Meet Our New Middle & High School Science Teacher Sheena Sinkgraven
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is pleased to welcome Mrs. Sheena Sinkgraven to the SFLS family! She will join our teaching team during the 2026-27 school year as a middle and high school science teacher. Our long-time middle school science teacher, Ms. Marli Ockander, will continue to work alongside our middle school team and Mrs. Sinkgraven by teaching middle and high school science courses during the year ahead.
Mrs. Sinkgraven brings a strong background in science education, with teaching experience across multiple grade levels. She holds a degree in Biology with an education endorsement from the University of Sioux Falls and is certified to teach middle level science, as well as advanced biology and physical science.
In addition to her classroom experience, Mrs. Sinkgraven is passionate about hands-on, engaging learning and helping students develop curiosity and confidence in their understanding of God’s creation. Most of all, Sheena brings a heart for Christ-centered education. She views teaching as both a profession and a ministry, with a desire to nurture students academically and spiritually while fostering a respectful, supportive classroom environment.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Mrs. Sinkgraven and her passion for science education.
Tell me a bit about yourself and your family.
I grew up in a small town in Iowa, where I was blessed to be involved in almost everything academically, as well as athletics. I moved to Sioux Falls to attend college, play soccer, run track, and earn my degree in Biology at the University of Sioux Falls. During my time in college, I really grew to love Sioux Falls. My husband, Josh, and I have been married for nearly 21 years, and we have two children. I am involved with the youth group at my church, the highlight of which is attending camp every summer. I am a big fan of specialty coffee. Some of my hobbies include plants, crafts (especially crocheting), disc golf, and being in nature.
How did you decide to pursue a career in education?
When I began college, I thought I was going to be a physical therapist. That is, until one of my professors encouraged me to shadow his wife, a middle school science teacher. During that experience, I discovered a passion for both teaching and working with students. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to teach students of many different ages in a variety of educational settings. Those experiences have strengthened my desire to help students find their own love of learning. I am excited to be back in the classroom, where I can encourage students, support their learning, and help point them toward their Creator.
Tell me a bit about your teaching style.
I like to lead by example. As a life-long learner, I am always trying to learn new things. I like to incorporate as much “real-life” experience as I can into the classroom, so students are wondering “how am I going to use this in real-life?” My goal is to engage students, spark curiosity, encourage questions, and prepare them with skills they can apply beyond the classroom.
What do you enjoy most about working with high school students?
What I enjoy most about working with high school students is watching them grow and mature. It’s rewarding to see them develop confidence, discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and become more independent as they prepare for life after high school. But most of all, I want to see students live into the identity God has given them.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’” –Isaiah 43:1-3
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.