Jade Fjelstad to Join Growing Early Childhood Team at SFLS
As we prepare to move to a new facility and add additional sections of preschool to our program in the fall of 2019, we are pleased to announce that Mrs. Jade Fjelstad will join the Sioux Falls Lutheran School team as a 4-year-old preschool teacher.
Entering her 15th year of teaching this fall, Mrs. Fjelstad has extensive experience in preschool and elementary special education. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Black Hills State University. For the past five years, she has served as a preschool teacher and an elementary special education paraprofessional in the Lennox School District. She also serves as a Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher at Resurrection Lutheran Church, where she and her family are members.
How did you decide to pursue a career in education?
I have always loved learning and while I was in elementary school, I began to realize my love for children. Many of my teachers were great role models who influenced my life in many positive ways. My fourth grade teacher was one of those positive influences, and it was around that time that I realized I wanted to be a teacher. My love for learning and teaching children continued to grow as I got older. I am thankful God led me on this path so I can enjoy watching children learn and grow every day!
Mrs. Jade Fjelstad, pictured with her family above, will serve as a 4-year-old preschool teacher at Sioux Falls Lutheran School beginning in the fall of 2019.
What drew you to preschool and special education instruction?
Preschool children have so much love and passion for learning everything about their world. Being able to share their love for learning and help them grow is what led me to preschool. Special education has always been very near and dear to my heart. One of my best friends in high school used a wheel chair. Learning of her struggles in life encouraged me to work with special needs students to have a chance to make a positive influence in their lives.
Tell me a little bit about your teaching style.
I like to use the student-centered approach to learning. I feel we all learn best when we have an interest in what we are learning. Allowing children to engage and explore areas of interest to them is important. I like to teach using themes, which helps pull many aspects of a child’s world together.
What excites you most about integrating your faith with your passion for education?
I absolutely love sharing the love of Jesus with children! I love having the opportunity to openly teach about Jesus and watch children grow in their relationship with the Lord.