Second-career teacher finds purpose through Concordia University Ann Arbor’s graduate education program.
One of the greatest joys of my role as the online and graduate admissions counselor at CUAA is walking alongside students who feel called into education — especially those who are boldly stepping into teaching as a second career.
Riley Wolfbauer is one of those students whose journey reflects both courage and deep purpose.
Wolfbauer graduated on Dec. 14, 2025, with a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction in lower secondary English (grades 5–9). As he prepares to begin his career as a middle school English teacher, his story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue meaningful work.
“Teaching is my second career, and I am so glad that I decided to pursue this vocation and earn my degree through Concordia University,” Wolfbauer shared.
Before entering the classroom, Wolfbauer’s path looked very different. He earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a focus in sports and broadcast journalism. That degree led him into the professional world as a magazine reporter.
“I began my career working as a financial reporter at a business-to-business online magazine publication covering the auto finance news industry,” Wolfbauer explained. “Our stories covered all things related to car lending and leasing, including financial institutions, the economy, consumer financial health, loan performance and other areas of the industry.”
While the work was engaging at first, Wolfbauer quickly realized something was missing. “I enjoyed the job for about a year, but then I realized I was feeling unfulfilled and wanted a change of scenery,” he said.
That realization sparked an important conversation with his wife — then his fiancée — that would ultimately change the course of his career. “My wife, at that time my fiancée, and I discussed teaching as a potential new avenue, and we jumped at the thought of it. Teaching seemed like a great path to feeling fulfilled by making an impact on future generations and helping guide the growth and development of youth,” Wolfbauer said.
Once Wolfbauer entered the classroom, his sense of calling was confirmed almost immediately. He completed his student teaching in an eighth-grade English classroom at Warner Middle School in the Farmington School District, where he discovered how deeply meaningful the daily work of teaching could be.
“My experience in the classroom thus far has exceeded my expectations,” Wolfbauer said. “I have loved forming relationships with students and working with them in the classroom every day.”
Not everyone can teach middle school students, but for Wolfbauer, “It has been so delightful to be around students every day, get to know them, have casual conversations with them, but also help them in their academic progression.”
Wolfbauer’s commitment and passion did not go unnoticed. After completing his student teaching hours, Warner Middle School invited him to stay on as a building substitute, allowing him to continue building relationships while gaining broader experience across the school.
“That transition to building sub,” he said, “has been great so far in getting to know all of the students at the school outside of the 104 eighth graders I interacted with through student teaching.”
As Wolfbauer looks ahead to securing his own classroom, he credits Concordia University Ann Arbor with equipping him for the realities of teaching. “The classes at Concordia have taught me many valuable teaching, classroom management and communication strategies to use when I have my own classes,” Riley said. He noted coursework focused on differentiation, educational technology, assessment creation and supporting students with special needs as especially impactful.
Perhaps most importantly, Wolfbauer embraced one of the core values emphasized throughout Concordia’s education programs: meeting students where they are. “The greatest takeaway from this program is to always focus on differentiation and meeting the needs of all learners, whether they are advanced, behind in learning or have additional needs, to make education equitable,” he said.
As an admissions counselor, it is incredibly rewarding to see students like Wolfbauer step confidently into their calling. His journey reminds us that teaching is not just a profession — it is a vocation rooted in service, growth and impact.
“I am grateful that Concordia has made it possible for me to pursue teaching as a second career and passion,” Wolfbauer said.
CUAA is grateful for him as well and looks forward to seeing the difference Wolfbauer will make in the lives of middle school students for years to come.
Written by Shelly Venema, adjunct professor for the School of Education
Editor’s note
This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few of Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates here.
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