Lutheran Education Association Honors Outstanding Service with the 2026 Esther Award

Sioux Falls Lutheran School (SFLS) is pleased to share Mrs. Tia Esser, Executive Director, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Esther Award by the Lutheran Education Association (LEA), an international organization that equips and supports educators serving in Lutheran ministries. Since 2006, the Esther Award has been presented only seven times, underscoring the significance of this recognition. 

Selected by the LEA staff and Board of Directors, the Esther Award recognizes exemplary leadership and perseverance on behalf of Lutheran education—particularly leadership marked by faithfulness, courage, and discernment during seasons of challenge and growth, resulting in positive and lasting ministry outcomes. 

Mrs. Esser has served Sioux Falls Lutheran School since 2010, first as the school’s Administrator and, since 2021, as Executive Director. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Concordia University, Nebraska, and completed the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy program in 2012.

Over the past decade and a half, Mrs. Esser has helped guide SFLS through a remarkable season of mission-centered growth and renewal.  What began as a small preschool–8th grade program has become a comprehensive infant-through-grade-12 Lutheran school, now preparing to serve more than 550 students during the 2026–27 school year. Along the way, the school has navigated campus relocation, the development of a thriving high school, multiple major capital projects, faculty and staff expansion, and sustained enrollment growth, all while remaining firmly rooted in the Gospel.

Those who have served alongside her consistently point to leadership that blends vision with humility. Former board chair Scott Peters observed, “Her solid faith in the Lord’s presence and promises has consistently allowed her to be a strong, courageous, visionary leader,” noting as well her willingness to seek counsel and draw on the wisdom of others. Board member and parent Dr. Mark List echoed that sentiment, sharing that despite growth far beyond the school’s humble origins, Mrs. Esser’s leadership has “kept the school on the solid foundational rock of the Word of God,” even amid cultural, financial, and demographic change.

Former District President and longtime pastoral partner Rev. Dr. Scott Sailer reflected on Mrs. Esser’s servant-hearted leadership, noting that she is “a humble servant-leader who never seeks her own praise, but consistently gives glory to God and lifts up those who serve alongside her.”

Parents and colleagues alike describe a leader who is deeply present and relational.  Greg Jasmer, longtime parent and industry leader who has advised the school and its leadership, reflected Mrs. Esser’s Christian character is evident not only in strategic leadership, but in daily interactions—greeting students and families, listening carefully to concerns, and leading with compassion, transparency, and prayerful discernment. “She possesses a rare combination of visionary leadership and compassionate ministry,” he noted, crediting her ability to align complex decisions with the school’s mission to develop capable Christian servant-leaders who are World Ready and Faith Secure.

Through the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) process, SFLS has been affirmed as a School of Distinction, with its leadership and governance practices also recognized as a Powerful Best Practice—further evidence of a ministry strengthened through faithful stewardship and collaborative leadership.

“I receive this recognition with deep thankfulness to God, whose faithfulness has sustained our school through every season,” Esser said. “I stand on the shoulders of faithful servants who persevered through challenging times before me, and I am profoundly grateful for the dedicated teachers, staff, pastors, church workers, board members, families, and supporters who continue to share this calling and make the mission of Sioux Falls Lutheran School possible for generations to come.”

The Esther Award draws inspiration from the biblical account of Esther, whose courage, wisdom, and trust in God positioned her to serve His people at a decisive moment. These same qualities—courage exercised with humility, a willingness to listen and learn, and resilience grounded in faith—are evident throughout Mrs. Esser’s service. Mordecai’s words in Esther 4:14 aptly reflect this recognition: “…for such a time as this.”

Mrs. Esser’s leadership is guided by a personal mission grounded in Romans 12:2 and sustained by the promise of John 10:27–28—to listen for Christ’s voice, to be daily renewed by His Word, and to care well for what has been entrusted to her in service to Christ and His Church.

Sioux Falls Lutheran School also extends its sincere thanks to the Lutheran Education Association for this meaningful recognition and for its ongoing work to encourage and support educators serving in Lutheran ministries.