Where do you teach?

Fort Dodge Middle School

What grade/subject do you teach?

6th Grade English Language Arts

Why do you teach?

I became a teacher because some of the people I admired most growing up were my teachers and I wanted to be that same positive role model for others. I continue to teach because our students need us to be there for them every day working alongside them and pushing them to be the best version of themselves.

What is your favorite part

of the school day?

My favorite part of the school day is greeting students and coworkers in the morning. I have more time to chat with my students and build relationships that are genuine. It’s also the time when I see the most smiles, as we are all fresh and ready to take on a new day.

What are you working

hardest on right now?

Right now I am working hardest at finishing the year strong! April brought the beginning of the fourth quarter and our state assessments. Students sense the finish line approaching, so keeping them motivated to continue learning and striving for success is very important.

What are you most

proud of as a teacher?

I can honestly say I have given my all to students and the Fort Dodge Community School District for 26 years. I come to school every day and work hard to provide our kids with whatever it is they need that day along with an education. I am very proud of that.

What makes you the

happiest as a teacher?

I am happiest when I see kids showing kindness, acceptance and integrity. Middle school years are some of the toughest and it makes me happy to watch them grow as a person. I also love when I can tell a student feels good about themselves.

How do you contribute to/how are

you involved in our community

outside of school?

I was born and raised in Fort Dodge. Athletics have always been a big part of my life. I spend a lot of time supporting our youth in many sports and activities. I am an involved parent, helping out whenever I can. I am the assistant bowling coach for the Fort Dodge Senior High School girls and boys. I am also a volunteer coach on Saturday mornings for our local junior bowling league.

What are your interests/

hobbies outside of school?

Spending time with my family, especially watching my children compete in their many sports has always been my greatest joy. We enjoy time at Lake Okoboji and we love our Iowa State football game days together. I am a lifelong bowler and enjoy my weekly league with my dad, family and friends. To relax, I love to read and travel to Meskwaki to play bingo.

What do you wish your

students/families knew about you?

Being a mom to my three, now adult children, is the best, most rewarding role I’ve had. I want families to know I strive to be a positive role model and a caring adult in their child’s life as well. My goal is to guide them to become good people, who are happy and productive citizens, just like I have with my own children.

What does Together

We Rise mean to you?

Together We Rise means all district staff regardless of their role, working toward the betterment of our school system. The TOGETHER piece being key, which includes students and families working positively along with us. It takes everyone!