Sioux City, Iowa -- Ethan Sorenson has come full circle.
Currently a special education English co-teacher and wrestling coach at North High School, Ethan has been a “Star” – a North Star, that is - his entire life. Growing up on Sioux City’s northside, Ethan attended Leeds Elementary School and North Middle School before graduating from North High School and attending Morningside University.
“I take pride in Sioux City Community Schools, and I especially take pride in North High School. I have been so blessed to have great teachers and coaches in my life that I thought it was my duty to give back to the school that gave so much to me,” says Ethan.
Ethan’s love for school began in middle school with Tracy VanderWilt who was his seventh-grade English teacher. She sparked his interest in English, a feeling that was reaffirmed during his senior year when he enrolled in Tracy’s college composition class.
Today, Ethan teaches a few doors down from her.
Coach and teacher John Torno also had a positive impact on Ethan, teaching him the importance of recognizing students as individuals.
“John was a mentor to me throughout high school and went above and beyond to support me as a student, athlete, and person,” says Ethan. “I attribute much of my success in high school to the leadership, guidance, and love I received from John.”
During high school, Ethan had the opportunity to experience teaching firsthand, becoming one of the very first students in the Sioux City Career Academy’s education pathway.
“The Career Academy prepared me for college by giving me an outlet to try out the field of education. I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but the Career Academy allowed me to pursue that pathway for free, all while receiving college credits. I also obtained my coaching authorization from the Career Academy which allowed me to jumpstart my coaching career,” adds Ethan, who spent last week coaching two North High athletes at the first-ever Iowa Girls High School State Wrestling Tournament.
There is limited time between teaching full-time and coaching, but when he isn’t at North High, Ethan enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Makayla, and his cats, Lenny and Lucy. He is also continuing his education at Morningside University, working toward a master’s in special education.
Without a doubt, Ethan is inspiring his students to pursue their passions.
“The biggest piece of advice I could give to my students is to look at school with an open heart and open mind. Treat every day as a new day.”