Family Values
I grew up in Rockford, Illinois and moved to Decorah to attend Luther College. I married a "townie," Dan Sand, a carpenter (now retired) who specialized in restoring houses and porches. We lived in Arizona for 10 years where I attended the University of Arizona and taught all subjects in 5th grade for five years in a multi-cultural school. We returned in 1993 to settle in Decorah and raise our sons here because we value this community as a family-oriented town with excellent schools.
Our two sons, Erik and Karl, thrived in Decorah schools and now live in Montana. One is a therapist in a high school, the other a civil engineer. Their passions are whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing; they have been kind enough to include their parents in their adventures.
Veteran Teacher
I love teaching and I encourage young people to consider a career working in education. I retired after the 2022-23 school year, proudly serving as a classroom teacher for 31 years.
I taught 3rd-5th grade for 6 years in Tucson, Arizona and Los Alamos, New Mexico. After moving back to the Midwest, I taught 5th grade and the TAG program at North Winneshiek School for 19 years and the Extended Learning Program at Decorah Middle School for 9 years.
At both North Winn and Decorah, I appreciated the values of community spirit, challenging students, and meeting the diverse needs of learners. I saw first-hand in both districts how important it is to have dedicated teachers and caring parents working together.
Accomplishments as an Educator
Nominated by multiple students to receive Univ. of Iowa Belin Blank Center award for a teacher who has made a "profound impact"
Future City (middle school academic program) state champion; student team/coach won an expense-paid trip to national competition in Washington, D.C.Â
DMS Mock Trial teams qualified for state competition each year and earned multiple trophies as top finishers
Multiple state award winners for Letters About Literature writing competition through Iowa Center for the Book
State Invent Iowa Teacher Award through Univ. of Iowa Belin Blank Center for state qualifiers in Invent Iowa competition
Outstanding Iowa DARE Educator of the Year
Awarded McElroy Grant to fund a multicultural exchange project partnering with a Canadian indigenous school
Awarded Depot Grant to Decorah Middle School to purchase materials to enhance Mock Trial program
Awarded a grant in Tucson to integrate historical fiction novels with the teaching of American History
President & negotiator for North Winneshiek Education Association and secretary for Decorah Education Association