Beth Boester, Principal

Principal's Profile:

I have been involved in education for over 35 years.  I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.  I continued my studies at SIU-C and earned my Master of Science Degree in Mathematics Education.  I taught in the public school sector for thirteen years. I took two years off after my son was born and then decided I was ready to teach again.  After a few years of teaching in the Lutheran Education system, I participated in the Colloquy program through Concordia Chicago and earned my Commissioned Minister of the Word status.  After many years of teaching in the classroom, I saw the need for additional leadership in our Lutheran schools.  I returned to school and earned my Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership  through Concordia University - Chicago and  Administrative Certification through the Illinois State Board of Education.  

I have taught at many different schools and grade levels over the past years.  I began my teaching career at Lick Creek Elementary School at the 3rd Grade level.  I then taught at Giant City School at the 3rd Grade level in Carbondale for one year.  Following that, I began working on my Master's Degree in Mathematics Education and worked as an aide at the junior high level at Unity Point School in Carbondale.  For two years, I opened and ran A+ Educational Tutoring Center in the Small Business Incubator in Carbondale and worked part time at John A Logan College in Carterville teaching Mathematics for Elementary Teachers.  Following this endeavor, I taught 5th through 8th grade mathematics at Nashville Middle School in Nashville, Illinois for nine years.  I then took a couple of years off from teaching to spend time with my family.  Being a teacher at heart, I returned to teaching, once again.  I taught part-time at Kaskaskia College in the mathematics department for fifteen years.  During this same time, I taught 7th and 8th Grade for Trinity Lutheran School in Hoffman, Illinois.  With the change in position from classroom teacher to administrator in 2016, I resigned from K. C.  so I could focus solely on Trinity Lutheran School and I have been the principal here for the past seven years.  

I have been involved with many different school projects and committees in addition to professional organizations.  My passions center around Religion, Mathematics, and Technology.  However, as you know, Reading carries over to all areas of life, so I also enjoy reading and teaching Language Arts.  

I believe that all children are capable of learning and growing and deserve to be in a Christ-centered, loving environment where they can thrive.  I believe that persistence and perseverance are key to a child's success.  With a focus on a positive mindset and brain based educational strategies, I continue to provide challenging academics for my students and encourages my staff to do so as well.  Keeping the school a positive place for students to learn and grow is a top priority.  

I  make sure to  visit each classroom at least once each day and greet students by name, giving positive encouragement.  I promote the school mission of preparing students to be responsible members of the Christian community, strong in faith, and equipped with the knowledge and skill, to live as powerful, forgiven witnesses of Christ and His love.

What I love best about being part of Trinity Lutheran School, is that at any time of the day, whether it is a blessing or a challenging situation, the staff, students and I can stop what we are doing and pray!  Placing our trust in God's hands is always best.  My verse to live by is 1 Peter 3:15:  But in your hearts revere Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.