My name is Tammy Bortscheller (Mrs. B) and I have been teaching Special Education and at Jackson since 2004.  I hold two degrees from Iowa State University; a B.S. in Child Services and a B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education.  I also have a K-6 Instructional Strategist I endorsement from Grandview University.   For me, one of the greatest rewards of being a teacher is knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of my students, no matter how big or small.  I have lived in the Des Moines area all my life and I currently live here on the south side with my husband Chuck, daughter Olivia, son Elliot, and dog Scout.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, working out, and eating good food.  My favorite place to visit is Disney World and I’m pretty sure I would live right there in the castle if they would let me!

Hello! My name is Sarah Carter and I am an instructional coach and behavior strategist at Jackson. I graduated from Iowa State University in 2010 with my B.S. in Elementary Education with endorsements in Social Studies and Coaching. I began working for Des Moines Public Schools as a substitute in January 2011, and was later hired full time as a 5^th grade teacher.  In 2017, I graduated from Drake University with a Masters Degree in Culturally Proficient Leadership and Instruction and an endorsement in Reading/Language Arts as part of the DMPS Blue contract. I transferred to Jackson Elementary in 2016, and I am so grateful that I did—the staff and students here are welcoming, caring, and so fun to be around!

Education

·         Central College – Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Minor in Special Education/Instructional Strategist

·         Drake University – Master’s Degree in progress

Teaching Experience

·         Morris Elementary 2003(Autism Self-Contained Classroom & 1^st Grade Teacher)

·         Monroe Elementary-1^st Grade Teacher & Instructional Coach

·         Jackson Elementary- Instructional Coach

Student Environment/Class Description

·         I  started at Jackson Elementary in 2019 with our fantastic students, teachers and staff.  As a team, we are improving student learning to be prepared for this 21^st Century World. We want students and staff to feel empowered to learn throughout their school day.  We want students to challenge and push each other thinking. As a team of Jackson Stars we are all Learners and Leaders!

Greetings!  My name is Daniel Cubit, and I teach fourth grade here at Jackson Elementary.  I began my teaching career in Waterloo, Iowa, after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 2010.  My wife and I moved to the metro area in 2015, and I started my tenure at Jackson Elementary.  I am grateful for the staff, students, families, and community that Jackson shares.

Student Environment/Class Description 

My teaching philosophy is simple: I want to inspire students to believe in themselves and find their potential.  All students that join my classroom become Cubit Cubbies.  As a Cubbie, they are joining a team of supportive learners who share a common goal of learning in a welcoming environment.  All students share leadership responsibilities and take ownership of their learning.    I am an empathic teacher who values honesty and understands that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

My name is Suzie Curry and I have been a speech pathologist at Jackson since I joined the district in 2005.  Jackson is the one school that I have consistently worked at since joining Des Moines Public Schools.  This is “home” to me!  I enjoy working with the kids and their families to help them overcome their communication difficulties.  The greatest work accomplishment for me is to know that I have made a difference in a child’s life, no matter how great or small.  I live in Johnston, with my husband and our 2 awesome daughters who are ages 7 and 10.

Hello! My name is Sierra Chelsvig. I graduated from Iowa State University in 2015 with my B.A. in elementary education. I have endorsements in Reading and English/Language Arts. This will be my fourth year at Jackson Elementary but my first year as an academic interventionist! I am so excited and lucky to be able to work with students in all grades! I love Jackson and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else!

My name is Angie Donahey.  I am a 2^nd grade teacher at Jackson Elementary.  I graduated with a Bachler’s degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State in 1994.  I started teaching for Des Moines Public Schools in 1994.  I taught First Grade at McKinley Elementary form 1994-2002.  I have been at Jackson Elementary since 2002.  I have taught First and 2^nd Grade at Jackson.

Student Environment/Class Description
I want every 2^nd grader to feel like they belong.  I want them to be risk takers.  We spend a lot of our class time building on our reading skills we learned in first grade.  We spend a majority of our math on addition and subtraction concepts.  We develop our Leadership Skills with the 7 Habits from Leader in Me.

Hello! My name is Casey Dotzler. I am so happy to be teaching 1st grade at Jackson! I graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2006 with a B.A. in early childhood education. I also received an endorsement in K-8 reading. I began my teaching career at Des Moines Public Schools in 2006. My teaching experience includes preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade. I am so thankful to be part of the Jackson family!

Student Environment/Class Description
The one thing that I strive to provide my students with every single day is a welcoming, fun classroom, where all students feel safe, loved, and important. It is my belief that when children feel safe and loved, their confidence in learning and their willingness to take risks grows tremendously. I want all students to feel like our classroom is their home away from home where long-lasting and trusting relationships are built. Relationship building allows us to work together and learn from each other. My goal is to provide students with as many opportunities to collaborate with their peers as possible.

Hello! My name is Mrs. Garland! I teach first grade at Jackson Elementary. I have worked for Des Moines Public Schools since 2012 and at Jackson since 2014! I graduated with my BA in Education at Iowa State University in 2011 and I received my Master’s degree from Drake University in 2017. My passion is teaching and learning! I see myself as a lifelong learner and encourage my students to always seek more knowledge and understanding about the world around them!

Student Environment/Class Description
My goal is for my students to feel safe, successful, and loved in my classroom. I believe that a student first needs to feel loved before they can take the risks needed to learn and grow socially and emotionally. Every student can learn at high levels and I believe having high expectations for all students is key to students being successful. Not all students learn in the same ways or at the same pace, so I strive to build in interactive lessons that keep students engaged and adapt my teaching to meet each student where they are. Students interacting and learning from each other is critical and I foster a culture where students can do just that. The diversity at Jackson Elementary is one of its best features and my students learn to value each other’s ideas, backgrounds, and experiences while expressing and valuing their own. I want all students to meet grade level expectations, so I let the students always know how amazing their progress is and that they are capable of doing difficult things with some hard work and practice. We are a team and we celebrate each other’s successes and support each other in learning each and every day.

My name is Brooke Hakert and I am thrilled to serve as Jackson Elementary’s Associate Principal!  I have worked for Des Moines Public Schools since 2011 and have served in many roles including, Behavior Strategist, Instructional Coach and Dean of Students prior to my role as Associate Principal. Before coming to Des Moines, I served as a Third Grade Teacher and Academic Interventionist for Pendergast Elementary School District, in Phoenix, Arizona for six years.

I am originally from Grinnell, Iowa and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Central College. I have my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Reading Specialist endorsement from Northern Arizona University.

When I’m not at Jackson, you can find me at a softball or baseball field watching my two kids play sports; I love to travel and spend time with family and friends!

I am excited and fortunate to be a part of the Jackson community! I am looking forward to a great year!

I have a been teaching for a log time/. I have spent all, except for 2 of those years at Jackson. As a child, I knew I wanted to become an educator.Teaching has been my life-long passion. In my spare time when I am not teaching, I love to spend time with family, garden and shop.

My name is Joy Huse and I am excited to teach kindergarten at Jackson Elementary! First, I began my career as a teacher after I graduated in 2015 from Upper Iowa University with my bachelor’s degree in education, then I graduated from Drake University in December 2020 with my master’s degree in Culturally Relevant Leadership and Instruction as part of the DMPS Blue contract. I have endorsements in Reading and English Language Learning.

Student Environment/Class Description
Building a classroom that feels more like a family is my main goal because I firmly believe that no significant learning occurs without a significant relationship (James Comer, 1995). In my classroom, each student is valued, understood, and accepted. As kindergarten students learn foundational skills, we work together to solve real-world tasks, learn how to use our voices and minds, develop growth mindsets, learn how to persevere, and become lifelong learners.

My name is Rob Johnson and I have been teaching PE at Jackson since 2008. After teaching at a few other schools I finally found my home at Jackson. My focus is to get the students moving and keep them moving. We do a lot of fitness based activities as well as traditional games. I have been an athlete my whole life starting out in traditional sports and gradually getting into non-traditional ones. At Lincoln high school I played four sports and went to College and played three sports. I finished my athletic career at UNI running track for the Panthers. After college I got into rock climbing as well as long distance running and triathlons. I have climbed all over the world and having summers off I am able to go to some amazing places. I also play Ultimate Frisbee and had the opportunity to represent USA at the world championships in 2011 in Italy. We won gold! In 2013 I played for the Minnesota Windchill in its inaugural season as a professional team. We had a rough season at 4-12 but it was an amazing experience to play a professional sport. If you have any questions about what we are doing in PE feel free to contact me.

• Teaching Experience
  • Jackson Elementary: 2018 – Present (Grades 2-3)

• Education
  • B.A. Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement – Grand View University, IA
  • In Progress: M.Ed. Administration + Principal Endorsement

Student Environment/Class Description

Students in our class will strive to be their best selves every day. We will work as a team, valuing the strengths that every student has to offer and work to overcome weaknesses together. Teamwork is at the center of how we engage in rigorous tasks, and instill the values needed to create student leaders, who can guide and support others in the class.

Students should enjoy school, and we take pride in ensuring students feel respected by all adults and classmates that are a part of Jackson. Our class is a community we want all students to want to be a part of. Students will take on board values that live on outside of the school environment, and lead by example in their homes and communities.

Hello! my name is Xeuay Lothi-Baccam. I am lucky to be part of the Jackson Team. I graduated from Buena Vista College in 1991 with B.A degree in elementary education and a reading endorsement. I taught Title Reading and Math for the first five years of my teaching career. I taught 3rd and 4th grade before switching to 2nd grade. I have been teaching 2nd grade at Jackson School since 2002.

Student Environment/Class Description
In my classroom, we strive to be safe, respectful, and responsible. Students learn best when they feel safe and good about themselves. It is also my responsibility to encourage my students to be successful in the classroom by letting them to actively discover and acquire knowledge. My goal is to be a positive influence and inspiration to my students. I hope to motivate my students to become life-long learners who will continue their education and become positive and successful adults.

My name is Jennifer Newell and I love teaching 4th grade at Jackson Elementary. I have been teaching in Des Moines Schools for 16 years. I have been at Jackson for 6 years. I have taught 4th grade for a total of 12 years. I have also taught 3rd grade and 1st grade. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University. After several years in the business world, I went back to college and graduated from Upper Iowa University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. The decision to pursue a degree in Elementary Education was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

Student Environment/Class Description

I strive to make every student feel welcome, safe, and important in my classroom. I want every student to feel like they belong and to feel like they are a leader. I believe every child has the potential for greatness. My students set goals for themselves and they monitor their goals throughout the school year. When our learning gets hard, we learn how to persevere and keep trying. We learn how to work with others, and we learn how to listen and embrace other people’s ideas and differences. We work on being kind, caring, respectful and responsible students and we learn and practice the 7 habits of The Leader in Me.

Hello! My name is Katie Pfannebecker. I received my BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics from UNI in December of 2004. I attended school while I was teaching to add a reading endorsement, and again later to get my Reading Recovery Certification.

I have held many roles at Jackson Elementary since I was hired in 2006. I have taught 4th grade, 5th grade, 1st grade, and been an Instructional Coach before settling into my current role as an interventionist.

Student Environment/Class Description

My role as an interventionist gives me the privilege to work with a variety of students ranging from Kindergarten to 5th grade. I provide small group instruction throughout the day that supports children where they are. The goal is to give them an extra boost of instruction that will help close gaps in their learning. Groups are short term and fluctuate throughout the year. I strive to create a community of learners in which students feel loved and challenged to work hard. I want them to love reading and see that hard work pays off.

Welcome to 2nd grade room 1015! I have been teaching with DMPS and Jackson since 2002. I truly feel Jackson is my home away from home! I have taught kindergarten, first grade and my favorite of all, 2nd grade. I earned my Elementary Education Degree from Grand View University and my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Viterbo University. I grew up, lived and went to school in Des Moines my entire life. I am a proud product of Des Moines Public Schools! In my spare time I love to cheer on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs! I am very fortunate to say, “I get paid to do what I love!”

Student Environment/Class Description
In our 2nd grade classroom, I strive to have a classroom that is not only safe but FUN! I want kids to always feel safe, cared for and loved. I want students to love coming to school each and every day! My hopes are that when they leave my class they are leaders who show kindness and empathy to others, embrace their differences and learn from one another. My desire is for all my students to have a love of reading and learning! We learn so much from one another so in our classroom we have a team approach! Our classroom moto is TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK! In our classroom we work as a team to reach our goals!

Hello, I am Miss Raper. I am beginning my 7th year as a Special Education Teacher at Jackson Elementary. Before becoming a Teacher, I spent 25 years working with Intellectually Disabled adults in a group home or sheltered workshop setting. I decided to update my education and pivot my career in a different direction. I completed my Master’s in Teaching from Drake University in 2014 with endorsements in Special Education and Reading. I have been at Jackson since 2014 and love the school and its students.

Student Environment/Class Description

My number one priority for my students is to let them know that I believe in their ability to learn. My classroom is a safe space for all students. My daily message to my students is that they are smarter than they realize, my students come to know that I am one of their biggest cheerleaders. I am committed to helping my students achieve academic growth and proficiency.

My message to the parents of my students is that I am a passionate advocate for your child. I understand that concerns about your child and their education do not stop at the end of the day so I make my personal phone numbers available for parents with the understanding that they can get in touch with me at their convenience.

Hello, I’m Katie Schneider!

This is my first year teaching and I am excited to join the Jackson family! I graduated from Iowa State University and am eager to help my students grow. In my free time I enjoy cheering on the Boston Red Sox and Hawkeyes with my husband, exercising, reading, and taking my dog Millie on walks.

Hi, Everybody! My name is Marla Sobel, and I am a professional school counselor. I work at Jackson full-time, and I have been lucky enough to be serving Jackson students, families, and staff for almost twenty-eight years (since 1992)! I have been employed by the Des Moines Public Schools since 1986, when I began my educational career as a classroom teacher for the first five years in the district. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa in 1986 and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Drake University in 1992.

I believe that ALL children have the ability to learn and to become productive, contributing, successful members of society. They also have the ability develop satisfying relationships and to manage their lives/feelings in a way that can bring them joy, fulfillment, and positive regard for themselves and others. It is my job as a counselor to help children learn and develop the skills for social-emotional-behavioral management to help them reach those goals.

EVERY child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. EVERY child deserves to have a voice. EVERY child needs to be taught how to effectively manage the challenging ups/downs of real life. I hope to touch their lives in a positive way as I work with them in their classrooms, small groups, or individually.

My name is Tracey Stephens. My first 3 years in education started in Norwalk Iowa.  I have been working for the DMPS starting the school year 2003-2004 as a Special Ed behavior paraeducator, switching to Office Manager in April 2017. I find great joy and satisfaction working for the families and staff of Jackson Elementary. I am also currently volunteer as the lead coach for the Girls On The Run (GOTR) team as well as the boys STRIDE run team here at Jackson.  Watching the growth of our youth has been one of the greatest gifts I have received from my job. I look forward to holding the Office Manager chair until retirement, only then to volunteer to support our youth. GO JACKSON STARS!

Hi! My name is Felicia Magee. I am so excited to begin my second year at Jackson Elementary as a fifth grade teacher! Last year I was a Title Reading/Math teacher for 4th and 5th grade, and am so excited to get to see the kiddo’s again this year as a classroom teacher! I graduated from Iowa State University in 2013 with my B.A. in elementary education with endorsements in Reading/Language arts. I began subbing for the Des Moines district for a little over two years before I was hired at Jackson. I am so excited for the school year to begin and to be learning right along with the kids!

I live with my family in Grimes. My boyfriend Josh and I  have three children. Blake and Janaya are both going into first grade and my youngest Addilyn, just turned two. Needless to say, they keep us busy! Occasionally when I get time to myself, I love to read, watch tv, or spend my days at the pool!

First and foremost, I want my classroom to make every child feel safe, welcomed, and loved. In my class we will learn how to work as a team, think critically, and understand how the knowledge we learn applies to real life situations. I want my students to realize that what they are learning now will be applied and used over and over as they grow older. My classroom will have an underlying focus on working together and learning how to be a positive impact on our community. We must learn how to be Caring, Respectful and Responsible. We must know that mistakes are a part of learning and making mistakes is when you learn the most. Having a growth mindset and knowing we will keep trying until we succeed is an important goal in my class. My classroom will focus more on student led learning- with students working together and teaching each other.

I don’t want my students to read just because they “have to”, but because they have a chance to live in another world and experience life through someone else’s eyes. To think critically about what they read in order to make decisions and apply this knowledge to the reality they live in. To learn about themselves and the world around them. I want my students to understand that Math is not just solving problems. It is not only understanding HOW we do things, but WHY we do it and WHEN we use these skills.

Welcome to Jackson!  I have have worked as an educator for DMPS for over 20 years.   I love Des Moines Public Schools.  It truly is a great place to learn and grow.  I am a product of DMPS.  As a kindergarten and 1st grade student I went to Monroe and then my parents bought their first house so I a finished my elementary years at Moore School.  I went to Meredith Junior High and graduated from Hoover High School.  After college I moved to Arizona for 10 years and taught 4th, 5th and 6th grade in Yuma.  In 1998, I moved back to Des Moines and begin working for DMPS in the fall of 1989.  The first five years I was a 1st grade teacher, 2nd grade teacher and an Instructional Coach at McKee Elementary.  The past 20 years I have worked as a Dean of Students and Principal for Brubaker, Wright, Monroe, and Jackson.