Class Description
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University
- With endorsements in Strat I and Strat II ID/LD/BD
- Reading
- Language Arts
International Baccalaureate Training:
- Worked in IB for five years now- looking forward to more formal training now that I am certified staff
Experience:
- Worked in the school system (WSS) for four years as an associate and half a year as a full-time certified sub.
- Three children of my own and previously worked in childcare settings
Family/Hobbies:
My husband Chad and I have three kiddos and together we love to watch/play sports, get outside, go to sporting/music events, and just be together. Baseball and football are our favorites and we all cheer on different teams- which can be tricky. We have all lived in Des Moines our whole lives and I actually graduated from DMPS. At our house we have a bit of a zoo- we love animals and have rescued several. I am so excited for my first year of full-time teaching and cannot wait to learn and grow with everyone.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree (Psychology) from University of Iowa: 2007
- Master’s Degree (Teaching) from Anderson University: 2013
- Educational Specialist (Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction) from Drake University: 2018
- Master’s Degree (Educational Leadership- Administration) from Drake University: 2019
International Baccalaureate Training:
- Category I: Making the PYP Happen
- Category II: The Exhibition
- Category II: Local and Global Inquirers
Teaching Experience:
- I have been teaching in Des Moines since 2014 and I have been at Walnut Street School since 2015. I have taught 5th grade for 4 years, 2nd grade for 4, and this will be my first year teaching 1st grade. I am so excited!
Family/Hobbies:
In July 2016, I married my husband Derek and became a bonus mom to two beautiful stepchildren, Cameron (2006) and Laurnen (2009). In August 2017, my son Jackson was born, followed by Lillian in November 2020. I have 1 naughty doggy named Nova (bull dog mix) that acts as our biggest baby. I love being with my family and spending time with my dog. My family lives on the south side by Easter Lake so we spend a lot of time on the trail walking or riding our bikes.
We love to get out in our community, but I really love to travel. I have had many wonderful opportunities to travel the world, although I do not get the opportunity as often as I would like anymore. My favorite parts about traveling are the people and the food. When I have down time, I enjoy napping (seriously underrated), reading, crafting, and watching the occasional movie. I also really enjoy going for walks and bike rides.
I am so happy and lucky to be part of the Walnut Street family. Every day I get the opportunity to laugh and genuinely enjoy the teachers and students I am surrounded by. I am also challenged by my colleagues to be better every day. It is my favorite thing to watch those little light bulbs light up when my students have learned something new. This year is going to be another fantastic year.