Sara Dahms

Background:

Mrs. Dahms began teaching at Zion-Concord in August 2024, applying her knowledge and previous experience with a wide range of students from infancy to the college level! At Concordia University Chicago, she served in admission, career services, credential evaluation, success coach, instructor, advising, and operations roles. At a Lutheran elementary school, she taught 1st through 8th grade Spanish and a year of English literature, and she substitute taught/teacher aided at several early childhood centers. Her husband is a highly motivating special education teacher/coach, and their two grown sons live in Chicago. Mrs. Dahms enjoys nature, time with family, Christian activities, reading, travel, art, etc., and she appreciates the dedicated Zion-Concord families!

Teaching Philosophy:

In my teaching philosophy and practice, I tend to naturally relate learning to students’ lives/perspectives and encourage them to ask questions. We engage in discussions on matters of faith daily, and I strive to help learners grow, not only spiritually, but in their knowledge of the world, themselves, and others. I share enthusiasm about the subjects I teach: science, language arts, religion, social studies, art, and physical education. I include some collaborative learning activities and guide students’ social interactions to help increase their empathy and social/life skills, and I incorporate a variety of physical education activities for both their sports skill development and their enjoyment of lifelong fitness and recreational activities. Enhancing practical skills is something I strive to include in various classes, including our Enrichment class, such as aspects of computer software, keyboarding, oral interpretation through reader’s theater, and initial Spanish, among other skills, to help prepare learners for their future lives and service.

Education:

B.A. in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements in Language Arts, Social Science, and Spanish. M.A. in School Counseling. Both degrees are from Concordia University, River Forest, IL.