Educator Spotlight: Susie Stark

Author: Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Published: Tuesday, 04 Mar 2025

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Image caption: Inspiring young minds every day! Susie Stark, a dedicated educator at Viola Gibson Elementary and the 2024 Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year, is making a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.

Susie Stark has dedicated 25 years to shaping young minds in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, inspiring students with her passion for learning and commitment to their success. Currently teaching at Viola Gibson Elementary School, Susie has spent most of her career in fifth grade before transitioning to second grade in recent years. Her journey into education was driven by a deep desire to make a difference. Before becoming a teacher, she owned and operated a licensed childcare center for 150 children, excelling in leadership but finding true fulfillment in working directly with kids. Watching her own children experience teachers who failed to connect, inspire, or reach them, she knew she wanted to be the kind of educator every child deserves.

A lifelong learner herself, Susie holds both a teaching degree and a Master’s in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa. Her love for history has extended beyond the classroom—she has played a vital role in curriculum development, teacher training, and historical education planning within the district. Beyond academics, she actively contributes to her school community by leading after-school clubs and community service projects, always willing to go the extra mile for her students.

The joy of teaching comes from the small moments that make a big impact—the wonder in a child’s eyes when they grasp a new concept, the pride of a struggling reader as they unlock the magic of books, and the everyday connections formed with young learners. Susie believes that today’s students are tomorrow’s decision-makers, and she sees it as her responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and experiences to connect with the world beyond the classroom.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was named the Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing her excellence in teaching and commitment to education. Whether in the classroom, mentoring fellow educators, or leading extracurricular activities, Susie continues to make an indelible mark on the lives of her students and the future of education.

Junior Achievement and Classroom Impact

Susie first became involved with Junior Achievement (JA) when she moved to second grade, as it was already a part of the curriculum. Since then, she has seen firsthand how the program excites and engages students. The second-grade curriculum helps them grasp fundamental concepts about the economy and introduces them to different career opportunities, sparking curiosity about the working world.

One of her favorite JA activities is when students make pizza, a hands-on lesson that reinforces essential life skills. Through this fun experience, students learn about teamwork, producing a quality product, and understanding basic business principles. Another memorable JA lesson involves students taking on different jobs and exchanging goods and services, which helps them develop communication skills and a deeper appreciation for how the economy functions.

For Susie, the most valuable skills JA instills in students are collaboration and a basic understanding of economic principles. She sees them carry these lessons forward, recalling the experience of paying taxes, budgeting, and understanding how businesses operate—critical skills that will help them in their future careers and life goals. Her advice to fellow educators considering bringing JA into their classrooms is simple: Get involved with your volunteer, have fun with it, and let the kids see your enthusiasm—they will recognize its importance.

Beyond the Classroom

Beyond teaching, Susie has a few surprises up her sleeve. She is a licensed bird bander, has visited numerous National Parks, and even hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with her daughter. If she weren’t an educator, she imagines she might have pursued a different path, but teaching has always been where her heart is.

Her students and colleagues know her as a dedicated educator, but her adventurous spirit and love for lifelong learning continue to inspire those around her—both in and out of the classroom.

Watch her story: Click here