Where do you teach?

Duncombe Elementary

What grade/subject do you teach?

5th Grade

Why do you teach?

I had so many amazing teachers growing up in the Fort Dodge Schools that I wanted to make the same impact on students that they made on me.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the day is any time I’m connecting and building relationships with kids.

What are you working hardest on right now?

Currently I am working hard to make sure that students not only have the skills for academics, but also have the skills to be life-long community leaders.

What are you most proud of as a teacher?

I am most proud that I meet students where they are and help them grow to where they need to be.

What makes you happiest as a teacher?

As a teacher, I am happiest when kids believe in themselves and help build up others around them.

How do you contribute to/how are you involved in our community outside of school?

I am a committee member for the Prairie Rivers Trail Ride which organizes a summer biking event in our community to raise money for needs in our community. I was a co-entertainment chair for RAGBRAI about 6-7 years ago.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?

I enjoy watching sports. I enjoy reading, but more in the summer time. I love traveling and road tripping. But more importantly, I love spending time with the people I love.

What do you wish your students/families knew about you?

I honestly want families and students to know that not only do I want my students to succeed academically, I really want them to succeed as problem solvers, and caring, empathic members of our community.

What does Together We Rise mean to you?

That it takes all of us, teachers, paras, custodians, kitchen workers, administrators, families, students, all of us, to come together to do what’s right to make sure these children feel loved and supported.