Teachers – Michael 1982-1998, Louise 1984-1998
Michael and Louise Weber both taught at HKIS in the 1990s and moved to Shanghai in 1998 to become founding faculty members at Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS).
Michael taught Grades 3, 5, and a combined 4-5 class, and was also technology coordinator for the Lower and Upper Primary schools and science coordinator for the Upper Primary school. Louise began as an administrative assistant to Elementary School principal Jim Handrich; was then curriculum room coordinator; taught kindergarten, grades 1 and 5 math and language arts, and began HKIS’ preschool program at Kennedy Road in 1991. She was Lower Primary Assistant Principal from 1993 to 1998.
In 1998, Michael and Louise took on the challenge of moving to Shanghai to help launch CISS. Louise was elementary school principal until her retirement in 2010. She also served one year as head of school, 2006-2007. Michael served as director of technology until his retirement in 2008 and continued as a substitute teacher there until 2010. They were jointly awarded the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) International Lutheran Educator Award for 2009.
Speaking in praise of her husband, Louise said, “Michael’s belief as a blessed child of God, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected,’ is an inspiration to me, our family, friends, and community! As a teacher and technology coordinator, giving back and taking care of the world were always life themes.”
And Pastor Joel Schiewe of the Church of All Nations called Louise “a pioneer in making Christian Education work even under the restrictions of the PRC.”
HKIS High School Humanities teacher Marty Schmidt commented, “Mike and Lou Weber were both long-time Lutheran teachers at HKIS. Mike was the go-to computer guy who kept everything working for many years, humbly doing his work, and Lou was a Primary School administrator. When my father wanted to start CISS in the late 90s, he recruited both of them to go and establish it. Both have been extremely committed to the projects that they have embarked on over the years.”
Michael and Louise now live in Florida and continue to be enthusiastically dedicated to service.