Please join us in congratulating Sarah Howell for 10 years of consecutive service at ADM!
Sarah is starting her 13th year in education. She was born and raised in Dallas-Center Iowa. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Iowa State University and a Masters of Arts in Education from Viterbo University. Prior to coming to ADM, Sarah taught 5th-8th grade general music, 6th-8th grade choir and middle school musical at Holy Trinity Catholic School. At ADM she has taught 3rd-5th grade general music, 5th grade band, and currently teaches 5th and 6th grade band at DeSoto Intermediate.
Sarah became a teacher because she likes helping others. She became a band teacher in particular because band made a huge impact on her life. Band (and music in general) provided her with connections to a community that she couldn’t find anywhere else. Her home away from home was in the band room. She felt safe and heard there. She wants to create that environment and connection for her students as well. “I love teaching beginning band. The students are so excited to start learning their instruments. The beginning of the school year is like Christmas morning every year. The growth they make their first year on an instrument is so amazing – from playing nothing to playing actual pieces with multiple parts. The growth in the second year takes those beginning sounds and refines them. I have one of the coolest jobs ever!”
Sarah chose because of the community. It was close to home and a very similar school to what she grew up in. She has chosen to stay at ADM because of the community both in and out of the school district. As she describes, “There’s something special about this place. People care about each other here. I am supported by my administration, fellow staff members, parents, and students.” Her favorite part of her role at ADM is the growth she gets to see in students after they leave her classroom. She loves seeing them when she travels to the middle school and high school and seeing how much they’ve grown as musicians.
Outside of school the school day Sarah plays flute with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble and dabbles on the piano. She also enjoys spending time with her family (husband, three daughters, and two dogs). She also loves binge watching HGTV shows and knitting.
Please help us thank Sarah for her support and service to the ADM community.