Headshot of Ms. Eister

Sheena Eister

K-5 Reading Intervention

Bachelor’s Degree, Elementary Education with Specializations in Reading K-8 and Mathematics K-12, University of Iowa; Master of Arts in Education, Morningside College

Ms. Eister always knew she wanted to be a teacher. “My younger brothers can attest,” she says, “that they spent countless hours pretending to be my students when we were kids.” Her early career choice was the right one. “I have come to realize that teaching is one of the most rewarding professions,” she reflects. When something finally make sense to a student, “there is nothing more fulfilling.” 

People First

Ms. Eister began teaching in 2009 and joined Iowa Connections Academy in 2024. One of her most important professional insights is also perhaps the most fundamental: “It is challenging to help a student succeed if you do not know them as a person first.”

That is why her favorite classroom activity is Morning Meeting. “I love learning about my students,” she explains, “their likes, dislikes, families, pets, and more.” Getting to know her students as people is essential to “establishing trusting relationships” with each one of her students. “Once you understand them on a personal level,” Ms. Eister says, “supporting their growth and development as a learner becomes a much easier task.” 

Preparing for a “Digital Future”

Ms. Eister began her career teaching in traditional brick-and-mortar environments. She understands the advantage that virtual learning gives to students. “The world is continually shifting toward a digital future,” she says. Schools have a responsibility to prepare students for the opportunities they will encounter in the years and decades ahead, opportunities which are changing more quickly than ever before.

“Our students are trained to navigate, communicate, plan, and prepare for the technological advancements that are constantly emerging,” she says. “They will become familiar with and proficient in using the tools and programs that adults rely on for daily communication in our everyday lives.”

When she’s not teaching, Ms. Eister enjoys spending time with her three dogs, two daughters, and one husband—not necessarily in that order.

Our students are trained to navigate, communicate, plan, and prepare for the technological advancements that are constantly emerging.

— Ms. Eister