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
kbach@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us
I was raised on a farm outside of Humboldt, Iowa, where I attended and graduated High School . I graduated from Iowa Central Community College in 2010 with my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I went on to earn my Bachelors degree in 2014 in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 2018 I graduated from Buena Vista University with my Masters degree in Professional School Counseling for grades K-8 and grades 5-12. In 2025, I started classes to become certified in Sandbox Therapy in schools as well as Play Therapy in schools. I currently live in Carroll, Iowa with my husband Ryan Bach, our 4 kids, our niece, 1 dog and 2 cats. In our free time we love to be together as a family. We enjoy swimming and hiking, camping, riding horses, visits with grandparents, and watching football (Go State. Go Chiefs).
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
vcordova@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us
I have the pleasure of having grown up in Puebla, Mexico, and I am a graduate of Madero University, where I earned a degree in Computer Systems Engineering. My career path has been quite diverse, spanning nearly two decades, from 2005 to 2022, in the Government of the state of Puebla's television and radio system. My journey began as a news analyst and technical support, and I quickly progressed to become the head of the systems area. I also had the opportunity to impart my extensive knowledge of IT as a university teacher and as a teacher at the academy for Volkswagen in Puebla. Additionally, I taught CISCO networking at CETis104 High School level. I was fortunate enough to pursue a Master's degree in Technology Management and Innovation at the Polytechnic University of Puebla, which further enhanced my skill set. I am currently living in Carroll with my wife and son, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Glidden-Ralston community. I look forward to sharing my insights on Latin American language and culture with those around me.
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.
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.
kflanagan@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us
While growing up on a farm just outside of Lidderdale, Iowa, I learned
the value of family, responsibility, and hard work. I graduated from
Carroll High School and 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 first five years of teaching were at Paton-Churdan Community School
where I taught preschool and third grade. I began teaching upper
elementary at Glidden in the fall of 2012. I was a reading, science
and social studies teachers at the fourth through sixth grade level
for seven years. Teaching is my passion and I loved having my students
be actively engaged in what they were learning through hands-on work.
In the fall of 2019 I became the district's PK-12 Instruction Coach.
I currently support and partner with teachers as we guide students to
be successful, life-long learners. 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.
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!
Paraeducator
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.
I grew up in Carroll. I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Northwestern College in Orange City with endorsements in reading, special education, early childhood and early childhood special education. I have always taught preschool. It’s so rewarding watching children constantly learn and discover new skills at such a young age. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also work part time at the DogSpaw helping with the boarding. I am so excited to be part of the Glidden-Ralston district. Go Wildcats!
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 graduated from Rhema Bible College and Oral Roberts University earning a degree in Social Studies Education. While my 5 boys were born in Iowa, we spent 13 years in Oklahoma experiencing both small town and city life. We moved back to Iowa in 2017 and I found my place in the technology department at Glidden-Ralston and Paton-Churdan schools. Since I love spending time with family, I am thrilled to be back in Iowa. In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities, camping, reading, baking and playing games with my family.
As a child I attended several schools, but went to high school and graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa. I spent 3 years teaching and coaching at Logan-Magnolia and 22 years at Underwood. In 2022 I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State and moved into administration. My wife, Lindsey, teaches at Carroll Kuemper. Together we have 2 children, Meredith and Deklan. I enjoy being active. A large part of my free time is spent following my children around to their activities. When I have the opportunity, I love to golf.
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!
I grew up in Denison and graduated from Buena Vista. Throughout college my wife and I moved in together in Manilla where we live now with 2 daughters and a son. I have always wanted to be a teacher in school but was unsure what to teach until college. I enjoy going fishing, hunting, watching sports, etc. I am excited to be starting my teaching career at Glidden-Ralston!
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!
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 18th year of teaching 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.
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), my son (AJ), and my daughter (Lennie). 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!"
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.
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 live in Carroll with my soon to be wife, Jessika and our daughter, Isla. 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!
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!
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. I live in Carroll with my husband, Tyler Shipley, our daughter, Elsie, and our dog, Izzy. In my spare time, I love to spend time with family, friends, boating, and watching TV shows!
tshipley@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us
I grew up in State Center, IA where I graduated from West Marshall High School in 2007. I attended William Penn University where I earned my bachelors in K-12 Physical Education and Health. While in college I played both basketball and track. I currently teach HS/JH physical education, JH technology and coach HS track. I live in Carroll with my wife Kara, who also teaches at GR, and our daughter Elsie. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching sports.
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.
I am from Brayton, Iowa and graduated from Atlantic High School in 2015. After high school I graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in History and Secondary Education. I have taught 7th-12th Social Studies and have been the head baseball coach here since 2022.
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!
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.
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.
