2025-2026 Bethel High School Teachers & Staff
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann
High School Principal
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann, the high school Principal, brings a wealth of experience to her role, having earned degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University in Portland. Her personal foundation is rooted in her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:8, which emphasizes salvation by grace as a gift of God rather than by works. This belief in fundamental grace informs her educational philosophy: that kids learn best by doing, advocating for a hands-on, active approach to learning. Outside of her dedication to education, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including spending time outdoors, playing board and card games, dedicating time to her family, and getting into the festive spirit by watching Christmas movies.
Contact Mrs. Kaufmann
High School Principal
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann, the high school Principal, brings a wealth of experience to her role, having earned degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University in Portland. Her personal foundation is rooted in her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:8, which emphasizes salvation by grace as a gift of God rather than by works. This belief in fundamental grace informs her educational philosophy: that kids learn best by doing, advocating for a hands-on, active approach to learning. Outside of her dedication to education, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including spending time outdoors, playing board and card games, dedicating time to her family, and getting into the festive spirit by watching Christmas movies.
Contact Mrs. Kaufmann
Mrs. Renata Anderson
High School Vice Principal
Mrs. Renata Anderson is a foundational member of the school staff, serving as the high school Vice Principal while teaching 6th-8th grade English, 7th-8th grade literature, and 7th grade Religion. She earned her degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and is guided by the belief that she can learn from every student, which makes her favorite part of the job the daily interaction with students. She finds comfort and direction in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose." When she steps away from her duties, Mrs. Anderson enjoys a diverse range of hobbies, including walking, swimming, hiking, biking, cooking, reading, crafts, and putting together photo books.
Contact Mrs. Anderson
High School Vice Principal
Mrs. Renata Anderson is a foundational member of the school staff, serving as the high school Vice Principal while teaching 6th-8th grade English, 7th-8th grade literature, and 7th grade Religion. She earned her degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and is guided by the belief that she can learn from every student, which makes her favorite part of the job the daily interaction with students. She finds comfort and direction in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose." When she steps away from her duties, Mrs. Anderson enjoys a diverse range of hobbies, including walking, swimming, hiking, biking, cooking, reading, crafts, and putting together photo books.
Contact Mrs. Anderson
Mrs. Emily Wegner
High School Director, High School Science
Mrs. Emily Wegner holds a dual role as the high school Director and its science teacher, having completed her education at Eastern Illinois University. Her foundation is built upon her favorite Bible verse, Colossians 1:17, which affirms, "And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." The greatest fulfillment she finds in her position is helping students see the order in creation and realizing that God's Word is true and can be trusted. In her free time, she focuses on productive and social activities, enjoying working on projects, organizing, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Mrs. Wegner
High School Director, High School Science
Mrs. Emily Wegner holds a dual role as the high school Director and its science teacher, having completed her education at Eastern Illinois University. Her foundation is built upon her favorite Bible verse, Colossians 1:17, which affirms, "And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." The greatest fulfillment she finds in her position is helping students see the order in creation and realizing that God's Word is true and can be trusted. In her free time, she focuses on productive and social activities, enjoying working on projects, organizing, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Mrs. Wegner
Mrs. Dana Bisping
High School Counselor
More information about Mrs. Bisping coming soon!
Contact Mrs. Bisping
High School Counselor
More information about Mrs. Bisping coming soon!
Contact Mrs. Bisping
Mrs. Karen Duke
High School Math & Art
Mrs. Karen Duke is a highly involved educator at Bethel Lutheran, teaching a broad range of subjects, including high school math and art, as well as art to grades K-4. A graduate of Concordia University in Seward, NE, and Boston University, Karen brings a rich educational background to her classes. When she isn’t in the classroom, she enjoys reading, painting, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing student growth, an honor she sees as the opportunity to challenge and encourage each unique student to become the young man or woman God created them to be. This mission is beautifully reflected in her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:17-19, which prays for believers to grasp the broad and deep love of Christ.
Contact Mrs. Duke
High School Math & Art
Mrs. Karen Duke is a highly involved educator at Bethel Lutheran, teaching a broad range of subjects, including high school math and art, as well as art to grades K-4. A graduate of Concordia University in Seward, NE, and Boston University, Karen brings a rich educational background to her classes. When she isn’t in the classroom, she enjoys reading, painting, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing student growth, an honor she sees as the opportunity to challenge and encourage each unique student to become the young man or woman God created them to be. This mission is beautifully reflected in her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:17-19, which prays for believers to grasp the broad and deep love of Christ.
Contact Mrs. Duke
Mrs. Devon White
High School ELA
Mrs. Devon White is a dedicated educator whose love for teaching spans several subjects, including 6th-8th grade history, 6th grade literature, and high school ELA. A proud graduate of Western Illinois University, she finds profound meaning in her work, especially her favorite part of teaching: the ability to enhance the learning of history with a biblical worldview, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic learning. This belief is mirrored in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:31: "If God is with us, who can be against us?" When she's not in the classroom, Devon enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including camping, shopping, decorating, reading, and Jeeping.
Contact Mrs. White
High School ELA
Mrs. Devon White is a dedicated educator whose love for teaching spans several subjects, including 6th-8th grade history, 6th grade literature, and high school ELA. A proud graduate of Western Illinois University, she finds profound meaning in her work, especially her favorite part of teaching: the ability to enhance the learning of history with a biblical worldview, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic learning. This belief is mirrored in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:31: "If God is with us, who can be against us?" When she's not in the classroom, Devon enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including camping, shopping, decorating, reading, and Jeeping.
Contact Mrs. White
Pastor Kurt Smith
High School Social Studies
Pastor Kurt Smith is the dedicated educator for Bethel's high school social studies. He is an alumnus of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and grounds his teaching and life in several key Bible passages, including Matthew 5-7, Philippians 2-3 , and Ephesians 5. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Smith enjoys a focused set of hobbies: reading, playing guitar, and working on jigsaw puzzles. His favorite thing about teaching is the moment when history becomes real to the students, igniting a spark of understanding and connection to the past.
Contact Pastor Smith
High School Social Studies
Pastor Kurt Smith is the dedicated educator for Bethel's high school social studies. He is an alumnus of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and grounds his teaching and life in several key Bible passages, including Matthew 5-7, Philippians 2-3 , and Ephesians 5. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Smith enjoys a focused set of hobbies: reading, playing guitar, and working on jigsaw puzzles. His favorite thing about teaching is the moment when history becomes real to the students, igniting a spark of understanding and connection to the past.
Contact Pastor Smith
Pastor Jeff Anderson
High School Theology
Pastor Jeff Anderson, a dedicated theologian, received his education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. His deep commitment to faith is powerfully reflected in his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:29-31, which beautifully speaks to God's renewal of strength for those who wait on Him: "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength... but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength." When he's not teaching theology or serving the Bethel congregation, Pastor Jeff enjoys a range of hobbies, including reading, golfing, and exercising. Above all, his favorite part of being a part of Bethel is the people, emphasizing that the community is what truly makes the place great.
Contact Pastor Jeff
High School Theology
Pastor Jeff Anderson, a dedicated theologian, received his education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. His deep commitment to faith is powerfully reflected in his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:29-31, which beautifully speaks to God's renewal of strength for those who wait on Him: "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength... but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength." When he's not teaching theology or serving the Bethel congregation, Pastor Jeff enjoys a range of hobbies, including reading, golfing, and exercising. Above all, his favorite part of being a part of Bethel is the people, emphasizing that the community is what truly makes the place great.
Contact Pastor Jeff
Pastor Greg Moyer
High School Theology
Pastor Greg Moyer is a dedicated leader who received his education from Concordia University in Wisconsin. His guiding principle comes from his favorite Bible verse, Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." In his free time, Pastor Moyer enjoys a variety of hobbies, including enjoying the outdoors, woodworking, and cheering on St. Louis Cardinal baseball. When reflecting on his time at Bethel, his favorite part is recognizing that the community is a family on God's mission with Him and one another.
Contact Pastor Greg
High School Theology
Pastor Greg Moyer is a dedicated leader who received his education from Concordia University in Wisconsin. His guiding principle comes from his favorite Bible verse, Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." In his free time, Pastor Moyer enjoys a variety of hobbies, including enjoying the outdoors, woodworking, and cheering on St. Louis Cardinal baseball. When reflecting on his time at Bethel, his favorite part is recognizing that the community is a family on God's mission with Him and one another.
Contact Pastor Greg
Mr. Jonathan Guse
High School Core Group
Mr. Jonathan Guse, Bethel's Director of Christian Education and high school core group teacher, holds degrees from both Indiana University Kokomo and Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. His guiding scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, an encouraging promise from the Lord: "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Outside of his teaching duties, he enjoys practicing karate and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and kids. Mr. Guse finds his greatest joy in the family nature of the church and school community, noting that from the moment he and his wife arrived, Bethel immediately felt like home due to the welcoming spirit of the people. Contact Mr. Guse
High School Core Group
Mr. Jonathan Guse, Bethel's Director of Christian Education and high school core group teacher, holds degrees from both Indiana University Kokomo and Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. His guiding scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, an encouraging promise from the Lord: "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Outside of his teaching duties, he enjoys practicing karate and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and kids. Mr. Guse finds his greatest joy in the family nature of the church and school community, noting that from the moment he and his wife arrived, Bethel immediately felt like home due to the welcoming spirit of the people. Contact Mr. Guse
Dr. Janice Kinsinger
High School Leadership
Dr. Janice Kinsinger is a dedicated educator who teaches High School Leadership. Dr. Kinsinger holds degrees from a diverse set of institutions: the University of Illinois, Bradley University, and Ferris State University. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in her faith, with her favorite Bible verse being Psalm 32:8: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." This verse guides her approach as she aims to help people (students and adults) discover their unique values and grow into the roles God places before them. In her free time, Dr. Kinsinger enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, appreciating wildflowers and zinnias, spending time at the beach looking for beach glass, grand-sitting, connecting with friends and relatives, and continuing to learn about student learning and higher education. Contact Dr. Kinsinger
High School Leadership
Dr. Janice Kinsinger is a dedicated educator who teaches High School Leadership. Dr. Kinsinger holds degrees from a diverse set of institutions: the University of Illinois, Bradley University, and Ferris State University. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in her faith, with her favorite Bible verse being Psalm 32:8: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." This verse guides her approach as she aims to help people (students and adults) discover their unique values and grow into the roles God places before them. In her free time, Dr. Kinsinger enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, appreciating wildflowers and zinnias, spending time at the beach looking for beach glass, grand-sitting, connecting with friends and relatives, and continuing to learn about student learning and higher education. Contact Dr. Kinsinger
Mrs. Pam Lichtenstein
High School P.E.
Mrs. Pam Lichtenstein is the physical education teacher, having graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. She finds inspiration in her favorite Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 5:17, which speaks of transformation: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." Her passion for teaching is to create a fun and encouraging environment where students of all ages feel loved as children of God and safe to learn. She uses physical activity to challenge and build essential life skills such as motor and game skills, strength, fitness, teamwork, frustration tolerance, and sportsmanship, all while encouraging them to live out their faith in real-life situations. Her extensive list of hobbies revolves around her faith and connection with others: she loves anything with the Lord, family/people, nature, hiking, worship music, mentoring/coaching through volleyball, and reading, often expressing that combining all these elements would be like "heaven on earth!" Contact Mrs. Lichtenstein
High School P.E.
Mrs. Pam Lichtenstein is the physical education teacher, having graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. She finds inspiration in her favorite Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 5:17, which speaks of transformation: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." Her passion for teaching is to create a fun and encouraging environment where students of all ages feel loved as children of God and safe to learn. She uses physical activity to challenge and build essential life skills such as motor and game skills, strength, fitness, teamwork, frustration tolerance, and sportsmanship, all while encouraging them to live out their faith in real-life situations. Her extensive list of hobbies revolves around her faith and connection with others: she loves anything with the Lord, family/people, nature, hiking, worship music, mentoring/coaching through volleyball, and reading, often expressing that combining all these elements would be like "heaven on earth!" Contact Mrs. Lichtenstein
Mrs. Maite Espinal
High School Spanish
More information about Mrs. Espinal coming soon!
Contact Mrs. Espinal
High School Spanish
More information about Mrs. Espinal coming soon!
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Mrs. Alissa Williams
High School Communications
More information about Mrs. Williams coming soon!
Contact Mrs. Williams
High School Communications
More information about Mrs. Williams coming soon!
Contact Mrs. Williams