Going the Extra Four Miles

There is clearly a special chemistry between Simpson College and its many neighboring PK-12 schools. Last fall’s Science Celebration Day at Four Mile Elementary is a classic case in point. Simpson teaching education and science students, along with faculty members Adam Brustkern, Lindsay Ditzler and Kate Lerseth, came together there to stage a special day of STEM learning.

“It was a win-win,” explained Steenhoek, who was thrilled to have Simpson students and faculty presenting at her school. “Our students were engaged in meaningful science learning and Simpson students had the opportunity to teach and lead students in the various stations.”

A member of the education department’s advisory board, Steenhoek is an enthusiastic ambassador for Simpson. After spending several years as a classroom teacher, she became a literacy coach and coordinator at Southeast Polk Schools before taking on her role as principal at Four Mile Elementary three years ago.

“I am growing and learning every day. I believe my years at Simpson fostered a love of professional learning and career development. As an ongoing professional learner, I am humble, transparent, communicative and passionate about doing what’s best for students. I feel like I bring the human side to a role that can sometimes appear managerial and businesslike. I never want to lose my desire to build interpersonal relationships, serve our community, and be myself.”