Wednesday 9 September 2026
A journey of grace: Reflections on 25 years in Lutheran Education
This year marks two significant career milestones for me: my twenty-fifth year in service to Lutheran education, and it also marks the year of my retirement.
Over twenty-five years, one bears witness to many changes. In Lutheran education, educational priorities have shifted with the times. Technology has transformed the way in which teaching and learning takes place in the classroom and outside it. Communities have adapted to changing social and cultural landscapes.
One witnesses what remains unchanged. Learners and students have a remarkable way of reminding educators why our work matters. Their curiosity, resilience, creativity, and capacity for growth have continually inspired me.
I am grateful for the privilege of serving in Lutheran education, a ministry that forever places Christ at the centre of learning and life. Twenty-five years after my first day as a teacher in a Lutheran school, I believe the enduring foundation of Lutheran education remains the same: a commitment to God’s grace and the belief that every person is created, known, and loved by God, nurturing not only the minds but also the hearts and spirits of so many. It has been a privilege to witness young people discovering their gifts and finding confidence in who God has created them to be, and to have been entrusted with shaping communities where young people can grow in faith, wisdom, and service has been one of life’s greatest blessings.
One is also changed by their time. For me, my twenty-five years in Lutheran education has been more than a profession. It’s a calling that has unfolded for me through relationships, opportunities, challenges, and countless moments of God’s grace.
As I reflect on the past twenty-five years, I recognise that whatever contribution I have made has been possible because of the people placed around me by God. Programs, strategies, and initiatives matter, but it is people who leave the greatest legacy. Every lesson learned is thanks to those who generously gave their time, wisdom, and encouragement. Every milestone represents a collective effort, and every success shared.
My heart is full of gratitude for all who have been part of this journey: the colleagues who partnered with me, mentors who guided me, students who inspired me, families who trusted me, and communities that welcomed me.
Throughout my career, I have been blessed by extraordinary colleagues whose dedication, wisdom, kindness, patience, humour, and generosity have enriched my professional and personal life. Together, we have navigated change, celebrated successes, faced challenges, and remained committed to the shared mission of providing an education grounded in the Gospel. The friendships forged through this work have been among its greatest gifts.
I owe a particular debt of gratitude to the mentors who saw potential in me long before I could see it in myself. I can identify so many moments when a mentor’s timely conversation, thoughtful challenge, or simple vote of confidence changed the direction of my journey. They offered encouragement when I hesitated, and wisdom when I was uncertain. They taught me that leadership is less about personal achievement and more about service. Their investment in me has shaped not only the leader I became but also the way I seek to enable others to flourish.
One of the most resonant lessons of my time in Lutheran education is that we are called to walk alongside one another. I remain deeply thankful for those who walked alongside me. So, I would like to acknowledge a few of these people.
For outstanding mentoring, collegiality and leadership…
- Kris Stevens, Gail Symons, Fred Stolz, Ruth Butler – from my time at Grace Lutheran College
- Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Sue Arahill, Sue Zweck – from my time at Pacific Lutheran College
- Rosilyn Frieberg, Nicole Gregory, Anastasia Strong, Anthony Vassallo, Lisa Robinson, Aaron Hardke – from my time at Redeemer Lutheran College
- David Lonergan, Nick Verreynne, Yvonne Ries, Josephine Wise – in the LEQ Secretariat
- Pastors Jim Strelan, Paul Smith, Tim Jarick, Mark Vainikka, Brenton Altmann
- Executive Assistants Cheryl Staff, Gaye Bender, Louise Farr, Paula White, Sandra McCullough
- Principal colleagues – too many to name, but I am grateful for each and every one of you
- CLEQ Council Chairs Dr Darryl Muller and Andrew Stanke
- Fellow Executive Directors Lisa Schmidt, Jodie Hoff, Colin Minke, Craig Fielke
I am grateful for the countless students and families who entrusted their stories, hopes, and aspirations to the schools and communities I have served.
Of course, my family – Geoff, Remy, and Tymon – who gave me the space and support to flourish.
This is of course not an exhaustive list. The truth is that so many people contributed to my growth and journey along the way, with many contributing to the story in ways both visible and unseen.
As I look ahead, I do so with the same thankfulness that has marked this reflection. God’s faithfulness has been evident throughout every chapter. The words of St Paul seem particularly fitting: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).
After twenty-five years in Lutheran education, that is perhaps the reflection I hold most deeply. Gratitude for the calling. Gratitude for the journey. Gratitude for the people. And gratitude to God, whose grace has sustained and guided every step along the way.
Your grateful servant,
Tanya Crooks
Executive Director
Lutheran Education Queensland
