Emily Heintz graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2012 with a major in Elementary Education. Today, she enriches the lives of students as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Courtland, Minnesota.
In her classroom, Emily teaches nearly all core subjects, including English Language Arts, science, social studies, and religion, and she offers basic Spanish vocabulary instruction. She also leads music learning through handbells, and she serves as one of the directors for both the school’s Christmas program and its spring musical/talent show. Emily’s favorite parts of teaching include organizing field trips, inviting guest speakers, and inspiring students to become lifelong readers through her expansive classroom library.
Inspired by her lifelong passion for nurturing young minds, Emily aims to push every student toward their full potential. She speaks of her calling this way:
“My plan is to keep teaching fifth and sixth grade—pushing my students to be the best they can be and learn as much as they can in their lives, whether they’re in my classroom or not.” She also envisions a future that includes farming and family life, dreaming of becoming a stay-at-home mom while caring for a working farm.
Reflecting on her time at Bethany, Emily credits the Education program for giving her the confidence and skill set to step into the classroom right away. Her academic preparation paired with close faculty mentorship—especially through Dr. Polk Browne, Dr. Alanna Lienig, and Dr. Carrie Pfeifer—gave her the practical experience and personal support she needed to thrive as a teacher.
Emily also fondly recalls the relational, caring environment at Bethany:
“The small community—with so many great people in such a loving, Christian environment!” she says, pointing to chapel life, friendships, and campus involvement as foundational to her personal and professional formation.
Emily’s journey—marked by delight in learning, leadership in education, and heartfelt service—highlights how a Bethany Lutheran College education can lay the groundwork for lifelong impact in the lives of young learners.