Stephanie Bearkland
Kindergarten Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree, Communication University of Tampa; Master’s Degree, Elementary Education, University of South Florida St. Petersburg
Like many teachers at Coastal Connections Academy, Mrs. Bearkland began her career in education at a traditional school. But unlike many teachers, she used to be a TV producer. She even worked for Martha Stewart! “Insert gasp here,” she says of people’s reaction. “Why did you leave TV for teaching?” For Mrs. Bearkland, the answer is clear: “I have always been passionate about nurturing curiosity and fostering a love for learning in all young children.”
Meeting Each Student’s Needs
Since joining the faculty at Coastal Connections Academy in 2021, Mrs. Bearkland has developed a deep appreciation of the value of online learning and its advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms. “Our personalized education,” she says, “can be differentiated to meet students’ needs.”
Full class and small group instruction are paired with one-on-one sessions, she explains, “to provide students with the necessary tools and rigorous curriculum they need to succeed, thrive, and engage in our coursework.”
Lifelong Love of Reading
While Mrs. Bearkland enjoyed her years in TV production, it doesn’t compare to the personal satisfaction she finds working with young students. “The opportunity to shape their early experiences and contribute to their growth and development is something I find deeply fulfilling,” she says. “I live for those ’ah-ha’ moments when a new concept clicks.”
She describes herself as a “passionate” educator, especially with regards to literacy and its far-reaching benefits to people of all ages. “There is nothing more exciting to me than introducing my students to a book that will instill a lifelong love of reading.”
Mrs. Bearkland is married with two daughters—a 16-year-old and “an almost five-year-old daughter who keeps me very busy.” The family enjoys traveling, going to the beach, playing board games, and bike riding. When Mrs. Bearkland is able to find some time for herself, she gardens and listens to music, and of course, she says, “I LOVE to read.”