Teacher Feature: Sharra Lutjens, Neligh-Oakdale

Where did you graduate from high school? What year?
I graduated from Columbus Lakeview High School in 2010.

What college did you attend? (years & degree)
I attended Wayne State College from fall 2010 to spring 2014 and majored in English Education.

What places have you taught?
I have taught at Neligh-Oakdale from fall 2014 to present.

What subject/class do you teach?
I teach English 8, 10, and 12 and yearbook.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
I enjoy making connections with students and helping them with whatever they need assistance with (school, home, college, etc.). I also like that each day is different. No one ever knows what adventures the day is going to hold.

What are most excited about for 2017-18 school year?
It's always fun to see how my students grow throughout the year. I also enjoy watching my seniors as they begin a new chapter in their lives, and I like talking to past students as they come home from college. Like I said, the connections made are the best.

Do you have any extracurricular activities you are in charge of? (explain if yes)
I am the head one-act coach as of this school year. I also am in charge of yearbook now. Along with those, I'm a senior class sponsor.

What are your classroom goals for the year?
As always, I hope to provide a safe and adequate learning environment for my students. I hope they leave my room smarter and kinder than when they first entered.

What brought you to teach here?
I actually applied simply because the opportunity was there. I really wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but it has become the greatest blessing. I wouldn't trade the years I've had here for anything (well, almost anything).

Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
My family is everything to me. I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for them. My mom is my best friend, my dad is my biggest fan, my brother Nick is my motivation to better others, and my brother Marshall is my daily reminder to never take life too seriously. They have helped me in ways that I will never be able to repay.

What are your hobbies?  
My favorite thing to do in my free time is sleep. I also like hanging out with my friends and family. I like doing things that aren't always involved with school (like grading and lesson planning). I also like to watch Netflix and crochet (don't judge).