6/2/2021
Education and Outreach
Sarah E. Alsterlind says she’s never been one to slow down when it comes to learning new skills and finding ways to help others.
“I always say it’s in my DNA to stay busy and constantly embrace new challenges,” says Alsterlind, a fifth-grade teacher at Shelley Berkley Elementary School.
When teaching shifted quickly to distance learning last year, Alsterlind was at the forefront of learning the electronic and digital tools needed to ensure student success. She then spent countless hours teaching other educators within her school, as well as throughout the Clark County School District (CCSD).
Alsterlind accomplished this while also overseeing multiple extracurricular activities for the school’s young students, including co-leading the Student Council Team, serving as head coach for the school’s Girls on the Run program and managing the school’s Instagram account.
“For me, there is no start or end time to teaching,” says Alsterlind. “When you put the kids first above everything else, this becomes so much more than just a profession.”
A Well-Deserved Honor
The Smith Center honored the impact of Alsterlind’s efforts this year by naming her one of the top 20 teachers for the center’s sixth-annual Heart of Education Awards, recognizing CCSD teachers who go above and beyond.
The 20 honorees each receive a $5,000 cash award, thanks to support from The Rogers Foundation, as well as a $1,000 donation to their school.
Alsterlind and other teachers learned of their awards through a surprise classroom visit from Myron Martin, Smith Center CEO and president, in lieu of the traditional red-carpet ceremony.
“It is so cool to get recognized for something I absolutely love doing,” says Alsterlind of the honor.
Emphasis On Positivity
Alsterlind’s principal Dr. Diane Lewis says she is truly the heart of Shelley Berkley Elementary.
“Sarah’s online classroom during distance learning served as a model for positive relationships, student engagement and high academic expectations,” Lewis says, adding that several of Alsterlind’s online lessons were recorded for demonstration to the entire staff.
Alsterlind considered it important to spread positivity to families and students during the uncertainty of the pandemic, she says.
“Positive messages helped to bring a sense of community and togetherness when we really needed it,” she says.
Shaping Lives Beyond the Classroom
Alsterlind, a Bay Area native, was part of the inaugural team that opened Shelley Berkley in 2017.
Since then, Alsterlind says she’s kept busier than ever through her involvement in numerous extracurricular activities, several of which she founded.
She started the school’s Girls on the Run program and continues to serve as the program’s head coach. This involves sharing nationally developed programming to strengthen third-to-eighth-grade girls’ social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences.
When students couldn’t hold in-person practices last year, Alsterlind led self-esteem building sessions online, and coordinated a virtual 5k run for the participants. She even delivered participant award baskets to each girl’s doorstep.
To continue the annual school tradition of painting a holiday ornament during distance learning, Alsterlind also hosted a Paint in Your Pajamas online event for families.
“I had a fake fireplace and played holiday music,” she says. “More than half of the school’s families participated, many of them wearing holiday pajamas.”
More Busy Days Ahead
Alsterlind, who usually teaches English abroad during the summer, has signed up to teach this June at CCSD’s Summer Acceleration Program, the first such summer school program in more than a decade.
“A lot of kids excelled at distance learning, but some didn’t,” she says. “Summer school will be an opportunity to close the gaps that are needed.”
When school begins next year, Alsterlind will step into a new position as an onboarding coach for first and second-year teachers.
“A lot of first and second-year teachers don’t have the support they need, so burnout can happen quickly,” she explains.
Through mentoring, Alsterlind says the school hopes to improve teacher retention rates.
“I’ll miss having my own kids in the classroom, but I’m very excited about the challenge and opportunity to grow into something new,” she says.