Ms. Ryan

Who Am I?

I am a Council Bluffs native and an LC graduate (class of ’89 rules!). Much of who I am today was shaped by my parents, teachers, and community. For this very reason, I enjoy giving back in the same capacity through teaching and volunteering! Some of my biggest takeaways from high school were a love of science and math, a passion for instrumental music, and a respect for the game of tennis. I am happy to say that I still enjoy these things! I am an avid space junkie who follows NASA and Space X news and can be found stargazing in my backyard. I am fascinated by nature, which has fueled my desire to garden. I also enjoy getting outdoors to hike and bike on the Wabash, canoe and kayak, and hit the tennis ball around on the courts. My interest in music began when I was ten years old and started learning how to play flute, piccolo, and piano. I’ve been intrigued by music ever since. Two years ago, I joined the Kanesville Symphony as a flute and piccolo player to share in the experience of creating beautiful music with others. I have also been very fortunate to be chosen twice to play with the Omaha Symphony as part of the Rusty Musicians Experience. Getting to play in the Holland Performing Arts Center with full-time professionals is a huge bucket list check-off for me! I love living in a community that embraces the arts!

I recently became engaged to a wonderful man named Kevin. He is a paramedic, a firefighter, and a dedicated father to two wonderful kids: Alyssa and Bryce. I am really looking forward to joining our families and watching life unfold as all of our children begin their careers and start their own families.

My Family

I have been blessed with four children: Nick—a senior in the Honors Program at the University of Iowa, who is double-majoring in economics and international relations with plans to go to Germany for graduate school; Ben—a sophomore at Metro Community College, who just passed his national exam to become a registered paramedic and is interviewing for jobs across several states for a paramedic/firefighter position; Allison—a freshman in the Honors Program at the University of Iowa, who is considering either biomedical engineering or computer science as her major….whichever one she chooses, it will involve bettering humanity; and John—a sophomore at LC, who loves science, math, engineering, soccer, and music (he plays trumpet, bass, and electric guitar for a variety of bands, including marching band, jazz band, pep band, and show band).

Nick

Ben

Allison

John

My kids are all fans of the outdoors (I quite possibly corrupted them from an early age to view all landscapes as playgrounds). We try to go to the Rocky Mountains every summer to explore nature in a variety of ways: hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, zip lining, camping, and having a blast in aerial parks. We usually chose a “14er” (a mountain whose elevation is over 14,000 feet) to conquer. Even though it’s always a grueling feat, we have a lot of fun and build a ton of family unity by getting to the top together.

My Career

My first career was a short one in human resources, but education quickly became my second and true passion in life! I spent most of my college years at the University of Iowa (GO HAWKS!), but received my master’s degree in curriculum development and instruction from the University of Phoenix. I have been very lucky in my career and have had many opportunities to work with different populations of students and families during my almost 20 years in education:

6 years as a preschool teacher/daycare provider before I came to LC
2 years as a kindergarten teacher at Kreft
4 years as a 3^rd grade teacher at Titan Hill
3 years as a 5^th grade teacher at Titan Hill
1 year as a 6^th grade math teacher at the Middle School
Currently in my 4^th year as an instructional coach at the Middle School

My role as an instructional coach has been challenging and fulfilling. I work with some of the best teachers in the field and together we are increasing engagement and improving student learning on a daily basis. I believe whole-heartedly that it takes a village to raise our children, and it’s a far better experience when teachers, parents, and the community each play important roles in students’ lives. Together, we not only shape children; we shape our future! Therefore, education isn’t just a job to me; it’s a dedication toward doing something bigger than myself to make a positive difference in the world.

Report abuse