My Teaching Career

I have been a teacher for over 30 years. I started out as a Danish teacher at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. When I moved to Iowa in 1986, I finished my teaching endorsement and taught German and English at LeMars Community High School/Middle School in LeMars, Iowa. After 13 years at LeMars, I decided I wanted to try working for a university. I took a position with Iowa State University Extension as a Youth Development Specialist. I focused on school enrichment and taught in many different classrooms in Northwest Iowa. In 2002, a position in the Education Department at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa became available. I applied, was offered the job and started as a professor in the Secondary Education Department. I trained pre-service teachers for 14 years. When I moved to Nebraska, I found a summer job as an Instructional Coach at McMillan Magnet Center in North Omaha. I have now been the coach for three summers. I also worked at the Douglas County Youth Center as a Success Coach/Teacher. I worked with young men who were in the juvenile justice system but not locked up. They were either on probation or had an ankle bracelet. Last year I taught English at Omaha Burke High School. While I enjoyed the students and my colleagues, I wanted to be in a smaller school. I also wanted to be in a faith-based school again. I look forward to growing in knowledge and faith with you this year. Let's get started!