“My students are doing more than accumulating and applying information. They are undergoing a transformation of who they are and realizing how the Lord is going to use them in the future.”
Dr. Kelly Lenarz ’99 has a strong desire that her students–traditional, adult, and graduate–recognize and believe that the Lord has called them to make an impact in the world through the education profession. “Whether that be in a classroom with 32 students, behind the desk in a district office, or working one on one with a student, I always remind my students that the Lord will use them.” Lenarz always considers how a student’s culture shapes the way he or she approaches learning. “Trinity’s commitment to both diversity and unity impacts greatly who ends up in my classes. From there, it is my responsibility and privilege to make each of those students feel welcomed and to provide learning experiences that meets them where they are.
What drew her to Trinity:
Lenarz earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity. “I feel very blessed to be teaching at the institution that helped prepare me to answer the call the Lord placed on my life to enter into the education profession. And that is what I love about teaching at Trinity. I’m allowed the opportunity to share my story with my students and challenge them to see how the Lord is calling them.”
Research interests:
The focus of Lenarz’s research is teacher leadership, in particular, the preparation of preservice teachers towards leadership: within and beyond the classroom.
She is also involved in a research project targeted at parent and family engagement and how that impacts K-12 students’ success in school. “As a parent of four children myself, I’m passionate about this.”
Additional research interests have also been and still are focused on adult learners and andragogy. “I feel it is very important to look at the changing landscape of higher education and how that involves adult learners.” She is also currently involved in a professional development model that brings educators and expert panelist together to share knowledge and learn from each other.
When she’s not teaching:
Lenarz’s husband Josh is Trinity’s assistant athletics director and serves as head women’s soccer coach. “When introducing myself to students I haven’t met or taught before, I always say, ‘My family is a Trinity family.’ My husband and I are so blessed to both be a part of the Trinity community, and my children consider Trinity their second home.” She also spends time helping her children pursue their passions in sports, theatre, and music. “Finally, I always enjoy a good book! I’m thankful for quiet moments when I can read for both professional reasons and personal enjoyment.”
Contemporary Issues Senior Seminar
Lenarz, K.A. (2020). Reimagining Education. Success in High-Need Schools Journal, 15, 29-31
Meyer, D.K & Lenarz, K.A. (2019). New Educators Want Opportunities for Teacher Leadership, Too. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Design Express, 14,(33).
AERA – American Educational Research Association
ATE – The Association of Teacher Educators
CAHEA – Christian Adult Higher Education Association
CCCU – Council for Christian Colleges and Universities – Center for Research in Adult Learning
ICCTE – International Christian Community for Teacher Education
Dissertation of Distinction, Olivet Nazarene University, May 2020
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Expertise
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Dr. Kelly Lenarz ’99 has a strong desire that her students–traditional, adult, and graduate–recognize and believe that the Lord has called them to make an impact in the world through the education profession. “Whether that be in a classroom with 32 students, behind the desk in a district office, or working one on one with a student, I always remind my students that the Lord will use them.” Lenarz always considers how a student’s culture shapes the way he or she approaches learning. “Trinity’s commitment to both diversity and unity impacts greatly who ends up in my classes. From there, it is my responsibility and privilege to make each of those students feel welcomed and to provide learning experiences that meets them where they are.
What drew her to Trinity:
Lenarz earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity. “I feel very blessed to be teaching at the institution that helped prepare me to answer the call the Lord placed on my life to enter into the education profession. And that is what I love about teaching at Trinity. I’m allowed the opportunity to share my story with my students and challenge them to see how the Lord is calling them.”
Research interests:
The focus of Lenarz’s research is teacher leadership, in particular, the preparation of preservice teachers towards leadership: within and beyond the classroom.
She is also involved in a research project targeted at parent and family engagement and how that impacts K-12 students’ success in school. “As a parent of four children myself, I’m passionate about this.”
Additional research interests have also been and still are focused on adult learners and andragogy. “I feel it is very important to look at the changing landscape of higher education and how that involves adult learners.” She is also currently involved in a professional development model that brings educators and expert panelist together to share knowledge and learn from each other.
When she’s not teaching:
Lenarz’s husband Josh is Trinity’s assistant athletics director and serves as head women’s soccer coach. “When introducing myself to students I haven’t met or taught before, I always say, ‘My family is a Trinity family.’ My husband and I are so blessed to both be a part of the Trinity community, and my children consider Trinity their second home.” She also spends time helping her children pursue their passions in sports, theatre, and music. “Finally, I always enjoy a good book! I’m thankful for quiet moments when I can read for both professional reasons and personal enjoyment.”
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Courses, Publications & Research
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Contemporary Issues Senior Seminar
Lenarz, K.A. (2020). Reimagining Education. Success in High-Need Schools Journal, 15, 29-31
Meyer, D.K & Lenarz, K.A. (2019). New Educators Want Opportunities for Teacher Leadership, Too. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Design Express, 14,(33).
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Awards & Memberships
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AERA – American Educational Research Association
ATE – The Association of Teacher Educators
CAHEA – Christian Adult Higher Education Association
CCCU – Council for Christian Colleges and Universities – Center for Research in Adult Learning
ICCTE – International Christian Community for Teacher Education
Dissertation of Distinction, Olivet Nazarene University, May 2020
Preparing excellent, impactful teachers
The education program at Trinity produces incredible teachers—because it’s more than just pedagogy and the classroom. The Christian perspective prepares teachers to cultivate relational peace, educational equity, and justice for all children and to impact every student’s life through excellence in teaching.
Earning a degree in education allows students to combine their passions for specific subject areas with their love of learning—and of helping others learn. Education majors have a unique opportunity to meaningfully impact the lives of their students while enjoying a work schedule that allows for work/home life flexibility.
Educators, regardless of their specialty area, are generally in high demand—creating a sense of job security not available in every industry. Trinity’s graduates work as teachers in elementary, middle, and high school settings—as well as in roles as administrators, school counselors, business education instructors, and more.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit Trinity’s campus to learn more about all it offers. Located near Chicago, Trinity’s students benefit from proximity to cultural and social experiences, as well as having access to an array of student teaching opportunities for education majors.
Ready to take the next step? Enroll in Trinity’s education program today.
