Welcome to
Sycamore Ridge School
Sycamore Ridge School
Mr. Erik Bienke
I feel so lucky to have a career that I am passionate about, and the absolute best part of my day is spending time with students! This will be my 20th year teaching and my 10th year at Sycamore Ridge. I am so excited to return to 2nd grade this year! Previously, I was the STEAM+ Technology Specialist for 5½ years. Before that, I taught 5th grade for 3½ years and 2nd grade for 8 years at Del Mar Hills Academy. In 2010, I was awarded Del Mar Hills Teacher of the Year and in 2020, I was awarded Sycamore Ridge Teacher of the Year.
I was born and raised in Schaumburg, IL, a suburb of Chicago. I attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree, with honors, in 1993 and double majored in Theatre and Psychology. I obtained my teaching credential from National University in 2003, with an emphasis in technology and multicultural education. From 2014-2018, I served as the president of the Del Mar California Teachers Association (DMCTA) and have held many other leadership roles in DMCTA, and also the California Teachers Association (CTA) over the years. I am also an active member of the National Education Association (NEA) and have served as a delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly twelve times.
Email: ebienke@dmusd.org
School Phone Number: (858) 755-1060 x. 3824
Educational Philosophy
&
What to Expect in Second Grade
&
What to Expect in Second Grade
My goal is to create a safe place for ALL students to grow, learn, and take risks in all subject areas. When they leave our classroom I want them to know that we (you and I) support them 100%, and that we believe in them. I’m looking forward to working together to help students not only learn academic standards, but to be caring, responsible, and involved members of their community who celebrate the differences that make us all unique.
Life Outside of the Stallions' Stable
I live in La Mesa with my husband Anthony and our three dogs, Ellie, Arlo, and Ruth. I enjoy going to dog beach, painting, paddle boarding, skiing, traveling, and creating memories with my family, especially my 10 nieces and nephews. I am an avid Scrabble/Words With Friends player, especially in the summer!
