Sioux City, Iowa - Liberty Elementary School attendance specialist Sandra Pearson can best be described in two words: magnetic and joyful. It’s no wonder Sandra so easily connects with those around her.
Sandra grew up in Chicago, Illinois, the middle child of eight siblings. Faith, music, and education were hallmarks in Sandra’s childhood home. Her parents were both musicians, and they instilled their love of music in Sandra and her siblings, spending much of their time gathered around the family’s Hammond organ.
Upon graduation from Chicago Vocational High School, Sandra attended Morningside College in Sioux City. While attending classes as a social work major, she became Woodbury County’s first black female correctional officer. After graduating with her behavioral science degree from Bellevue University, Sandra worked for the Department of Human Services as a Foster Care Coordinator, raising a total of 13 children along with her husband Andrew through foster care and adoption.
Those experiences prepared her for her current role as an attendance specialist at Liberty Elementary School.
“It can be challenging to convince families that it’s okay to trust the system,” says Sandra. “Anyone can experience crisis regardless of background, race, or financial status. Empathy goes a long way.”
As does Sandra’s ability to connect with Liberty Elementary families. She is widely respected for the positive partnerships she has formed with families and area organizations.
“I’ve driven toward excellence because of the environment I work in. Liberty Elementary is conducive to learning, growing, and thriving,” adds Sandra.
When she isn’t supporting students and families at Liberty Elementary, Sandra can be found connecting with the wider community through her involvement in various Siouxland church choirs. Serving as the head directress at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for the last 36 years, Sandra has lent her voice to Project Rehema’s “Sing for Africa” event, the Martin Luther King Community Choir, and Woodbury County Fallen Officer’s Ceremony. She is also a former Civil Service Commissioner for Sioux City.
“I love attending church, singing, and directing the choir,” says Sandra, who also loves spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, traveling, and power shopping at flea markets and consignment shops.
During the school week, it’s the opportunity to continue making a positive difference in the lives of Liberty Elementary families that keeps Sandra motivated.
“The most rewarding part of my job is offering support to families and seeing progress along the way.”