Lindsey Salrin’s path to becoming an elementary educator is a testament to her perseverance, passion and purpose. Originally from Florida, Salrin spent much of her life in Derby, Kansas, where she eventually returned to begin her teaching career.
As a self described “military brat,” Salrin ’22 found comfort and connection in the small, personalized environment of Newman University, where she chose to pursue her degree in elementary education.
“The instructors become invested in not only your education but you as a person,” Salrin shared, reflecting on the factors that drew her to Newman. “For me, that is huge.”
From a young age, Salrin felt called to teach.
“Even as a child when I would play, I would always play school. My friends were the students, and I was the teacher,” she recalled. The desire to “mold the next generation” and possibly become “the one person who changes a child’s life” motivated her to follow a career path that would prove both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Her academic journey was not without its setbacks. With one year left in her program, she had to leave Newman and relocate to Colorado to care for a family member. Despite the personal hardship, she continued taking courses to stay on track with her degree. According to Associate Professor of Education Huachuan Wen, one of Salrin’s professors at Newman, this period was a defining moment.
“Remarkably, even during that challenging time, she did not give up on her education,” Wen said. “Instead, she continued taking college courses to fulfil more degree requirements.”
Salrin later returned to Newman to finish her program, ultimately graduating at the end of 2022 and walking in the 2023 commencement ceremony.
Salrin’s time at Newman was also marked by academic excellence, meaningful mentorships and practical preparation. She completed her coursework in person and was placed in a local school for her student teaching — a placement that led to her first full-time teaching position.
“I was even lucky enough to be hired by the school I student taught at and got to loop my class from the previous year,” she said of the unique experience that allowed her to build upon existing relationships with her students.
Heartbreaking challenges
Salrin’s first year as a teacher at Oaklawn Elementary in Derby brought challenges unlike any other.
On the second day of school, a tragic bus accident claimed the life of one of her students.
“Navigating not only my own grief but 20 grieving little kids is really tough, and that is something that no one prepares you for,” she said.
Despite the emotional toll, she found strength in the support of a long-term substitute teacher, a dedicated principal and a trusted mentor, all of whom stood by her side. Wen recalled the incident vividly.
“Professor (Janet) Jump and I were concerned that the trauma might lead her to reconsider her path in education,” he said. “But she didn’t walk away.”
Instead, Salrin grew stronger.
“I constantly tell myself that it’s only up from here,” she said, reflecting on how the challenges of her first year helped prepare her for anything the future might bring.
Today, she teaches upper elementary students and has taken on several leadership roles at both the school and district levels. At Oaklawn, she serves on the building leadership team, collaborates with colleagues through the LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) committee and acts as the primary point of contact for reading instruction support in grades third through fifth. At the district level, Salrin contributes to the Strategy 6 committee, which focuses on personnel recruitment, retention and development.
Live, love and learn
Even as she continues to lead and support others, Salrin remains a lifelong learner.
She recently began pursuing her Master of Science in curriculum and instruction through an online program at Western Governors University. Her long-term goal is to contribute to curriculum development, using her classroom experience to shape more effective and engaging instruction on a nationwide scale.
When asked what keeps her going, Salrin points to the growth she sees in her students.
“The most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing a student’s growth and making a positive impact on their lives,” she said with a smile. “The daily warm hugs are an added bonus.”
Wen described Salrin as “a serious and responsible student — someone both instructors and peers could always count on for reliable attendance and thoughtful participation.” More than that, he sees her as an example of resilience.
“She has not only overcome adversity but also used those experiences to thrive and uplift others. She truly embodies what it means to live with purpose, transform challenges into strength and make a lasting impact on society,” he said.
From a young girl playing teacher with her friends to a respected educator and leader, Salrin serves as a reminder of the impact one can make in students’ lives.
Salrin said she is here to make a difference, and she is doing just that.
Earn a degree in elementary education from Newman
This degree prepares students for the ins and outs of a successful teaching career in elementary education.
