Erica Doennig serves as Chair of the Martin Luther School Board, bringing years of professional education expertise and deep Lutheran faith to her leadership of our school’s governing body.
By day, Erica is the Transitional Kindergarten Lead Teacher at Irving Elementary in the Joplin School District, where she has been a respected educator since 2011. She specializes in early childhood readiness, with a particular focus on fine motor skills development and the science of reading. Her innovative classroom practices have earned her a nomination for the Golden Apple Award and Excellence in Education grants from the Joplin Schools Foundation. Erica is also a recognized leader beyond her own classroom — she has presented on early childhood topics at the Missouri State Teachers Association Virtual New Teacher Summit and other professional workshops.
Erica earned her Elementary Education degree from Missouri Southern State University and her Special Education degree from Pittsburg State University. A lifelong Lutheran who grew up in Monett, Missouri, Erica is a regular member of Immanuel Lutheran Church alongside her teenage daughter, Ellie, who is active in the church’s youth ministry. Both are faithful participants in the life of the congregation. (Erica is also a great cook—her chili recipe won Immanuel’s Winterfest Chili Cook-off two years in a row!)
As School Board Chair, Erica draws on her expertise as a veteran public school educator, her tenure on the board spanning several years, and her commitment to Christ-centered education. Her firsthand understanding of best practices in early childhood and elementary instruction — combined with her faith and love for the Joplin community — make her an invaluable leader for Martin Luther School as we continue to kindle character, spark joy, and ignite curiosity through the light of Christ.