• Last Name
  • First Name
  • Title
  • Email
Nancy Baack
Bio:

nbaack@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Webster City and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa.  After college my husband and I moved to Carroll and I began teaching at G-R. We have 3 kids, 2 daughters and a son, in their 20s. I have always loved art and am thrilled to get to spend my days helping 4th-12th grade students improve their art skills, express themselves, and use their brains in different and important ways.

I also have my National Board Certification in Adolescent/Young Adult Art. In my spare time I enjoy creating my own art, reading, baking, learning new technology, exercising, being in nature, and having fun with my family and friends. You can check out the website I created for my students at mrsbaack.com or follow my school Instagram account @gliddenralstonart.

Kaylee Bach
Bio:

kbach@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

 

I grew up and graduated from Humboldt High School. In 2015, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa. I went on to receive my Masters in Professional School Counseling from Buena Vista University. I am married to Ryan Bach, a Carroll native. Together we have two girls, twin boys and two cats! In our free time we love to be together as a family, go swimming and hiking, go visit grandparents, and watching football. I am very excited to begin my first year as the K-12 School Counselor for Glidden-Ralston.

Ron Bentz
Bio:

rbentz@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Jefferson, Iowa and graduated from Jefferson-Scranton High School in 1989. After high school, I attended DMACC in Ankeny for building trades. I continued my education at DMACC in Boone earning an Associate Degree and completed my education at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska in 1997. Following my graduation from Wayne State, I accepted a 7-12 Industrial Technology teaching position at Ruthven-Ayrshire High School in Ruthven, Iowa. Our family moved back to this area after 15 years of teaching in the Ruthven-Ayrshire school district. I am in my eleventh year teaching at Glidden-Ralston as of 2022-23 school year.

Tricia
Bio:

 

tbock@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

 

I grew up in Colorado until high school where I attended Kuemper.  After graduation I went to UNI to major in Psychology and Sociology, after two years I transferred to DMACC in Carroll and graduated the nursing program in 2009.  Then I worked at St. Anthony hospital on the medical/surgical/pediatric floor, for an Ob/Gyn  doctor and then for Mcfarland clinic for the last 10 years.  I continue to work there as needed.  I live in Glidden now with my husband, Glidden native-Josh, daughter, son, 2 dogs and a cat.  I enjoy helping people and making them feel better.  In my spare time you'll either see me being a social butterfly, hibernating in my house reading, camping or playing/watching sporting events.

Boeckman
Bio:

 

cboeckman@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Carroll, where I graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School. I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in Speech Pathology and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. I was a teacher's associate for 2.5 years in the Denison Community School District, and I substitute taught in the surrounding area for a year. I currently live in Breda, Iowa with my husband Brandon, and our son Braxton. This is my first year with my own classroom and I could not be more excited to be here at GR!

Dan Dreessen
Bio:

ddreesen@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

 

I graduated from Carroll High School and participated in Football, Basketball, Track, and Baseball. My wife Kris (Graduate of GR) are proud parents of two girls, Kaylee, Alicen, and Austin. In my spare time, I like to hunt and fish.

Rhonda Conner
Bio:

rconner@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Ralston and graduated from Glidden-Ralston. My husband Matt and I farm north of Glidden, and also raise hogs and cattle. We have 3 boys, our 2 oldest , Weston and Stuart have graduated from college and Oliver is a senior in high school. I am currently in my 11th year at Glidden-Ralston where I am an Elementary and Guidance office secretary. I enjoy my job very much and am excited to be working in the school where my husband,myself,and our kids have graduated.

Chris Fiscus
Bio:

Cfiscus@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in the small town of Lake View, Iowa. I graduated from Wall Lake View Auburn High School in 2003. I graduated from The University of South Dakota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2010. After graduating I did some substitute teaching at Glidden-Ralston and the Carroll area. I was hired in January of 2013 to reboot a struggling band program in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. After teaching there for two and a half years we moved closer to family with me teaching at Omaha Nation Public Schools in Macy, Nebraska on the Omaha Nation Indian reservation. Now, I teach Band at both Glidden-Ralston and Coon Rapids-Bayard. My wife teaches Vocal Music at Coon Rapids-Bayard. We have a 6 year old son, Drew and a 3 year old daughter Erika. Our family lives in Coon Rapids and are excited to be moving back to the area.

Kim Flanagan
Bio:

kflanagan@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I am an Iowa farm girl who grew up on a farm just outside of Lidderdale, Iowa. I graduated from Carroll High School and then attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri where I graduated with a major in Elementary Education, a Reading Endorsement, and a concentration in Mathematics. My teaching career began by teaching preschool at Paton-Churdan Community School. I then taught third grade for four years before coming to Glidden. Teaching is my passion and I enjoy helping children become life-long learners. I love having them be actively engaged in what they are learning through hands-on work. I enjoy incorporating STEM into my classroom and having my students learn through making. I live in Carroll with my husband and three children. When I am not in school, I enjoy being outdoors, helping others, and spending time with family and friends.

Andy Golay
Bio:

agolay@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

Born and raised in Coon Rapids, Iowa where I graduated in 2008. I attended Iowa State University in the Fall of 2008 where I was majoring in Chemical Engineering. I attended Iowa State until the Spring of 2009 and transferred to DMACC in Ankeny and began to obtain a degree in Elementary Education. After a year at DMACC, I then transferred to Grand View University to complete my degree and graduated in 2014. My wife and I, along with our dog Chewbacca then moved to Madison, Wisconsin where I was a substitute teacher for the Madison Metropolitan School District for 1 year and then a 4th grade teacher position at St. John the Baptist in Jefferson, Wisconsin. We moved back in the summer of 2016 to Jefferson, Iowa where I accepted a position at Kuemper Catholic teaching 3rd grade. After teaching 2 years at Kuemper, I accepted a position for Glidden-Ralston School District teaching 2nd grade. I also am coaching Junior High Football along with Junior High Girls Basketball and can't be more excited to be here at Glidden-Ralston!

Kellie Henderson
Bio:

khenderson@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

Growing up on a farm west of Grand Junction and graduating from East Greene Community Schools, I learned the importance of community and serving others. I am a graduate of Rhema Bible College and Oral Roberts University earning a degree in Social Studies Education. While my 5 boys were born in Iowa, the last 13 years we lived in Oklahoma experiencing both small town and city life. I taught 7th grade Geography in Jenks, OK, a large school district with over 800 7th graders. My husband of 27 years brought us back to Iowa to pastor in Carroll and I am excited to be serving both Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan schools in the technology department. Since I love spending time with family, I am thrilled to be here in Iowa. In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities, camping, reading, baking and playing games with my family.

Lori Jepsen
Bio:

ljepsen@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Ricketts, Iowa, and graduated from Schleswig High School.  I attended Buena Vista University (then College) where I earned a double major in English and Library Science and a minor in German.  Following graduation, I began my education career at Glidden-Ralston as the K-12 Teacher Librarian.  Through the years, the position extended to include Pre-K as well as several 7-12 English classes.  After 38 years of teaching, I retired from my full-time position at G-R in the spring of 2021 and have now returned in a half-time capacity as the teacher librarian.  During my free time, I feel blessed to be able to spend more time with my mom and, of course, do lots of reading!  I also cater to the whims of two devil dogs--Tandy and Princess, a chorkie and a dorkie!  I love being back at G-R--our students are THE BEST!

McKenzie
Bio:

mkiger@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

As an Iowa native, I grew up in Exira and graduated from Audubon High School. I completed the teacher licensure program through Morningside College with endorsements in English/Language Arts and Psychology and have a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from The University of Iowa. After college, I spent almost five years in Colorado working in adaptive recreation before moving back to Iowa. I worked at Carroll Middle School for three years before coming to Glidden to teach English and Language Arts. Go Wildcats!

Lindsey Klocke
Bio:

lklocke@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I originally grew up in Carroll and graduated from Kuemper High School. I attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a BA degree in elementary education and a minor in special education. I've also recently graduated with my master's degree from Buena Vista in curriculum and instruction. Before I came to Glidden, I taught for 2 and ½ years in Omaha in a second grade classroom. Then I moved to Dedham with my husband and taught here at Glidden in special education for 2 years. This year I am thrilled to be named Technology Integrationist and Curriculum Director.

Todd Koehler
Bio:

toddkoehler@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I was born in Syracuse, NY and moved in the 6th grade to Spirit Lake, IA where I graduated high school in 1992. I furthered my education at Waldorf College in Forest City where I graduated with my A.A. in Business Administration. I then graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout in Menominee, WI with a B.S. in Business Administration. I work as a Contractor Relations Representative for American Home Shield where I manage the HVAC network in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. My wife, Paula, is also a Spirit Lake High School graduate. We have two daughters Morgan and Vanessa who are very active, and keep us on the run. I have been an active member of the Carroll Kiwanis Club for 18 years. I am also active in our church currently the VP of our church council. In my spare time I like to golf, travel, fish, pheasant hunt with our two dogs, and cheer for the Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Kathy Kozak
Bio:

kakozak@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up on a farm by Coon Rapids and now live in Glidden. I graduated from Coon Rapids High School , then went to DMACC for 2 years where I received an AA degree in Developmental Disabilities. I started at G-R in the fall of 1997. My husband and I have 3 grown daughters that have graduated from G-R. I enjoy time with family and friends.

Kreg Lensch
Bio:

Klensch@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I am a proud 1984 graduate of Glidden-Ralston. I attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa and received my Bachelor of Arts in Education. After several years of teaching I attended Drake University and received my Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration as well as My Specialist degree with superintendent certification. I served for 10 years as the building principal at GR and am now serving as superintendent. One of the things I take the most pride in is the fact that 13 members of my immediate family have graduated from this school district. I live in Glidden. I enjoy spending time with my sons, daughters and grandchildren...

Julie Leonard
Bio:

jleonard@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Halbur, graduated from Kuemper High School and then Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, I  currently live in Carroll.  I have three children; Madison, Mitchell and Nash. I began my career at Glidden-Ralston in 1999. I am currently the  Pre-K –12 Talented and Gifted Teacher/Coordinator and teach 7-12 Family Consumer Science Teacher and  4-8 Technology. In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with friends and family.

Janyce Majerus
Bio:

jmajerus@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I graduated from Carroll High School in 2002. I live in Glidden with my husband and 2 kids. I love spending time with family out side of work.

Rachel Meshek
Bio:

rmeshek@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up on a farm south of Glidden, and graduated from Glidden-Ralston. I received my degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Iowa. I have taught many grades during my career here at G-R, but my love is watching the young ones blossom and grow. My husband, John, and I have three children who attend G-R. In nice weather, we enjoy camping, archery, and target shooting. When it is cold out, we love to watch movies, sit by the fire, and spend time with our family.

Julie Peters
Bio:

jpeters@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I am originally from Audubon, Iowa and now live in Glidden with my husband and two children. I graduated from UNI in 1994 with my elementary/early childhood teaching degree and obtained my reading endorsement from Viterbo University in the spring of 2006. My teaching career began at Holy Trinity in Halbur teaching Kindergarten for six years, followed by five years in First grade at Paton-Churdan, and I am currently in my 16th year of teaching 4th/5th/6th grade Literacy at Glidden-Ralston. I love teaching in the community where I live and am raising my family. Outside of school, I enjoy walking, reading, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

Gregg Platt
Bio:

gplatt@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I have been at Glidden-Ralston for almost 21 years as a Custodial Engineer. My wife, Kim, and I both graduated from G-R, along with our 2 sons. We also have 1 grandchild who is almost 2 years old,his name is Jaxsyn and we enjoy spending all the time we can with him. In my free time I enjoy driving out in the country looking at crops and nature, I also have a great time on the dance floor.

Payton Rath
Bio:

Prath@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

 

"I grew up in Glidden and graduated from Glidden-Ralston in 2012. In 2017, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in reading and special education from Drake University. I live in Glidden with my husband, Jake and my son, AJ.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and walking my dog, Bo! I am so proud to be a wildcat! We are G-R!"

Kelsie Richardson
Bio:

kerichardson@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Carroll. I earned my a bachelor's degree in Social Work and in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. I live in Lake City with my Husband, Kelan, who farms and raises turkeys. We have 3 children, Kinley (4), Knox (1) and our newborn, Kemry. We love going camping and traveling! I am so excited to start my career teaching 3rd grade at Glidden-Ralston.

Colby Schumann
Bio:

cschumann@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Belmond, Iowa and graduated from Belmond-Klemme in 2017. I attended Iowa State University in the fall of 2017 where I studied Math Education. I graduated from Iowa State in the spring of 2021. I now live just north of Glidden with my dog, Henderson. When I am not teaching you can find me watching and playing sports and cheering on the Cyclones. I am very excited to help students reach their full potential in mathematics!

Kayla Schwanz
Bio:

kschwanz@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Glidden and graduated from Glidden-Ralston in 2008. I attended Iowa Western Community College for one year and then received my B.A. in Elementary Education from Grand View University in Des Moines in 2012. After attending college, I substituted at many surrounding schools for one year. I recently married my long-time boyfriend and best friend! We live in Glidden and enjoy being part of a great community! During my spare time, I enjoy being outside, watching movies, being with friends and family, attending Iowa State sporting events, and playing with our dog, Cy!

Tyler Shipley
Bio:

tshipley@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in State Center, Iowa and graduated in 2007 from West Marshall. After high school I attended William Penn University where I played Basketball and Track. I am in my third year teaching and my first year at Glidden-Ralston. I am excited to be the PreK-12 P.E. teacher because I will be able to get to know all the student and watch them grow. I will also be coaching Boy's Varsity Basketball. I live in Carroll and enjoy watching and playing sports in me free time. Go Cyclones!

HS
Bio:

hsibbel@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

Raised on a farm outside of Manning, Iowa, I attended school at Kuemper in Carroll, Iowa where I graduated in 2017.  I attended Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa in the fall of 2017 and graduated in the spring of 2021 with a major in Elementary and Special Education and an endorsement in reading.  In the spring of 2021, I accepted a Title Reading and Special Education position for the Glidden-Ralston School District.  I’m so happy to be a part of such a wonderful school!

KS
Bio:

Here is my website. Click here!

 

ksherman@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

 

Let’s meet Kristine Sherman, GR’s new English Teacher. She grew up in Ft Dodge, also lived in England for a while, then moved to Denver, Colorado. She is now back in beautiful Iowa. Kristine attended high school at St Edmond HS in Fort Dodge and graduated from The University of Iowa and Regis University, in Colorado. She has a son who is five years old and attending Kindergarten here at Glidden-Ralston

Outside of school, She enjoys running, cycling, and visiting National Parks in the summertime. One of her favorite places to visit is the Taos Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico, and Santa Fe, the stomping grounds of artist Georgia O'Keeffe. 

What would the students be surprised to find out about you? “I have met a few famous people including Lance Armstrong, Wayne Gretzky, JK Rowling, and Stephen Hawking, to name a few.” 

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies? “Books: Life of Pi by Yann Martel; movies: Jiro Dreams of Sushi”

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share? “Embrace challenges. You won't grow without stumbling along the way.”

How do you think students will remember you and your class? “I hope they will develop an interest in life-long learning!”

What are your must-have smartphone apps? “Facebook, Audible, SkyView, Calm”

 

Lacey Starr
Bio:

lstarr@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I was born and raised in Fairbury, NE.  I graduated in 2006 and later obtained my Associates Degree.  My family moved to Glidden in 2019. I started working at G-R in the fall of 2019.  My husband, Reid, and I have twin boys, Peyton and Parker.  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Kara Struck
Bio:

 

kshipley@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I was born and raised in Denison, Iowa in which I graduated from Denison-Schleswig High School in 2015. I attended college in Cedar Falls at University of Northern Iowa where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 2019. After graduation, I started my teaching career teaching 2nd grade here at Glidden-Ralston. This is my 3rd year of teaching 2nd grade. I live in Carroll with my fiance, Tyler Shipley, and our dog, Izzy. In my spare time, I love to spend time with family, friends, and watching movies!

 

Kirk Thelin
Bio:

 

kthelin@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Urbandale High School (1976). I attended Simpson College and graduated in 1980. Diane and I are proud parents of two GR graduates, Allison and Ryan. We are proud of our grandkids and enjoy every minute we can spend with them. I have taught a variety of Social Studies and Computer subjects while at Glidden-Ralston. Some of my interests and hobbies are collecting baseball cards and working with computers. I love watching the History and Discovery Channel. I believe that Glidden-Ralston is one of the best schools a child can attend and come out with a quality educational experience. Update: I have retired but back to working part time.


https://sites.google.com/a/glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us/k3/


https://sites.google.com/glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us/g-reducationalresources/home

 

hh
Bio:

hhandlos@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I am from Glidden Iowa, I graduated from Glidden-Ralston in 2017. I attended the University of Northern Iowa for 4 years and graduated in 2021 with my History Education Degree with an Endorsement in the All-Social Sciences. I teach 7-12 Social Studies. I also coach junior high girls basketball, high school girls basketball and high school softball. 

Ashley Kahler
Bio:

I graduated from Eldora New Providence in Eldora, Iowa. I continued my academic and softball career at Ellsworth Community College where I was the starting catcher for two years. While at ECC I also golfed one year and received my AA degree. After ECC I transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with a K-12 Physical Education Degree with minors in Coaching and Health Education. After UNI I got my first teaching job at Newton Community School District where I taught 5th-8th PE for 10 years. While teaching PE I have also coached many different sports. I began my coaching career at the age of 19. I have been a Head Softball Coach for 12 years, Middle School volleyball coach for 10 years, Middle School Basketball for 6 years and Varsity Girls Golf for 2 years. I'm currently the Head Girls Varsity Basketball Coach and Volunteer Assistant Coach for Golf here at GR. My Husband, Brad Kahler and I will be married 7 years in December. We have a mini goldendoodle, Jak and Cat, Cy. We love to golf, travel, go camping and cheer on the Cyclones. 

Brad Kahler
Bio:

I grew up in Traer, Iowa and graduated from North Tama in 2004.  Traer is just a little bigger than Glidden.  I began coaching when I was 19 years old.  I've always enjoyed sports and coaching and so I went back to school later in life and graduated from the University of Iowa where I obtained my Activities Administrator Certification.  I previously have worked at Gladbrook-Reinbeck, BCLUW, WDM Valley, Saydel, and Newton.  I moved to Newton when I met my wife Ashley, who also teaches here at Glidden-Ralston.  While I was at Newton I was the Behavior Interventionist and Assistant AD, coached football and was the Head Varsity Baseball Coach my final two years there.  

 

My wife and I grew up in small towns and we were looking for an opportunity to get back to that small town living.  In our short time here, we have thoroughly enjoyed the students, staff, and community.  

We love being Glidden-Ralston Wildcats!  

#WERGR

Amber Leiting
Bio:

aworkman@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

Born and raised in Grimes, Iowa where I attended Dallas Center Grimes CSD and graduated from DC-G high school in 2016. After high school, I went on to Ellsworth Community College to play volleyball and further my education majoring in Elementary Education. After 1 year at Ellsworth, I transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where I graduated in November 2020. I obtained my B.A. degree in Elementary Education with a minor in K-8 Mathematics. This is my first year teaching and I am excited to begin my teaching career at Glidden-Ralston. In addition to teaching 5th & 6th grade math, I am also the high school assistant volleyball coach. Go wildcats! 

Bio:

I was born and grew up in Omaha, Nebraska.

Graduated from Millard South High School in 1995 with a class of 687 students.  

I attended Metro Community College for Culinary Arts and have worked with food ever since.  

I find food to be a way to connect with people and share good times.  

vanwey
Bio:

svanwey@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and attended school there. Following high school, I attended college at Missouri Southern State University and earned my degree in Elementary Education. My husband and I moved to Carroll in December of 2020 and have loved living in western Iowa! I enjoy being outdoors, watching movies, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and spending time with my family. I am excited to be a part of the Glidden-Ralston staff!

Jw
Bio:

Jwalker@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I grew up just south of Exira in Brayton, Iowa and graduated from Atlantic High School in 2015. Right after graduation I attended Iowa State University where I majored in Ag Business for two years. After that two years, I took a year off to farm with my dad and work as a plumber/electrician's apprentice in the Exira area. In the fall of 2017, I re-enrolled at Iowa State and graduated with a degree in History Education in 2021. My wife teaches kindergarten in Carroll so I did some subbing in Glidden before graduation, which eventually led to a teaching position. I am endorsed to teach all social science classes for grades 7-12. I also coach Junior High Football with Mr. Golay and High School Baseball with Mr. Corson.
 

 

Kyli Ware
Bio:

I grew up in Lidderdale, IA and graduated from Carroll High School in 2012. I went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Buena Vista University. My husband, Matthew is a Glidden native, graduating from Glidden-Ralston in 2012. Together, we have made our home in Glidden with our Corgi, Dexter. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. I am so happy to be working in the Glidden-Ralston School District! 

Bio:

I am originally from Norwalk, Iowa where I grew up and graduated high school. I began my college career at Iowa State University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Community Health and Wellness Education. I moved to Carroll after graduation from college and have been raising my family there for over 20 years. I have been in education for 20+ years and have served in several roles. I have worked as a Prevention Specialist, an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher/Consultant and Home Interventionist. I taught at Iowa Central Community College College in Early Childhood Education and was the Education Coordinator for a time. 

Along with Iowa State University, I have attended University of Northern Iowa (ECSE and MOC endorsements), Western Governors University (M.A. in Teacher Science) and Morningside College (endorsement in Education Consultation). 

I am beginning this year as the Glidden-Ralston Work-Based Learning Program Coordinator. I am excited for this opportunity for our communities!

lw
Bio:

I grew up in Carroll and graduated from Glidden-Ralston.  After high school I graduated from the University of Phoenix and recently obtained my Para-Educator in the state of Iowa.  I live in glidden with my husband and two young children; one of which is a Wildcat as well.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, creating art, and playing video games.  My favorite part of working with young children is helping them tap into their creative side and seeing things from a different perspective. 
 

ph
Bio:

I was born in Abilene, Texas and moved to Scranton when I was in fourth grade.  I graduated from Scranton and then went on to Northwestern College in Orange City where I received my Bachelor's Degree in elementary and special education.  I received additional special education endorsements from Iowa State and later received my Master's Degree in reading from Morningside.  I have had the privilege of teaching at the Lohrville, East Greene and Carroll Community school districts and am thrilled to now be a teacher for Glidden-Ralston.  When I am not at school I love spending time with my family and friends and being an active part of my church.  

si
Bio:

Hello! My name is Samantha Irwin. I graduated from UNI with a BA in elementary education and reading endorsement.I am currently working on my special education  endorsement and on a conditional license. I am the special education teacher and love working with kids.  I love to see students grow, learn and be creative in the classroom.  I live in Glidden with my husband Marcus  and three children Madison, Michael, and Melody. I teach Wednesday nights at church and am the Girl Scout leader for Glidden. I enjoy being a leader in the classroom and outside of the classroom for our youth.  I love to read and spend time with my family. My family loves to play sports and play board games on the weekends. I really love working in the Glidden-Ralston school district and teaching my students. Go WILDCATS! 

 

Jessie Wittrock
Bio:

jwittrock@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

Hello! My name is Jessie Wittrock and I was born and raised in Carroll County. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Elementary Education. 

I am excited to be a part of the Glidden-Ralston school district. I am looking forward to getting to know my students and working with them throughout the years. I aim to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to the classroom each day! I will be there for my students to teach, guide, and support them everyday!

When I am not teaching you can find me spending time with my husband, two beautiful daughters, and our two dogs. We enjoy being outdoors, traveling, tea parties, and watching movies. 

I am very proud and excited to be a part of the Glidden-Ralston team. 

Krista
Bio:

kzavadil@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us

I am from Crofton, Nebraska and graduated from Crofton High School in 2017. I attended Morningside University (College) in Sioux City, IA where I ran cross country and track and field. I graduated in 2021 with a B.S. in Agriculture Education. I am the first ever graduate from Morningside with a degree in agriculture education! I am also the FFA Advisor at Glidden-Ralston. This is my first year teaching and I am excited to start my teaching career at Glidden-Ralston!