devotions, in-service training opportunities, discounted services and more. Fully deployed, the Lutheran School Portal has the potential of serving 18,000 teachers and school administrators in over 2500 LCMS early childhood centers, preschools, elementary and high schools.

Teachers at Our Savior Lutheran School in Lansing, Michigan, find the Lutheran School Portal extremely useful in their daily routines. Here's a synopsis of some recent comments from these educators who have entered the Portal and discovered a wealth of resources at their fingertips.

“It's a great place to get timely information!” says sixth grade teacher Wendy Greve. “I like to have the weekly faculty bulletin placed there.” Besides posting the weekly school newsletter, and the faculty bulletins on the Portal, Principal Alan Krause, sends daily notes or information to his staff via a click of the button. As teachers log in to the Portal, the Our Savior School page comes up with fresh information daily or updated memos regarding activities and meetings. “It's a great way to be assured that communication is flowing and all staff members are equally informed!” comments Alan.

A favorite feature of the Portal for all staff members is the link to District, National or International news and activities of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. “It is nice to have district information at the click of a mouse button!” testifies eighth grade teacher, Dan Stoelting. Kindergarten teacher, Miriam Sohn states, “On any day I can check out what goes on at various levels of our Synod.” A renewed connection with broader ministry and mission projects has been inspired through these Portal links.

Many of the teachers use the devotional link posted on the Portal to inspire and guide their day.  “I never miss reading God's Word for Today when I go to this page,” Wendy says.  The fourth grade teacher has devotional thoughts projected on the video screen as students enter the classroom to direct the focus for the day.  It is a great spiritual resource since prayer requests and prayer thoughts can be posted from around the world.  During the recent serious illness of our Pastor's son all classes were kept updated and informed through notes on the website.  Bible studies or even interactive book discussions may be conducted with the Discussion Board feature of the Portal.  The Portal also offers a secure spam-free site for email communication.  Every teacher raves about this important access for personal encouragement and business use.

Resources, resources, and more resources! This is the most valuable feature of the Portal acclaimed by teachers of all grade levels. Every teacher acknowledges the value of a wonderfully organized system with links for various grade levels or topics. The resources on these links have been examined and approved before they are added to the Portal. Teachers may also contribute sites that they have found particularly appropriate for instructional use. Teachers are able to communicate with other teachers to share ideas or practice strategies.

Features of the Lutheran School Portal include:

• Online delivery of the "School Mailing" and/or "Early Childhood Mailing"
• Hundreds of links to Web based resources for teachers categorized by subject and grade level.
• Downloadable documents including devotions, procedures, lesson plans, and much, much more.
• News from National, District and School offices.
• Weekly updated devotions prepared by a seasoned educator.
• Inservice training.
• Negotiated prices on goods and services.
• E-mail  
• Secure, "members only" login to the Portal Community.
• Links to partner and service agencies.
• Access to the Lutheran Educator Information Form (LEIF)
• Many more features are in the planning and development phase.

To visit the Lutheran School Portal and learn more  Click Here

Membership in the Lutheran School Portal is by subscription only. If your school is not currently a "Portal Member" you may join at any time. Click Here to download the Lutheran School Portal Subscription Form.

SUPPORT The Lutheran School Portal Project
Would you like to make this valuable resource available to a Lutheran School? You can sponsor a school in the Lutheran School Portal by donating the annual fee for that school's participation. The annual subscription fee is based on school enrollment and is: $150 for schools with 99 students or less. $250 for schools with enrollments of 100 to 299 and $350 for schools with more than 300 students.

You may also make a gift in any amount to further the development of this valuable service to our Lutheran Schools. Simply click on the “Give Now” button and make your gift.