Iowa educators
11/2/2022They say that “teaching is a work of heart.” Even with widespread school staff shortages across the nation, there are those who continue onward. Whether during bus rides, sports practices or class time, these central Iowans are nurturing and investing in students — and our future.
Cody Nelson
WINTERSET
In high school, Cody Nelson attended every shop class offered. This sparked his love for industrial technology.
Now, he teaches the subject at the Winterset Community School District.
“I love teaching industrial tech classes because it shows students a different way of thinking and problem solving,” he says.
Some projects he enjoys are the CO2 cars the junior high students make and race. He hopes to attend building competitions with some other classes and also helps with the Husky wrestling team.
“One of the biggest challenges is finding where a student pulls their motivation from,” he says. “Each student is motivated by something different, and finding what that is is key.”
This year, Nelson is excited to help his students develop hands-on and real-life skills.
“One of the greatest rewards for me is when you see a student build something that they are genuinely proud of. It is also extremely rewarding when a student comes back after graduation and tells me they have started a career in one of the trades using the skills they learned in my class.”
Source: Winterset Living Oct. 2022;
by T.K. West
Monica Dickinson
INDIANOLA
Monica Dickinson is a farm girl at heart. On the farm, she learned from her grandpa about tilling and nurturing the soil to develop strong roots.
Today, as a teacher at Strong Roots Christian School, Dickinson is ensuring her students not only develop strong roots in the classroom, but also in their spiritual walk.
Dickinson is the second oldest in a large family that includes both adopted and biological children.
“I am adopted, and I truly believe that is part of why I love people so much,” she says. “My family was always open to bringing anyone in, whether they needed a family for a little while or for life.”
Dickinson can remember wanting to be a teacher from an early age. She set up her dolls in the toy room to play school. As her younger siblings grew older, they became her students.
After switching from a public high school, she realized the benefit of a Christian education.
“I loved being in an environment where the teachers were truly invested in not only my future, but in my eternity,” she says. “That had a huge impact on my teaching in Christian schools. I wanted to be able to invest in my students the same way.”
Source: Indianola Living Oct. 2022;
by Becky Kolosik
Gabbi Menninga
NORWALK
Recently graduated from Central College in Pella, Gabbi Menninga teaches fourth-grade Language Arts and Social Studies for the Norwalk Community School District. When looking for a job, she says she “immediately fell in love with the staff, culture and climate at Lakewood.”
Menninga likes working with students at the elementary level because of their eagerness and love for learning. As a teacher, one of her goals is that every student who enters her classroom knows she believes in them and she genuinely cares for them. Menninga says it is rewarding to see how much of a difference it makes to students when they know you truly believe in them and care for them.
“It is so rewarding to walk with students throughout the year and to see how much they have grown in their knowledge and social/emotional skills in such a short period of time,” she says. “More specifically with upper elementary, you can make even deeper relationships with the students that are so rewarding.”
Menninga adds: “I have heard nothing but great things about the district. I am especially looking forward to just being a part of such a fun and supporting staff and to be able to learn and grow alongside other new teachers.”
Source: Norwalk Living Oct. 2022;
by T.K. West
Leo Muldoon
WEST DES MOINES
Leo Muldoon used to drive a city bus in Washington, D.C. Then, he drove for the Des Moines Public Schools for 26 years. He joined West Des Moines schools last year.
When he first started driving a bus, he simply followed a map. Today, computers, cameras and transponders assist in routes and monitor student and bus driver activity. He says students haven’t changed over the years.
“Kids will be kids,” he says.
The most challenging age group is the elementary kids who have the most energy.
“I’m always reminding them to sit and stay in their seat. They all try to be sneaky about it — I’ve seen it all. You’d think with technology and playing on their phones, kids would be all over that. Not the elementary kids.”
Muldoon also picks up refereeing and umpiring basketball and softball games for school sporting teams.
He realizes there is a vast shortage in bus drivers. One reason he enjoys driving a bus is the flexibility of his hours.
“It’s not difficult or hard. It’s still a job — but a fun job. I get to go to the zoo and other places for free,” he says. “I enjoy it immensely. I love what I’m doing. The parents, teachers, coaches are all great.”
Source: Jordan Creek Living Oct. 2022; by Jackie Wilson
