Amber Baker
Special Education Teacher
Education:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Teaching from Iowa State University
- Master of Science in Education: Teaching Effectiveness and Professional Development from Drake University
International Baccalaureate Training:
- Category I: Making the PYP Happen
Teaching Experience:
This will be my 15th year in the Des Moines Public School District. My first five years I taught special education at Moulton Elementary. Then I taught special education for 4 years at Walnut Street Elementary. I then took a two-year hiatus from teaching and was a special education consultant for 2 years for the district. But I missed teaching and having connections with students. So, I got back into teaching special education in 2019-2020 school year and have been back at Walnut Street Elementary ever since.
Family/Hobbies:
My husband Eric and I have two beautiful daughters: Emma (6 years old) and Evelyn (3 years old). We live in Carlisle, Iowa where we have lived in our current home for almost three years. My husband Eric works for Polk County Conservation at Jester Park, Emma is going into 1st Grade at Carlisle Elementary this school year, and Evelyn will be transitioning to the 3-year-old room at Sprouts Early Learning Program. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, riding my bike, reading a good book, trying a new recipe, and spending time with family and friends.
Kelley Johnson
Special Education Teacher
Education:
- BA from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA (Special Education Endorsement and Reading Endorsement)
- MA from Viterbo University, Des Moines, IA location.
Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching in the Des Moines District since 2002. I taught special education at Brody Middle school for four years. I taught special education K-6 for two year at Capitol View Elementary School and two years for grades 4/5 at Oak Park Elementary. While at Oak Park, I decided to give the classroom a try and taught first grade for three years. I was then asked to teach Title Reading and Math for two years. I went back into the classroom and taught first grade for two more years. In 2016, I transferred to Walnut Street Elementary School. I have been teaching special education since then, there! I have enjoyed all of my many roles in education and feel privileged to be given the opportunities I received as a teacher in the last nineteen years.
Family/Hobbies:
I live in Ankeny with my oldest son Ryker who is in 9th grade in the Ankeny School District. My youngest son Rayden is a year old and has been a wonderful addition to our family. During my free time I enjoy reading, watching movies, working out….including walking, running, kickboxing, and strength training. I also enjoy going on bike rides and spending time with my family and friends.
Gregory Laraia
Special Education Teacher
Aimee Little
Special Education Associate
Class Description
I have always enjoyed working with children and have been at Walnut Street School for 7 years now. In my off time I enjoy being outside and gardening. I have been married for 15 years and have two sons and a niece I adopted as my own, that are all fully grown and still the loves of my life.