Sarah Ellis
Sarah joined the Lake Area Tech team in January 2025 as an adjunct General Education/Sociology instructor. Her education consists of earning the following: Executive Certificate in Communication, Liberty University; M.S. Communication Studies with Journalism, South Dakota State University; M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, University of South Dakota; B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, South Dakota State University; Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, University of Kansas; and she is currently wrapping up a Graduate Certificate in Sociology through Appalachian State University.
Sarah’s teaching experience includes two years of graduate teaching including Introduction to Mass Communication and English Language and Culture at SDSU (awards received include the Graduate Teaching Certificate of Highest Excellence and Certificate for Mentorship in the Difference is Dialogue program). 7.5 years at MTC teaching courses including Mass Communication and Culture, Social Problems, Interpersonal Communication, Speech, and Internship/Mentorship for Career and Technical Education Instructors (awards received include the 2017/18 and 2019/2020 Student Representative Board Teacher of the Year. Committee service includes Assessment Committee, HLC Criterion Committees, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). Past career experience includes administrative work in healthcare, the Department of Transportation, and accounting.
Her professional memberships include the National and South Dakota Association for Career and Technical Education (SD Trades and Industry Division Secretary 2022 – present). Conference presentations include:
2024 – EXTRA! EXTRA! Journalism as a Strategy for Culturally Responsive Instruction!
2023 – Rescheduling Midnight: Teaching time management, setting boundaries, and finding balance.
2019 – Accommodating ELLs Helps All Students
She is also a member of the Midwest Sociological Society and the Speech Communication Association of South Dakota.
Sarah runs a small business in graphic design and social media management. Hobbies include DSLR and mirrorless landscape, nature, and wildlife photography; camping, and hiking. LinkedIn profile > https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmellis/
Sarah Ellis
Adjunct General Education / Sociology
