Previously published on February 22, 2022
Sioux City, Iowa – Shelly Sadler understands the gift of patience.
“I pick my battles wisely and choose to ignore what does not really matter. I have learned that everyone has good and bad days, even children. I really work on communication with my students. I try to work out issues that are bothering them,” says Shelly who is in her 25th year of teaching in the Sioux City Community School District.
Building relationships is also vital, especially for the third-grade teacher at Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School. It helps Shelly keep pace with students at their individual levels.
“The most challenging part of my job is making sure students have what they need to be successful. I try hard to get all students engaged and focused on the task at hand,” adds Shelly.
A Sioux City native and United States Navy veteran, Shelly began her teaching career in Jackson, Nebraska, before deciding it was time to be closer to home. After applying for every position she could with the District, Shelly landed her first district job, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at Everett and Central Campus with the SCCSD. From there, Shelly went on to teach first grade at Everett before moving to Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School where she has taught both first and third grades and tutors before and after school.
In addition to teaching her students, Shelly serves on Hunt’s Building Leadership Team and PBIS Team. She has also used her years of teaching experience to mentor first-year teachers and student teachers.
“Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School has a wonderful, talented group of students and educators. I am in awe daily of their accomplishments and growth,” says Shelly. “We have the best kids, and they work super hard every day to find their place in the world. We do our best to give them every opportunity to be happy and successful people.”
When Shelly isn’t in the classroom, she loves spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also looks forward to traveling more, including a future trip with her youngest daughter to visit international friends in Peru.
For now though, Shelly looks forward to a move across town to Hunt’s new building in the summer of 2022.
“We are super excited to move into our new building next school year. Hunt is a hidden gem in our district. I am truly blessed to call Hunt my “Home Away from Home.”