Sandra Lesko

Sandra Lesko

Senior Advisor and Recruitment Manager Sandra Lesko ’06 knew when she took over recruitment for the Transition to Teaching program in the fall of 2013 that it would be a challenge. Enrollment was low at that time, but Lesko believed in the program and its ability to thrive.

“Someone did tell me that the program was dwindling,” she remembers. “But I just didn’t dwell on that. I just dwelt on the positive, what I could do and how I could help people.”

Lesko began working at Bethel in the fall of 2000 and assumed her current role as an enrollment counselor for Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS) in the fall of 2013. When asked which programs she wanted to work with, she chose the Transition to Teaching program along with several other education programs. Prior to Lesko taking on the program, there was no specific admission counselor for transition to teaching.

“I just saw the potential in the program,” she says.

Lesko believed that they could enroll 30 students by the following May, when the 12-month program began its course. The May 2014 session began with a total of 33 students, a 300 percent increase from the previous year.

“In my spirit, as I prayed about it, the Lord gave me faith to believe for 30 new students,” she remembers, “and He even exceeded those expectations.”

Lesko understands firsthand the importance of the adult programs Bethel offers. As a wife and mother working full time, Lesko earned a bachelor’s degree through AGS.

“Education is near and dear to my heart,” she says. “And I really believe in serving others. I pray every day that God would use me in any way He sees fit, to bring about His will in the lives of each person that I come in contact with.”

Lesko attributes the program’s success to the skillful design of the education department and says that associate faculty member Joyce Laurent and Department Chair Susan Karrer helped her become well-oriented with the program when she took over enrollment.

“They had to train me,” says Lesko. “But now I feel very confident and I really enjoy helping individuals through the admissions process. And I think that God’s able to bless that.”

More recently, Lesko has initiated a second session of the program, which began the cohort of classroom studies and hands-on experience on Oct. 20. This second cohort launched with 18 students.

Through her interactions with prospective students, Lesko has had opportunities to share with others about how the impossible can become possible through God. She prays with those who have needs or are facing difficult situations and has seen God move in the lives of those she interacts with.

“I really love that Bethel integrates faith and learning,” she says. “It’s been my privilege and pleasure to share what Bethel has to offer, and I’m just hoping to get the word out there more. I’m sure there are more people out there who would benefit from this.”

Learn more about the Transition to Teaching program here.