After six years of teaching dual enrollment courses through UNO, Joe Luther has been honored as the Dual Enrollment Educator of the Year, a prestigious recognition of his continual, unwavering commitment to his craft.
Luther began his career in Mills County, Iowa, teaching Composition I and II as dual enrollment classes through Iowa Western Community College. It was there he developed a fondness for this type of coursework, noting, “I truly enjoy teaching these classes because they often attract very talented, motivated students.” Luther later transitioned to teaching these courses as part of the AP program at Papillion La Vista High School through UNO, where he is currently based.
Luther’s greatest goal is to ensure that his students are well equipped to pass the AP exam and are prepared for college-level coursework, making preparation an integral part of his process. He prioritizes group discussions, timed writes, and creating “a classroom experience that mirrors what they might encounter on campus at UNO.” While it may be a strenuous process, it yields undeniable results: each year, 90–100% of his students score a “3” or above on the AP exam.
Beyond the curriculum, it is remarkable to witness the evolution of his students from the beginning of the semester to the end. “I’m proud of the way my students grow as writers and thinkers,” he says. “I love watching them transform over the course of the year as close readers of literature.” He added, “Teaching dual enrollment courses and working with such gifted, extraordinary young people is a real privilege.”
Joe Luther remains a distinguished member of the dual enrollment community, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
