Meet Dave Saunders

Dave Saunders

Dave Saunders

History, Religion & 6th Grade Homeroom

  • B.A. University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana
  • M.A. Concordia University
  • Licensures/Endorsements in Elementary Education, French, Middle School Mathematics (6-8)
  • Extracurricular Activities: Strategic Games Club, Illinois Junior History Fair Sponsor, Mission Trip Coordinator, Feed My Starving Children Coordinator
History Fair
Why do you feel called into Christian Education?
Sometime after I became a Christian while attending the University of Illinois, the pastor at the church I was attending asked if I had thought about becoming a pastor. I jokingly replied, “Well, for about five seconds.” Then he asked if I had considered teaching in the Lutheran school system. That idea stuck with me, and when I graduated the U of I, I felt called to explore it, which led me to Concordia, River Forest. Over time, the conviction grew that that was what I was supposed to do.

Why did you choose the teaching profession?
This goes back to when I was in High school. I was sitting in my second semester of Ancient History, listening to Mr. Campbell talking about ancient Rome. As I listened, I thought, “This is fascinating. I want to teach this like it has never been taught before.” That was it.

What is a favorite memory of Immanuel Lutheran School?
There are so many memories that I don’t think I could pick one. But memories of our Eighth Grade Service Trips to West Virginia and Kentucky are right up there. Watching class after class rise up to the task of investing themselves into the lives of people they had never met, getting to know those people, and working on projects to meet their needs, has always left me a bit overwhelmed in a good way!

What do you see as the benefits to the students for attending Immanuel Lutheran School?
There are many. First and foremost, they have the opportunity to meet, learn about, and get to know Christ as their personal Savior. There are also strong academics which help prepare them for high school and beyond. And many students develop a feeling of family as they bond with their fellow classmates through class activities, extra-curriculars, and class trips.