Studia Vitae

Explore Full Catalog

School Advancement: Identity, Mission, and Growth

Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 07/09/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)

Thursdays, July 9 -August 13, 12–1PM, CT

What makes for an exceptional Lutheran school? School Advancement: Identity, Mission, and Growth equips educational leaders to strengthen and advance their schools by developing a clear, compelling identity rooted in mission and identity. With particular attention to our distinctly Lutheran identity, participants will explore how adherence to your why shapes school culture, informs vision, and guides strategic decision-making. Participants will examine best practices in mission clarity, vision casting, and sustainable growth, while also developing practical skills in marketing, enrollment management, stakeholder engagement, and of course, a joy-filled school culture rooted in Jesus! Emphasis is placed on aligning internal culture with external messaging so that a school’s story is both authentic and effective. The course also introduces frameworks for continuous improvement, helping leaders assess impact, adapt to changing contexts, and pursue long-term vitality.

Course Objectives:

  • Develop practical tools for improving school culture and growth.
  • Lead school advancement efforts that are mission-driven, culturally grounded, and strategically focused on growth and sustainability.
  • Where/when necessary, usher in transformational change.

Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partner organizations receive exclusive tuition discounts for Concordia Nebraska Studia Vitae courses. Please visit cune.edu/partnerdiscount to view a list of current preferred partners and verify your membership to receive your discount code.

Dr. Sam Seefeld

Dr. Sam Seefeld (Moderator)

Head of Schools

We Teach Truth Lutheran Education, Milwaukee, WI

Sam Seefeld is Head of Schools for We Teach Truth Lutheran Education (WTT), serving over 2,500 students across 5 schools in the greater Milwaukee area. Before joining WTT, Sam served as principal and later executive director at Trinity Lutheran School of Freistadt from 2018 to 2026. In his time at Trinity, Sam helped grow the school by more than 240%, while adding one of the most robust special education programs in the state. Sam has worked at all levels of education with experiences including classroom teacher, special education coordinator, institutional researcher, adjunct professor, policy writer, secondary school dean of students, principal, and now school network executive. He has presented research and led workshops at state and national conferences on topics including school culture, growth, and curriculum development. His Ph.D. is in higher education (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), and is an alum of the University of Notre Dame’s Reform Leaders program. He serves on the board of directors for School Choice Wisconsin Action and the Jean Harrison Bojes Music Foundation.

Key:

Complete
Failed
Available
Locked
Introductions
Open discussion to continue.
Open discussion to continue. Please introduce yourself and share a bit about the vocations where you find yourself called to lead (home, church, workplace, school, community). If you’re willing, name one joy and one challenge you’re currently facing in your vocation, and one hope or goal you have for this course. Please note that it is not instructor-facilitated and posts will not receive instructor feedback.
Prayer and Encouragement Board
Open discussion to continue.
Open discussion to continue. This space is available for participants to share prayer requests, words of encouragement, or uplifting scriptures, and celebrate answered prayers. Please note that this is a peer-supported forum — instructors do not monitor or respond to posts.
Week 1
Week 1 Webinar
07/09/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
07/09/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 2
Week 2 Webinar
07/16/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
07/16/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 3
Week 3 Webinar
07/23/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
07/23/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 4
Week 4 Webinar
07/30/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
07/30/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 5
Week 5 Webinar
08/06/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
08/06/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 6
Week 6 Webinar
08/13/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
08/13/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Certificate
Live and Archive Viewing: 1.00 CEU credit and certificate available
Live and Archive Viewing: 1.00 CEU credit and certificate available