Mrs. Karissa Heun has taught fifth grade at Trinity Lutheran School since 2013, after having attended Concordia University, Nebraska, where she received her degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in English Language Learners, a Coaching Endorsement, and a minor in Spanish.
A couple of the highlights of fifth grade coursework include a diorama project depicting a Native American shelter, and having students create balloon floats that blend science and art principles. The class also participates in at least one servant event project each year. Past projects have included collecting diapers and wipes to support Trinity Lutheran Church's Forward ministry and making fleece tie blankets for refugee families.
Students in fifth grade are given several leadership opportunities over the course of the year. Fifth grade students are assigned to raising and lowering the flags at the beginning and end of each school day. Additionally, students assist with the setup of weekly chapel services. Fifth grade students also have the opportunity to participate in Drama Club, co-led by Mrs. Heun and Miss Candace Jurchen (2nd grade teacher). The Drama Club provides the speaking roles for the yearly Christmas programs at Trinity and the Fine Arts Extravaganza. "Fifth grade is a pivotal year in elementary school and is a time where we focus on growth academically, emotionally, and spiritually," said Mrs. Heun. "Our goal is to ensure each student is equipped to make that jump to middle school by helping them grow in their level of responsibility and confidence.
The fifth grade year concludes with a trip to Camp Luther in Schuyler, NE, where students can bond and strengthen their faith. Mrs. Heun especially appreciates teaching in a Christian environment saying, “I choose to teach at TLS because I love being able to teach children about the love of Jesus and helping students grow in their faith.”
Mrs. Heun embraces new and innovative ways of incorporating technology in the classroom. She attended TEC21 training over the course of the 2023-2024 school year. This training equips teachers serving in Lutheran schools to use technology to engage, motivate, and develop practical applications for the classroom.
In her free time, Mrs. Heun is an assistant volleyball coach at Waverly High School. She enjoys attending sporting events, playing disc golf, and spending time with her husband and young son.