Feature a Teacher

Feature a Teacher: A Wichita Family series that introduces readers to area teachers who are making a difference. If you would like to submit a teacher’s name for Wichita Family to consider for a future Feature a Teacher article, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

By following her instincts and focusing her passion and love of teaching on a specific group of students, Carrie Lutke has made a name for herself as a  respected and admired teacher. Lutke is the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Newcomer Teacher at Pleasant Valley Middle School, a Wichita public school that has a high percentage of Hispanic students. The Newcomer class is for students who are new to the United States. The class introduces them to skills and academic vocabulary necessary to succeed in a mainstream class.

"I love working with middle schoolers," said Lutke. "The ideas they have continually amaze me, and the grace they show as they transition into the United States is inspirational. I love the staff that I get to work with at Pleasant Valley. They are incredible, it’s truly like being a part of a family."

Getting started

Like many great teachers, Lutke was inspired to pursue a career in teaching by great teachers she had while she was still a student, first in high school then again in college.

"My high school history teacher, Kurt Harder, brought history to life for me," said Lutke who went on to attend John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR, a college with a strong education program. "During my freshman introduction to education course, a professor named Grace Davis came to talk about her area of expertise: English as a Second Language."

Lutke signed up for Davis’ class and under Davis’ dynamic teaching, realized that this was the area of teaching for her.

"I loved learning about how people learn a language and how their culture affects this process," said Lutke.

During college Lutke volunteered teaching English to international students and to local factory workers.

"I truly felt like I was making a difference and wanted to transfer that passion into my life’s work," said Lutke. "My faith as a Christian is very important to me and I feel blessed to have found a career that I also see as a ministry."

Lutke’s experiences as a young child also were part of what she believes drive her passion today.

"My parents worked with an international student ministry when I was small," said Lutke. "I know that part of my career choice was based on the wonderful experiences I had with international students at a young age."

Outside of work, Lutke enjoys cooking and baking as well as traveling and experiencing new cultures.

Lutke’s husband, Nathaniel, is a teacher as well. The couple is expecting their first child this spring.

Leading at Pleasant Valley

"Middle schools students are inquisitive and excited about learning, and the combination of working with this age group and teaching them English worked out perfectly for me," said Lutke.

"I am fortunate in that I get to teach several different things.

I teach the Newcomer class at Pleasant Valley, which means that I work with students that came to the United States less than one year ago. Often I will have students enter my class that have only been in the United States for a week or two," Lutke continued. "I teach English, Science and Social Studies to my students. I really enjoy introducing them to the culture and history of the United States."

Pleasant Valley principal Michael Archibeque said Lutke uses the latest researched teaching styles along with technology such as Smartboards to keep her students interested and engaged. Lutke also trains fellow teachers and staff members on technology and KAGAN Structures.

"Our students and staff love her enthusiasm for technology and planning engaging lessons," said Archibeque. "She is constantly self-reflecting on her lessons and practices to make sure her lessons are focused on her students’ needs and are engaging."

Her dedication to the students is unmistakable, said Archibeque.

"She spends hours upon hours to make sure her kids are provided the best of the best when they walk in her doors," he said. "Her students love her because she is so patient and can get them to perform at really high levels. She just has that special ability to get them to actively engage with her in learning."