Meet Amanda Easterling: STEM Coordinator & Part-Time Science Teacher at SFLS
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is pleased to welcome Mrs. Amanda Easterling, who will serve as the STEM coordinator and a part-time high school science teacher during the 2022-23 school year as we open our brand new STEM and Technology Lab.
Originally from Houston, TX, Mrs. Easterling earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology, with minors in chemistry and Spanish literature, from Union University in Jackson, TN, in December of 2011. With a husband in the military, her family has moved several times over the past 10 years. As a result, she has gained teaching experience in a variety of different school settings and subject areas, to include pre-algebra, pre-calculus, physical science, chemistry, pre-AP biology, pre-AP chemistry, biology, AP biology, Spanish, math and science tutoring. Mrs. Easterling moved to South Dakota in 2021 with her husband, Joey, and their three children, and she served as the long-term high school science substitute at SFLS last spring while Mrs. Fisher was on maternity leave. Mrs. Easterling and her family love being outside hiking, skiing, gardening, and biking. When forced to be inside, they love watching the Green Bay Packers and doing as many home improvement projects as their three little children will allow.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Mrs. Easterling and her passion for education.
Science and Spanish literature are two very different tracks–how did you decide to study both in college?
My original goal when I graduated high school was to attend med school and become a pediatric oncologist back in Texas. I knew that being able to communicate in Spanish would be super helpful in communicating with people in Texas. So, in addition to biology and chemistry, I also chose to study Spanish literature, because I was able to kill two birds with one stone by taking some required world literature classes that were necessary for graduation.
As I got closer to graduating, I discovered a passion for mentoring middle and high school students. I felt a calling from the Lord to pursue a career that would allow me to explore that passion while also having time to spend with family. I took a position as a long-term sub in Memphis when I first graduated, and I fell in love with education. I have now been teaching for 11 years.
Describe your teaching style.
I firmly believe in forming strong relationships with students, while also holding to high academic standards. As much as I love the subjects that I teach, the most important thing to me is the spiritual growth and development of self-discipline that I see in my students throughout the time I spent with them. High school should be a time to experiment, grow, and discover your passions, so I try to facilitate that as a teacher. At the same time, I want students to be prepared for the academic rigor of college and develop the personal life skills they’ll need in order to succeed once they no longer have parents and teachers always keeping them accountable.
While I know logistics are still coming together, share what you can about plans for the new STEM and Technology Lab. What are you looking forward to about being involved in the initial launch of that program at SFLS?
I am so excited and honored to be part of the launch of the STEM and Technology Lab. Our goal is to create a cohesive curriculum for grades 4-12 (possibly expanding to the lower grades in the future) where students can get hands-on experience exploring the amazing world that God has created. We are hoping to explore skills like experimental design, structural and mechanical engineering, coding, and robotics. We are also excited to partner with Sanford Health to offer engaging and unique biomedical lab experiences that students would not normally have the opportunity to explore at the K-12 level. Ultimately, we hope to help mold students who are equipped to enter and excel in any STEM career while also serving as a light for Jesus.
What excites you about integrating your faith with your passion for education at SFLS?
I was blessed to attend Union University, which places a high emphasis on the integration of faith and learning. I have seen how scientific exploration can deepen our love for, and understanding of, God. I am excited to hopefully be an example to students of how you can be a critical thinker who is curious about how the world works while also having an unshakable faith in Jesus Christ.
Favorite Bible verse:
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Phil 4:11-13
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, our mission is to develop 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, we are committed to partnering with parents and the church to raise lifelong learners who use their gifts and the fruits of the Spirit, in faith, to touch a troubled world with God’s grace.