Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. This phrase has been said time and time again. It implies that Singapore American School students continue to embody the Eagle spirit, carrying it with them throughout their lives, regardless of where their paths may lead. For a select few, this bond translates into a remarkable full-circle journey—from wide-eyed students navigating the corridors of learning to inspiring educators leading classrooms within those same hallways! 

We asked some of our alumni-turned-educators to share their motivations and experiences as they guide the next generation of Eagles within the school that shaped their futures. 

Braden Betts (Interim Coordinator/Teacher, Class of 2006)
One of the first significant milestones in my teaching career was the day I hosted a high school assembly. Stepping onto the stage not as a student looking up but as an educator looking out, was a powerful moment for me. It symbolized not just my physical transition from the seats to the stage but also my role as a facilitator of experiences for our middle and high school students through our Classroom Without Walls (CWW) and Interim Semester programs.

Everything I do at SAS is shaped by my student experiences. This background allows me to empathize with students, understand their concerns, and remember the challenges and priorities I had at their age. This connection helps me create a supportive classroom environment where students feel seen, heard, and motivated.

Leading the CWW and Interim Semester programs has been an incredibly fulfilling part of my role here at SAS. These programs offer more than just academic learning; they are about opening students' eyes to new perspectives, fostering camaraderie amongst their peers, and encouraging them to act with a sense of responsibility toward broader societal issues. 

My story, from being a student here to becoming an educator, is a testament to the enduring impact of my time at the school—not just in the knowledge I have gained but in the way it has transformed me into the driven person I am today. As I continue to navigate my career at SAS, I remain committed to inspiring our students to achieve their fullest potential, just as SAS once inspired me.

Emily Hoekstra (Elementary School Learning Support, Class of 2000)
Coming back to SAS was a natural choice rooted in my appreciation for the transformative experiences the school offered me as a student. SAS not only shaped my academic journey but also instilled in me values that resonate deeply with my approach to teaching. The care and support I received from my own high school teachers and coaches inspired me to contribute to this nurturing community. I wanted my children to thrive in an environment that prioritizes their holistic growth, where addressing both academic and social-emotional needs is paramount.

As a student at SAS who was not always the most academically talented, I was met with great compassion and acceptance by the teaching staff. I had teachers that I felt really saw me and tried their best to accommodate my diverse learning needs. There are some teachers who allowed me to show my learning in different ways and chose to assess through differentiated practices. Now, as a learning support teacher, I take this approach when instructing and supporting my students of varied academic and social/emotional abilities. I want all students I work with to feel seen, heard, cared for, and safe. Connecting with my students on a personal level became my top priority, and I cherish every opportunity to learn about their passions, aspirations, and successes. 

Through my love for creative writing and the performing arts, I hope to inspire students to explore their interests beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of curiosity and self-expression. To me, it is not just about academic excellence but also about nurturing their creativity and personal growth.

As an educator, I am reminded that education is not just about imparting knowledge but also about shaping lives. Every day, I wake up feeling excited that I can contribute to SAS's legacy of extraordinary care, possibilities, and excellence!

Lynsey Howitt (Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Class of 1996)
Returning to SAS as an educator was a heartfelt decision fueled by family ties and a desire to provide my children with the same enriching experience I had as an Eagle. Having taught previously at another SAS (Shanghai American School), the prospect of my sons growing up in Singapore, surrounded by the school's supportive community, was irresistible. Even my parents were ecstatic when we told them we were going to relocate to Singapore!

Although I was never a student at the Woodlands campus, my roots run deep within SAS, fostering a profound sense of belonging. Now, as an educator, I cherish witnessing my own children (tenth, seventh, and second grades) and students flourish within the school's nurturing environment.

For me, memorable moments include seeing my first kindergarten class graduate this year (shoutout to the class of 2024!) and reconnecting with my passion for dance alongside middle and high school students.

My time as a student and parent at SAS informs my approach to teaching—emphasizing empathy, connection, and gratitude. I strive to instill these values in my students, empowering them to embrace kindness and self-belief. A former early learning center student, now towering over his high school peers, fondly recalled the care and attention I devoted to each student in the classroom regardless of their emotional state. He expressed gratitude for these memories, assuring me they would stay with him always. His words served as a poignant reminder that being an educator at SAS remains my true calling—reaffirming my sense of purpose in nurturing and supporting future generations with love and guidance.