THE PROMISE OF IOWA
by J. Martinez
Beginning this fall, the Sibley-Ocheyedan CSD welcomed a new Industrial Technology teacher, Mr. Dan Anderson took the position when Steve Lemke retired.
Mr. Anderson is a retired Navy member and decided to start working as a “shop” teacher at Sibley-Ocheyedan High School because he wanted to be closer to home and to take care of his parents and live in Sibley. “This year has been a great year,” he stated with a smile.
He’s not only working in the high school, but he is also working with 7th and 8th graders in the new technology Ag program. That program consists of manufacturing systems, construction systems, transportation systems, communication systems, and energy systems. Anderson notes, “Seventh graders, for example, are doing the big energy map. They have to determine what energy do states use to make electrical power. They also built a rocket that’s where the transportation part is. I like to have fun with my students. With the high schoolers, he would like to start a car restoration class, which will help the students learn mechanical skills.
Mr. Anderson’s future plans are to continue teaching at S-O High School for a few more years. After retiring as a shop teacher he wants to continue teaching at Northwest Iowa Community College as a history teacher. Right now he is teaching history online for Sheldon’s community college. After he is done being an educator, he wants to restore cars. He’s also planning to be a cabinet maker and make furniture for his kids’ homes.