Immanuel Lutheran's Donna Laughlin named 2022 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator

Donna Laughlin was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association's 2022 Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator Award.

Laughlin is principal at Immanuel Lutheran School in Batavia, Ill. She previously served Lutheran schools in Oconomowoc, Wis. and San Francisco, Cal. She has filled various local and district-level leadership positions.

She earned a B.S in elementary education from Valparaiso University (dean's list) Valparaiso, Ind., and a M.Ed. in educational leadership from Concordia University, Portland, Ore.

Among her greatest joys in teaching, Laughlin said, "I love talking with students, parents, and colleagues about how God is working in their lives."

Commenting on challenges, Laughlin said, "Balancing business and ministry can be challenging." She continued, "Even when we work hard to do our best, we cannot forget that it is not our own will that made the effort successful, but His."

In support of her nomination, her pastor said, "What sets her apart is her unique combination of heart and backbone. As she leads Immanuel Lutheran School, she does so with both determined vision and a gentle touch."

One parent commented, "I truly believe … that Donna Laughlin is one of the main reasons Immanuel is the amazing school that it is. Her love for her students and their families can be felt and is known by all who meet her."

The colleague who nominated her commented, "Donna is a disciple. Anyone who speaks to her will see and hear the compassion and warmth that she has in her heart."

Her mission statement is " … to share the love of Jesus Christ with all whom I serve in my capacity as a professional educator and as a leader."

The Lutheran Education Association in River Forest, Ill., links, equips, and affirms educators and workers in ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Learn more at www.lea.org.