OUR HISTORY
The Center for Urban Education Ministries (CUEM) was founded from the vision of dedicated urban educators and philanthropists committed to strengthening urban ministry. Charles and Mary Gundelach, Les Bayer, Richard Engebrecht, and Mel Kieschnick were instrumental in establishing the Center at Concordia University in Bronxville, NY, in the fall of 1980. For over four decades, the Center equipped urban educators across the United States through workshops, training opportunities, and published resources.
In 2019, the Center for Urban Education Ministries was renewed with a clear mission and unwavering focus. CUEM now operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its mission is clear, "elevating and empowering urban education through three transformational focus areas:
RECRUITMENT, RESOURCES, & RECOGNITION.
OUR CORE VALUES
CHRISTIAN
COLLABORATION
CELEBRATION
CREATIVITY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Dr. Steve Gerner is an educational strategist, author, and mission-driven leader dedicated to strengthening urban schools and advancing student success. He holds Wisconsin teaching and administrator licenses and has taught learners from first grade through the doctoral level, giving him a broad perspective on the educational journey.
Dr. Gerner has served in a variety of leadership roles, including school administrator, university department chair, executive director of an institute, and university dean. Through these experiences, he has worked across K–12 and higher education to help schools improve leadership, instruction, and organizational performance.
He is the author of Superhero Educator: How to Teach with Superior Skills and Success and regularly delivers research-based presentations on topics such as student success, urban education challenges, teacher quality, engagement, recruitment, funding, and innovation.
Dr. Gerner also develops practical tools for schools, including training programs, continuous improvement models, coaching systems, data dashboards, and measurable impact initiatives that help educators strengthen schools and improve student outcomes.
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Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Chief Academic Officer
(CAO)
