Michelle Lutz, M.Ed.

Professor Lutz sees Northwestern as an ideal environment to grow spiritually, academically and relationally. She has a passion for teaching and working with students and faculty in a variety of ways which is why she has been in the field of education for over twenty years.

Professor Lutz’s teaching style invites students to engage in lively, thought-provoking discussions. She enjoys using a variety of teaching methods while blending a Christian perspective, current research and course material together.

Moreover, she sees incorporating faith into her classes as a vital component. She likes to start each class by taking prayer requests, reading devotions, playing worship music, or sharing personal stories. Frequently, she has students sign-up for a day to lead a short devotion.

Professor Lutz grew up in the small town of Cannon Falls, MN, and she still loves spending time on the Cannon River Valley Trail biking, rollerblading and sight-seeing with family and friends.

She graduated from Northwestern with an English and Communication Arts Education degree. After that she spent almost ten years teaching English and communication classes in Apple Valley and Maple Grove while earning her Masters of Education. During this time, she was also the head speech coach and drama director. In 2003, she started teaching English and education classes at the University of Northwestern.

Over the years, she’s been involved in a variety of outreach opportunities including spending three months in New York City working with inner city youth, leading the kids’ ministry for her local church, and volunteering at Turtle Lake Elementary where her daughters attend. Recently, she’s started volunteering at the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery where she works with children whose families are in troubled situations.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves reading, traveling, being active outdoors, hosting get-togethers, and watching funny, inspiring plays and musicals—one of her favorites was Mary Poppins at Northwestern! She and her husband Steve also enjoy watching their twin daughters play soccer, sing in choir, and play piano.

Classes and Areas of Expertise

• Composition and Editing
• Introduction to Literary Genres
• Argumentative Research Writing
• Teaching Language and Communication in Grades 5-12
• University of Northwester Supervisor, Department of Education
• FOCUS Program Manager, English and General Education