Starting new harmonies throughout Yutan Elementary and Yutan High School, Sarah Wibben is making her debut on the stage as Yutan’s new PK-12 vocal music teacher, a calling she’s had since she was young.
“I always knew when I was little that I wanted to be a teacher; I just tried to figure out the subject when I got older,” Wibben said.
Wibben grew up in Wayne and attended Wayne Elementary and Wayne High School. Throughout her high school life, she was involved in one act, cheer, choir, band, speech and Spanish Club.
“I grew up with a lot of awesome teachers who really guided that path for me, and I really enjoyed being in it. They inspired me to pursue it as a career,” Wibben said.
Wibben went to Wayne State College for K-12 vocal music. During this time, she had a work study/building monitor job, as well as a job at North Star Services, a home for mentally and physically disabled people. This helped her reinforce important skills like patience, a valuable tool that can be used in her classrooms.
“That was really good, this individual, one-on-one care. I really enjoyed that. It really taught me some patience,” Wibben said.
After college, Wibben taught grades K-5 at Kennedy Elementary and Florence Elementary, but the small-town feel of Yutan drew her in.
“I really like the smaller class sizes and working with you [students]. You guys are really helpful, helped me out a lot since I’m new here, where everything is and all that. So I really enjoy just a friendly atmosphere,” Wibben said.
At Yutan, Wibben is bringing new ideas and schedules to the table for her various duties, even simple changes, such as the background for their songs.
“I’ve been playing piano instead of track…and that’s been different for the kids to get used to, but that’s been really fun,” Wibben said.
Wibben’s teaching style also consists of a lot of student-centered teaching.
“I try to have the students lead a bunch of the learning if I can. Some days, it’s not really possible, but I try to do it. I have the students discuss, be in groups, talk and get to know the curriculum,” Wibben said.
However, while she feels good about how classes are going, Wibben still can get overwhelmed at times working with all the different grade levels. One thing Wibben wishes she could change is being able to spend extra time with her students.
“I wish I had more time at each school, like more time with elementary and more time with high school. It’s hard to do PK-12 and try to focus on certain grades and curriculum at one time,” Wibben said.
Despite this challenge, the benefits from this position give her motivation to work hard and to listen to her students.
“You [students] are a really fun bunch to work with. Just kind of hearing over the weekend and getting to know more about not just school stuff but outside of school stuff too,” Wibben said.
Many of her students note Wibben’s positivity and new teaching style.
“Ms. Wibben is a very happy and cheerful person all the time. She’s very go, go, go. She always has a smile on her face, which is very helpful for the days when you have a bad day,” sophomore Kaydi Ward said.
Ward isn’t alone in noticing Wibben’s positive personality traits.
“She’s a really down-to-earth person,” senior Bella Sliva said. “She’s very, I would say, chill, and she’s very easy to sing around. I had no problem opening up to her.”
Using this positive approach, Wibben looks forward to creating more connections with her students as the year continues.
“I am looking forward to new opportunities and experiences with you all!” Wibben said.
