Honor Society® member
Amber Daggitt
- educational leadership
- Class of 2027
- Sioux Falls, SD
Member since October 2025
About
I am currently pursuing my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My doctoral coursework has strengthened my knowledge in ethical leadership, research methods, change management, and strategic planning. I previously earned my M.A. in Teaching (K-6 Elementary Education) from CSP and my B.A. in English with a Writing Emphasis from the University of Sioux Falls.
As an educator, I am passionate about creating inclusive, creative, and trauma-informed learning environments where all students feel valued and capable of success. I recently taught Creative Dramatics and served as a Director of Theatre, integrating performing arts to build student confidence, empathy, and engagement. My prior experience as a long-term substitute and job coach helped me develop strong classroom management and differentiated instruction skills to support diverse learners.
Community service is central to my work. I volunteer with Cleveland Elementary School (in Sioux Falls) and the March of Dimes, making handmade items for premature infants and their families. These experiences remind me that leadership begins with compassion and service.
My research focuses on trauma-informed practices and creative instructional approaches that enhance academic performance and social-emotional well-being. My goal is to grow into educational leadership, supporting teachers, empowering students, and strengthening school communities through empathy, creativity, and evidence-based practice.
Education
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Concordia University, St. Paul
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
2024 – Present
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Concordia University, St. Paul
M.A. in Teaching K-6
2017 – 2019
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University of Sioux Falls
B.A. in English with Writing Emphasis
2011 – 2013
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My intended career path is to advance into educational leadership and ultimately serve as a school principal. I began teaching in the education field as a substitute teacher, later moving into roles as a job coach and long-term substitute, where I supported students with diverse needs and gained experience in classroom management, differentiated instruction, and student engagement. I then transitioned into teaching Creative Dramatics, a role that allowed me to integrate performing arts into education and foster student confidence, empathy, and creativity.
- Graduate school interests
Building on this foundation, I hope to move into an instructional leadership position, such as a team lead, where I can mentor teachers, lead professional development, and support schoolwide improvement initiatives. As I continue my doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at CSP, my goal is to transition into an Assistant Principal or Dean of Students role to gain experience in school operations, staff supervision, and community engagement. This stage will prepare me for the broader responsibilities of a principalship, including strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, and fostering a positive school culture. Ultimately, I aspire to become a school principal who leads with empathy, creativity, and equity while empowering teachers, supporting students' academic and emotional growth, and strengthening school-community partnerships. In the long term, I also hope to expand into district-level leadership or educational consulting, continuing to advocate for trauma-informed and inclusive practices that promote success for all learners.
- Outside the classroom
- Volunteering and community outreach
- Crafting and DIY projects
- Creative writing and journaling
- Painting and sketching
- Reading educational and leadership books
- Reading for pleasure
- Gardening and nature walks
- Storytelling through visuals
- Playing or teaching creative dramatics (theatre)
- Attending local arts and cultural events
- Baking and trying new recipes
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Traveling and exploring new communities
Experience
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Teacher
Fargo Public School District Carl Ben Eielson Middle School
Aug 2022 – Jun 2025
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Long-term substitute
Sioux Falls Public School District
Sep 2018 – Jun 2020
Volunteering
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Classroom support, activity facilitation, and field trip coordination
Cleveland Elementary School
Aug 2010 – Present
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Fundraising and crocheting items for premature infants and their families.
March of Dimes
Apr 2010 – Present
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
Additional information
Organizations
