Mandie Sanderman

Share some of your background: 
In my previous position, I served as a consultant for science and talented/gifted through Central Rivers AEA for nearly 10 years and prior to that I worked with Wartburg College as the school partnerships coordinator (director, Office of Student Field Experiences). When I was in the classroom, I taught primarily at the secondary level in a variety of areas of science. I currently also work as an independent contractor in  science education consulting through Dimensional Learning LLC. Finally, I work on the side as a dog trainer.

What attracted you to UNI and the College of Education?
UNI has such a strong history with education and produces high quality educators -- which is something our nation, and our students, desperately need.  I was excited and eager to join UNI and the College of Education to become a part of not only this legacy, but also to focus on continuous improvement to keep UNI as the leader in producing amazing teachers.

Describe an experience that reinforces why you enjoy what you do.  
Anytime I reconnect with a former student -- whether it was a student I worked with in middle or high school, or in higher education -- I am reminded of the impact that educators have. So often that impact really isn't realized until years later; former students who now have their own students and classrooms have shared stories of the impact I have made on their lives and their craft of teaching.  These are the moments that reinforce the importance of our roles in education.