16 teachers, 2 new administrators join Charles City educational staff for 2022-23 school year

Two administrators also taking new positions in school district

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

Sixteen new teachers will be roaming the halls of the Charles City Community School District when school starts Wednesday, helping educate and guide students ranging from kindergarten through high school.

While new to their positions, many of them are not new to the community or to the school system, and most of them have previous teaching experience.

Six of them are natives of Charles City, and several others have spent time here previously, either as student teachers or in different educational roles.

They represent a decidedly regional background, with nine of them from Iowa, four from Minnesota and two from Wisconsin. Only one is coming from farther than that, from Colorado.

The 11 women and five men represent an age rage from 22 to 58, and vary in experience from first-time teachers to veterans of many years and sometimes several schools.

All the district’s teachers have spent last week getting ready for the start of classes on Wednesday, with new teachers putting in an extra couple of days at the beginning to help them learn their way around the district.

In addition, there are two new administrators, including one at the top position in the district.

Dr. Anne Lundquist was selected as the interim superintendent of the school district after the resignation last year of former Superintendent Mike Fisher, who left to become superintendent in his home town of Oskaloosa.

Lundquist has a wide range of education experience in the classroom, as an administrator and in public and private educational organizations.

Lundquist and her husband had retired to Charles City to be near family, then Lundquist got back into the classroom last year when Immaculate Conception was looking for a second grade teacher, and back into administration when the public school district was looking for an interim superintendent.

“My personal goal is simply to serve and make a difference,” she said.

The other new administrator, Dr. Jennifer Schilling, joins the district as the director of academic services.

Schilling taught math in the Charles City Middle School from 1998 to 2008, then went on to teach at the college level and to work as a consultant with the Central Rivers Area Education Association.

Schilling said her top goals are “building a cohesive math curriculum” and “supporting teachers in implementing best instructional practices across all school campuses built on a common philosophy about what is best for student learning.”

The Press asked each of the new teachers and administrators for some biographical information, and some questions on why they entered the education profession, why they ended up in the Charles City school district, and their goals for their first year in Charles City.

Here is that information:

• • •

Avery Allen – First Grade.

Age 23; Hometown: Mason City.

Experience: Previously student taught in transitional kindergarten for Charles City Community Schools. Other occupation: serving/bartending at the Other Place in Clear Lake.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of Northern Iowa.

Family: Parents Don and Liz Allen, younger sister Kamryn.

Why teach: I became a teacher because I wanted to work with children and help them meet their educational and professional goals.

Why CCCSD: I chose to become a part of the Charles City School District because of the community. Within the school district I feel each staff member is caring, fun and doing what’s best for all students.

Goals this year: My goal for my first year of teaching is to build relationships with the students both in and out of my classroom while helping them build skills that will help them in the future.

• • •

Luke Anderson – Fifth/Seventh Reading, Ninth Baseball Coach.

Age 22; Hometown: St. Lucas, Iowa.

Experience: Substitute taught at Turkey Valley CSD in December 2020, Assistant Baseball Coach at Turkey Valley CSD 2019-2021.

Education: B.A., elementary education from Wartburg College; earned endorsements in K-8 reading, 5-8 science and 5-8 mathematics.

Family: Parents are Amanda Lawless and Dave Anderson of St. Lucas.

Why teach: I want to help kids realize their full potential in this world.

Why CCCSD: I student taught in the district in the fall of 2021 and received great support amongst staff and administration. Everyone seems very caring and helpful; they want to see everyone succeed.

Goals this year: Create an environment where students have fun, find purpose in their learning, and take ownership of their work.

• • •

Grace Becker – K-4 General Music.

Age 22; Hometown: Bloomington, Minn.

Experience: Education: BME from Wartburg College in 2022.

Why teach: I became a teacher because I love getting to see kids grow and discover their passions.

Why CCCSD: I decided to come to Charles City because it is a very welcoming community with teachers who want the best for their students.

Goals this year: My biggest goal is always to inspire students to be lifelong musicians through engaging and encouraging music lessons.

• • •

Dan Bohlen – Industrial Technology, CCHS.

Age 43; Hometown: Charles City.

Experience: Toolmaker at Hawkeye Preferred Tooling, Charles City; toolmaker at Precision of New Hampton; machinist at Pella Corporation, Pella.

Education: Charles City Community High School, 1998; associate in applied science degree in tool and die; North Iowa Area Community College, 2000.

Family: Wife, Sheena Bohlen; children Ellie, 6th grade, Piper, 4th grade, Archer, 2nd grade.

Why teach: Teaching is something that has always intrigued me, but after high school I had more of an interest in a two-year technical school. Teaching at the college level was my only option until learning the Iowa BOEE offered a career and technical authorization. Teaching at the high school level gives me the ability to help students find or “spark” an interest in the technical trades.

Why CCCSD: I want to work in the school I attended and my children will attend. I want to help our youth find passion in what I found my passion in.

Goals this year: My goals my first year are to build relationships with the students and faculty and to make relationships with local businesses for students to get a firsthand look at the real world work life.

• • •

Briana Bromley – Special Education, Washington Elementary.

Age 30; Hometown: Walden, Colorado.

Experience: Three years teaching in Southern Colorado, three years teaching special education on the front range of Colorado.

Education: AA in natural resource management, Colorado Community College; AA in arts Adams State University; BA education Adams State University; Certificate of Masters in English language acquisition Regis University.

Family: Fiancé Noah Brockshus.

Why teach: Being a teacher runs in the family as my parents are both educators, but school was never easy for me, leading me to be a special education teacher to assist students in finding their strengths and being proud of who they are. Understanding by personal experience my students are working just has hard if not harder than every other student just to get by pushes me to be the best teacher and person I can be.

Why CCCSD: Moving to a new state is a big change but there is one thing that lead me to Charles City – “Regardless of who you are or what your story is, you can learn and be loved here.” With one sentence I knew this was the school I want to call home.

Goals this year: My goal for this first year is make memories, have fun and teach each and every one of my students.

• • •

Rick Gabel – Alternative Education.

Age 58; Hometown: Charles City.

Experience: Social studies teacher and coach at Riceville and Charles City for 14 years; administrator at CCCSD for 14 years; success coordinator at Clarksville CSD for three years.

Education: BA in education from UNI (1988) and ISU administrative degree (2004).

Family: Wife Danene, 33 years; three sons, three grandsons.

Why teach: Helping young people experience success has always been rewarding.

Why CCCSD: I know a lot of people in the CCCSD and the job opening at the Innovative Campus was a very good fit.

Goals this year: Help the Innovative Campus staff develop supportive protocols for student success.

• • •

Kiera Krueger – First Grade.

Age 28; Hometown: Fond du Lac, Wis.; I have lived in Charles City for the last 10 years.

Experience: I previously worked in the building as a Headstart/preschool teacher for the last five years.

Education: I have an AA from NIACC and a BA in education from BVU.

Family: Husband Jasper, 1-year-old son Huxley.

Why teach: I want to help students reach their full potential and help them to grow as lifelong learners.

Why CCCSD: I love the values and mission at the Charles City School District and I enjoy working with the staff at Washington Elementary.

Goals this year: Learn the first grade curriculum, create a classroom family, help students to grow.

• • •

Mattie Maloy – Special Education, CCHS.

Age 25; Hometown: Charles City.

Experience: Early Childhood Learning Center classroom teacher for four years in Lamoni; literacy/behavioral specialist in the Peace corps, one year. Special education teacher in Kansas City, K-7th grade at Sherwood Autism Center.

Education: Bachelor in elementary education & reading/special education at Graceland University. Currently going back to school at Morningside for a high school special education endorsement and a masters in special education.

Family: Parents: Joe and Dede Maloy; siblings: AJ, Toni and Morgan.

Why teach: I love seeing students make progress on all goals: life, athletic, social and academic.

Why CCCSD: I wanted to be closer to family and give back to the community that raised me!

Goals this year: To get to know and build a great relationship with my students, coworkers and community; to enhance my teaching practices through learning from my coworkers; to motivate my students and set them up for the most progress possible!

• • •

Alexis Manning – Second grade.

Age 24; Hometown: Charles City.

Experience: Long-term substitute in Osage at Lincoln Elementary as a special education teacher for preschool through first grade students. Last academic year, I work at Roosevelt Elementary in Mason City as a kindergarten teacher.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education (K-6) and an endorsement in reading/writing (K-8), 2020, University of Northern Iowa.

Family: My parents are Jessica Daniels and Jay Clough. I have two younger siblings who attended Charles City Schools, Marissa Daniels and Jaxon Daniels. My husband, Nate Manning, is also a Charles City native. We hope to someday have our own kids go through Charles City Schools with the same great experience.

Why teach: The obvious answer is that I wanted to work in a profession with kids. However, it is always more than that for teachers. I chose teaching because I want to make difference in the world and that begins with the littles. I want to help students become confident leaders, compassionate and respectful persons and responsible citizens.

Why CCCSD: I chose to be a part of Charles City Schools simply because I had a phenomenal school experience from start to finish while I was a student here. I have heard so many good things come from students, parents and other educators about what the school system has done to make students more successful and meaningful.

Goals this year: My biggest goal for this year is to help your child grow and prepare their learning for the next grade level and as an adult in the real world.

• • •

Meg Nyberg – K-4 ELL, Title 1.

Age 23; Hometown: Charles City.

Experience: eighth grade language arts, K-5 reading specialist and literacy coach, first grade teacher, fourth grade teacher.

Education: M.Ed in international education, Framingham State University; BA in elementary education; Cornell College.

Family: Patrick, TAG teacher in CC, Haley (4), Wes (1).

Why teach: I love getting to know students, their stories and having a positive impact on their lives.

Why CCCSD: After teaching abroad for a decade, I’m excited to be a part of a community that is less transient and more invested in long-term outcomes. I grew up in Charles City and am excited for my kids to be close to family and part of the CC community.

Goals this year: Build relationships with students and colleagues.

• • •

Patrick Nyberg – Talented & Gifted (Math Specialist).

Age 32; Hometown: Lino Lakes, Minnesota.

Experience: I have taught mostly grade 10-12 mathematics, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.

Education: Bachelor of Arts from Luther College, Master of Education from Framingham State University.

Family: My wife, Meg, will also be working in the Charles City Community Schools. We have two kids: Haley (4) and Wes (1).

Why teach: Everyone can name a few teachers who made an impact in their childhood. Even if I am not “that teacher” for most students, I know how important it is for kids to have a safe space where they can be loved, supported and challenged to grow.

Why CCCSD: Charles City Schools are doing some great things in education; I was drawn to the warmth of the community, the student-centered practices and a progressive vision for the future of the district. This community is a place where I would (and do) want my own kids to go to school.

Goals this year: I hope to strengthen our district’s gifted identification policies and practices, in order to ensure that our identified gifted population represents our district’s demographics, and that a variety of domains of giftedness are recognized.

• • •

Danielle Peterson – Spanish, CCHS.

Age 22; Hometown: Watertown, Minnesota.

Experience: This is my first year teaching. I completed my student teaching at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School for seventh and eightth grade social studies (I am also licensed to teach American history) and at New Hampton High School for Spanish.

Education: I just graduated this past May from Wartburg College with a bachelor’s in history and a bachelor’s in American history education with a Spanish endorsement (5-12).

Family: My parents still live in Minnesota and I have a twin sister who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. My fiancé and I just moved to Charles City and we are very excited to be a part of this community!

Why teach: I became a teacher because I love working with students and getting to know them, while also teaching them about a subject that I am very passionate about! I want to share my passion with my students and hope that I can have some influence on students to continue learning about other people, places, and cultures.

Why CCCSD: When I was at Wartburg, I had the opportunity to come up to Charles City and do field experience with Angie Holzer, who is now my mentor! I could tell right away that this district is different and is doing things right. I knew that I wanted to be in a district that interacts with its community and values their students, no matter their background. I am so excited to be a part of this community!

Goals this year: My main goal is to get to know as many students and families as I can! Relationships are so important and I cannot wait to form connections with students. Another goal is to make myself known in the community. I am looking forward to attending sporting events, musical concerts and other activities within the district. I love supporting our students, even if I don’t see them in my classroom.

• • •

Ingri Tutu – Special Education, CCHS.

Hometown: Rice Lake, WI.

Experience: Previously taught special education in Wisconsin, Hawaii and Missouri. Most recently created a small business, Safety Strong LLC, that provides safety curriculum for students at the elementary level.

Education: M.Ed. in educational psychology from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

Family: Husband, Edward, daughter in eighth grade, Ana, and son in fifth grade, Simon.

Why teach: I’ve always been fascinated by the variety of skills, needs and challenges with students in general. It is a passion of mine to connect with the students and to work with them to grow both academically and in life skills.

Why CCCSD: I chose Charles City Schools to be part of a team that focuses on quality education for all students.

Goals this year: Connect with the individual students and make a positive difference in their educational experience.

• • •

Melanie Van Soelen – Eighth Grade Language Arts.

Hometown: Breckenridge, Minnesota.

Experience: I’ve taught middle school my entire career. Most recently I was a seventh grade language arts teacher in Fargo, North Dakota.

Education: I’ve received degrees from North Dakota State College of Science and Mayville State University.

Family: My husband and I have one son who will be starting middle school this year in Charles City.

Why teach: I became an educator because I love the feeling of making a difference. I absolutely love my job and appreciate the opportunity to help facilitate learning and growth in students.

Why CCCSD: Comet Pride is very strong in the schools and community alike. The people have been extremely helpful, genuine and welcoming. We are thrilled to be citizens of Charles City.

Goals this year: My goals include building positive relationships, learning from all of the staff members, and challenging students to be the best version of themselves while learning and growing.

• • •

Emily Wollak – Special Education, CCHS.

Age 42; Hometown: Charles City.

Experience: Augsburg University, student teaching supervisor; Apple Valley, Minnesota, Schools, special ed teacher.

Education: Bachelor’s from UNI, master’s from Morningside University, and admin certificate from St. Mary’s University.

Family: Maiden name is Lucas.

Why teach: I love to connect with students and help them to be lifelong learners.

Why CCCSD: I chose Charles City schools because of the need for special education teachers and I was excited to be a Comet again.

Goals this year: My goals for the first year are to get acclimated to the district again and to help students learn to their full potential.

• • •

Timothy Young – Special Education, CCHS.

Age 45; Hometown: Osage.

Experience: Paraprofessional for 14 years in Massachusetts and Iowa.

Education: BS, MS in psychology, University of Phoenix; BA in special education and elementary education, Western Governors University.

Family: Married, with two kids (ages 25 and soon to be 19).

Why teach: I love watching the looks on the faces of students when they connect something they learn in the classroom with what they know in the real world.

Why CCCSD: A great opportunity for me to continue to help young people become capable adults.

Goals this year: Establishing myself in a new environment by making healthy connections with students and staff.

• • • • • • • •

Dr. Anne Lundquist – Superintendent (interim)

Age: 62, Hometown: Des Moines

Experience: I served as a grade two teacher at Immaculate Conception School, in Charles City for the 2021-22 school year. I was also able to serve as a superintendent and assistant superintendent in both Minnesota and Iowa. Previously I worked as consultant with McREL (Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning), in Denver, Colorado. Also served as the director for educational services in the Area Education Agency system in Iowa, as well as the Department of Education in Minnesota. I have also served as a principal, assistant principal and teacher at both elementary and secondary levels. I was among the first in the nation to earn National Board Certification.

Education: Associate of Arts degree from Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri; bachelor’s degrees (2) Graceland University, Lamoni; masters (2), specialist and doctorate degrees from Drake University, Des Moines.

Family: I have been married to my husband, Jim, for 43 years, and we are the parents of two children, Jeanne (Scott) Hansen, Eddie  Lundquist, and grandparents to four grandchildren

Why education: My personal goal is simply to serve and make a difference.

Why CCCSD: I am a resident of Charles City, having planned for many years to retire in this area.

Goals this year: I am looking forward to working closely with the School Board and our team of building and department leaders to provide a more cohesive and aligned system through the implementation of the CCCSD Strategic Plan: 2022-2027. This will enable us to ensure we provide services and support to staff, students and families, that are efficient, effective and equitable.

• • •

Dr. Jennifer Schilling – Director of Academic Services.

Age 56; Hometown: Plainfield.

Experience: Taught in public schools for 18 years, Wartburg College as an associate professor in the math and education departments, AEA math consultant for 6 years.

Education: EdD in curriculum and instruction, MA in middle school math education, BA in elementary education.

Family: two daughters, Megan teaches and is married to Jordan Vanderloop, 2 children, Camden 2 yrs. and Josie is 5 months; Morgan is an environmental engineer in San Francisco.

Why teach: Education has always been my passion as I am a lifelong learner and love to help students and now teachers reach their potential. Being an educator is an opportunity to give back and help develop young people. The work is hard but very rewarding.

Why CCCSD: Having taught in Charles City years ago there are obviously many good memories and relationships I hold close. Most importantly the experiences I had teaching here have helped me grow as an educator and a person. The teaching I did with teams of teachers during my time at the middle school helped me evolve as a teacher and support student success. I want to support the district in continuing to increase student success and opportunities for educators to be successful as well.

Goals this year: (1) build a cohesive curriculum and instructional framework K-12 in math and literacy, and (2) support the special education program in by implementing a consistent and clear problem-solving process as well as providing teachers with professional learning support around best instructional practices.