Lutheran North News
Roth Squared
Some teachers leave a lasting mark on their students. Lutheran North has left impacts so deep that second generation alumni come back to carry it forward, now as teachers themselves.
Ann Roth, N'88, is entering her 33rd year teaching math. Her daughter, Becca (Roth) Koch, N'19, now teaches English and Theology in the same halls where she once sat as a student. It is the first time in school history that mother and daughter alumni have served on the faculty together.
For Ann, watching Becca grow into her professional role has been one of the greatest gifts of her career. She is happy "to see the maturation that has taken place and be thankful that she is using her talents to serve in the very community that I hold so dear to my heart." The advice she has passed along to Becca is simple and rooted in faith. “It is not an easy job but God will give you the strength,” Ann said. "Be consistent. Be fair. Model God’s love in all that you say and do. You want them [the students] to see Jesus in you and to feel blessed by that. It is impactful even into eternity.”
Becca, now in her third year, didn't have to look far for inspiration. "So much of who I am was shaped by the people here [at North]," she said. "I aspire to leave the legacy of my mother" and let the students know “they are loved, can do more than they think they can, and are capable of more than they think they are.”
The best part of this opportunity for Ann and Becca is that they have more to talk about and the blessing of seeing each other everyday. “A lot of times when you are a mom you don't get to see your child at work or see them grow into that professional role, we can relate and we know exactly what the other is talking about. We walk the same walk, and have a very shared common bond between us,” Ann shared.
While Becca shared the same sentiment, “It’s nice to see her every day. Other people my age don't see their parents as much. I don't have to call every week and be on the phone for an hour, we catch up daily. However, there are times when I need to talk to my mom as a daughter, and sometimes as a colleague, and I lead the conversation with that.”
It's true that some of the most formative years of your life are spent in high school. At Lutheran North, the marks left on students don't fade. For Ann and Becca, they became a calling.
Follow us on social media to catch the Teacher Feature of the month and to see what their students are saying.
Providing excellent co-ed, Christian education for grades 6-12 in Saint Louis, Missouri.
