Luther Seminary : 2001 Seminar

Institution Name: Luther Seminary

Address:
2481 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: 651-641-3456

Key Contacts:
Mary E. Hess, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
Marc Kolden, Academic Dean
Patricia Lull, Dean of Students
Richard Nysse, Professor of Old Testament
David Tiede, President
Richard Wallace, Jr., Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling

Luther established a group of ten faculty to create a public forum for teaching and learning conversations. Their intent was to bring to the fore “the conversations that occur in our hallways, in the refectory, and in our individual offices,” in order to support Luther’s collective pedagogical imagination. The goal was to “nurture a culture of active discussion and even wonder at the heart of our teaching and learning, particularly in the context of our vocation as teacher/scholars.” The faculty cohort also planned a series of six public meetings that would include innovative presentations, discussions of related arts events or provocative books, panel discussions, and a retreat to celebrate the work of the faculty. Through these activities, Luther’s faculty discovered new energy and mutual appreciation and has therefore planned (1) a second retreat that will provide an opportunity to share and celebrate experiences of teaching and learning, (2) the formation of a cohort of younger faculty focused on teaching and learning and funded by faculty development funds from Luther’s budget, and (3) a Parker Palmer event for senior leadership also funded from the faculty development funds.