Sarah Stevanovic
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Rock Island High School
Hometown: Coal Valley, Ill.
Major: Elementary education
Minor: K-12 Reading Teacher Endorsement
Activities: Varsity women's bowling, Club Ed
Internships: Student teaching, Earl Hanson 3rd grade gifted; Reading Research Lead, Reading Endorsement Clinical
Post-grad plans: Find an elementary teaching position in the Quad Cities!
Why Augustana?
It felt like home. Once I took the campus tour, I knew I was going to like studying here. I also liked the small class size, where I would get the opportunity to get to know my professors.
With the education major, I started my clinical work in the spring semester of sophomore year. So I had the opportunity to have 2.5 years of classroom experience.
I also wanted to be a part of the bowling team, where I could grow as a student-athlete.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I never expected to lead a research project in the education department or work in the financial aid office for all four years, helping counselors and working on different projects. It's been a great experience and has taught me a lot of skills I didn't expect to learn.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I would first like to thank my parents who have supported me through every single step of my college experience. I stayed at home my first two years, so they were my cheerleaders for every accomplishment!
The education department has helped me through a lot, especially Dr. Hinzman-Ferris and Professor Shepherd. They have helped with all of my questions and supported me through the student teaching experience, and now the job application process.
My bowling coaches, Martin Resner and Shane Kern, who supported me as a student-athlete. They pushed the focus of being a student first, and athlete second. One thing that I learned was to make sure that I focus on what I can control, not what I can't.
Peak experience?
My teaching experiences in the classroom! I have been in a second-, third gifted-, fourth- and fifth-grade classroom. I have worked with multiple grade levels for during and after-school interventions for my reading endorsement. Being able to make connections with the students has been great because I got to be their cheerleader with their learning goals!
What surprised you?
I was surprised that I was able to manage my time as a student worker in the financial aid office and as a student-athlete.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to travel to Denmark and Sweden with the women's bowling team. We competed against a bowling team from Sweden, and explored!
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss my teammates because we have grown so much over the four years that I have been in the program. We made so many memories with all of the tournaments.
I will also miss my elementary education cohort because we have spent the last two years together every day, and we have had some interesting experiences to laugh about.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Ask questions! Do not be afraid; your professors want to see you succeed!
"Throughout this semester, Sarah has served as a lead investigator on a research study in an elementary school. Sarah has gone above and beyond in every aspect of this project. She is remarkably organized, always well-prepared, and communicates proactively with all involved stakeholders. In addition to teaching reading to elementary students as part of the study, Sarah has also led her peers, developed teaching schedules, managed data collection and conducted fidelity observations. She has demonstrated unlimited leadership potential!"