St. Paul School and Preschool kindergarten teacher Mrs. Bethany Bogle has been named the 2025 Educator of the Year for the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod.
The recognition, presented at the Lutheran Educators Conference Banquet in Arizona, honors one elementary educator selected from among 54 schools throughout the district. Mrs. Bogle joins two other award recipients — Early Childhood Educator of the Year Doris Angel, ECE Director at Peace in Arroyo Grande, and Administrator of the Year Alex Poole, principal of Bethany Vacaville — recognized districtwide.
“Bethany has been a great example of what it means to be a Lutheran educator,” said Joel Wahlers, Assistant to the President for Education at CNH District. “She has true leadership capabilities as a teacher and when she has been asked to take on larger leadership responsibilities. Bethany is committed to Lutheran education and exemplifies the love and grace that will lead others to Christ.”
Mrs. Bogle, who has taught kindergarten at St. Paul for 11 years, is the only rostered teacher on the faculty — carrying the sacred responsibility of ensuring the youngest students build a strong faith foundation rooted in the truth that we are saved by grace alone through Jesus Christ alone. Her preparation for this calling included specialized theological coursework and student teaching specifically in LCMS-affiliated schools, requirements that extend far beyond typical teaching credential programs.
A Legacy Shaped by Faith
For Mrs. Bogle’s father, Pastor Matt Duerr — who begins his term this week as St. Paul’s vacancy pastor — his daughter’s recognition represents answered prayers and a continuation of family ministry that spans generations.
“Bethany is living her heritage and God is answering prayers as she does so,” Pastor Matt said.
The Duerr family has been a family of church workers.
“My grandfather built, repaired and remodeled church buildings,” Pastor Matt said. “Both of his sons became pastors. All of their nephews, until it came to me, became pastors. I became a teacher in the LCMS. And, then I became a pastor, too. But in reality, I am a teacher at heart.”
While Bethany grew up surrounded by the examples set by dedicated church workers, her heart was claimed by the Lord early on. Pastor Matt said his first indication of her dedication came when she was about 7. The family was on vacation in Yellowstone and Bethany insisted they not leave for their next destination until after church. Pastor Matt recalled a moment during a family vacation to Yellowstone when his young daughter demonstrated the depth of her faith commitment.
“We prayed and still pray daily for the salvation of our children and grandchildren,” he said. “We see those prayers being answered as we look at Ken and Bethany and how they raise Avery and Andrew. I am very proud of Bethany and think she is a ‘master teacher’ in more ways than one.”
Her husband, Ken, echoes Pastor Matt.
“She puts God first and is a steadfast role model to those around her,” he said. “Bethany continuously pours her wisdom, patience, and compassion into every child she meets, helping them grow in knowledge and, even more importantly, in knowing Jesus.”
Impact Beyond the Classroom
“As a principal, you can only hope to have someone as dedicated as Bethany on staff,” said Principal Ruth Sebastian. “I’m blessed to have incredible teachers at every grade level, due — in large part — to the influence Bethany has had on our campus culture.”
Meka Willis, instructional coach and art teacher at St. Paul, has known Mrs. Bogle since she first started teaching kindergarten.
“Bethany’s faith, heart, and instructional excellence shine through in everything she does,” Mrs. Willis said. “She consistently goes above and beyond her duties — not only guiding students academically, but truly nurturing and loving them. She is a friend, a partner in our educational family, and someone you can always turn to for anything.”
Willis emphasized the lasting impact Mrs. Bogle creates for both students and families.
“Every student who walks into her classroom is blessed with a teacher who gives them an education to remember,” she said. “The legacy she is building at St. Paul is one of compassion, excellence, and unwavering commitment.”
Building on Excellence
Mrs. Bogle’s district recognition follows her selection as St. Paul’s inaugural Teacher of the Year in May 2025, an award established by the school’s Mission and Ministry Board to recognize educators who demonstrate professional excellence, educational expertise, team spirit, and Christ-like values.
During her tenure at St. Paul, Mrs. Bogle has also served in leadership roles beyond the classroom, including a full term as interim principal from 2023 to 2024. She regularly volunteers for ministry projects and attends school events both on and off campus.
Her commitment to building strong academic and faith foundations during the critical kindergarten years has shaped the educational journey of hundreds of students.
The CNH District serves Lutheran schools throughout California, Nevada, and Hawaii, supporting Christian education in diverse communities across the western United States.
St. Paul School and Preschool is located at 2916 McKee Road in Merced and has been serving Central Valley families since 1991. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA).
