2023 Alumni Teacher of the Year
Joel Eichenauer is a 1991 graduate of Manchester College, now University. Upon graduation, Joel taught 5th grade at Harrison Elementary in Warsaw, Indiana. After that year, he moved to Michigan when his wife, Lori, went to medical school. Joel then taught for seven more years until he decided to stay home to raise their three children, as well as teach at the preschool they attended. Joel returned to the public-school classroom, teaching 4th grade at Manchester Elementary School in 2006. In 2018, Joel started a STEM program for Manchester Elementary School where he teaches students STEM activities. In this position, Joel has worked to develop an Outdoor Learning Lab. His vision of local STEM has grown into authentic learning experiences for Pre-K through 3rd grade students. Through grant funding, MES received a hoop house that Joel, with a team of volunteers, built. Joel also worked with high school industrial technology students, their teacher and members of Boys Scout Troop 465 (pursuing Eagle Scout) to construct raised bed gardens, benches, and a trail through a wooded area on school grounds. The trail is now part of our annual Earth Day Celebration, which Joel coordinates for the entire elementary school.
Joel is also in his 12th season of coaching girls' high school tennis. He also coached boys' high school tennis for 5 years, and coached tennis at Manchester University for 2 different seasons. A co-worker described him well, saying, “Joel has a special gift for creating curiosity and wonder. His enthusiasm for all things science is contagious. He refers to his students as young scientists and engineers and works hard to make sure that the lessons he creates lead students to ask questions and make connections.”