Education Background: Attended UNI: Bachelor’s Degree Major: Spanish Minor: Music
Courses Taught: Spanish (any level)
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Staff and students
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school: Sing, Write, Watch shows with my family, Hang out with Friends/Family
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 12 years
Education Background: Bachelors in Math Education from UNI. Masters in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction from Drake
Courses you teach-Geometry, Algebra 2
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Watching students grow throughout the years.
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Watch the Hawkeyes or Lakers! Xbox. Running.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: Started at Roosevelt out of college and am going into my 7th year.
Andrea (Nicki) Atwood
Teacher, Physical Education
Education Background: University of Northern Iowa: PE/Health/Coaching
Courses you teach: Physical Education
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The people
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Hiking, cycling and spending time with my son and daughter
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 2ys
Education Background: I have a BA in Mathematics Teaching from the University of Northern Iowa.
Courses you teach: Geometry
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Diversity
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I enjoy going on walks with my family, camping, gardening, and baking.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This is my first year.
Jennifer Berg
Teacher, Family & Consumer Science
Education Background:
-
Iowa State University
BS Family Consumer Science Educational Studies
Minor in Hospitality Management
Coaching Endorsement
Courses you teach:
- Personal Health and Development
- Health Relationships
- Child Development 1
- Child Development 2
- Future Ready
Favorite thing about Roosevelt
- I love that my students and I get to talk about real life!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time
- Currently, it is sewing masks! But really it is baking, anything from wedding cakes to cookies.
How long have you been at Roosevelt
- I have been at Roosevelt for one year.
Education Background: Undergrad at Drake; Masters from Iowa State
Courses you teach: I teach Algebra 1 & AP Statistics
Favorite thing about Roosevelt : is the community pride.
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: In my free time I like to read, golf, and attempt cooking.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I will be starting my 6th year at Roosevelt next year!
I received my undergrad degree from Simpson College and did my graduate work at ISU in the College of Design, specifically in Drawing, Painting and Printmaking.
I have enjoyed teaching at Roosevelt for several years and at local colleges,
universities and giving private lessons.
As a producing artist, I am primarily a painter and print-maker.
I enjoy traveling and outdoor activities with family and friends.
Education Background: I really liked to sew and create so I earned a Textile and Clothing degree from ISU, but did not want to leave the Midwest. I worked as a tailor for Von Maur and helped create unified training for the tailoring department. In this tailoring department I worked with people from all over the world and learned a lot about food and cooking. This inspired me to go back to school to become a Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher. I eventually earned my Masters of Education!
Currently teach: I am fortunate to have the best job! I have taught many FCS subjects in the past 20 years but I currently teach the nutrition and food preparation.
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: students and the traditions that have been built here, but also the new traditions that have been developed like the Rider Pride event (just to name one of many). Another great thing is the diversity which allows us to learn a lot from each other.
Things I like to do in free time: searching out unique food events or restaurants, going to see live music, and spending time with family and friends.
Education
B.A. in U.S. and World History from Mount Mercy College
M.A. in Special Education from University of Iowa
Courses: U.S. History
Favorite Thing: Of course, the History of Roosevelt High School. A classic building built in the 1920’s. The many famous leaders that have walked our halls (check out the TRHS Hall of Fame!) And, of course, our diversity!
Hobbies: Bicycle Riding (Ragbrai anyone?) and Metal Detecting. Ask me about either one of these subjects and I’ll have some stories to tell!!!
Been at Roosevelt since 2007 and overall as an educator since 1992
Nicole Crawford
Teacher, Journalism
Education Background: Masters Degree in Secondary Education with certifications in English, Speech, Theater and Journalism, Masters Degree from Drake University in Corporate Communications, Bachelor of Arts from Northwest Missouri State, Double major in Communications and Speech/Theater Education
Courses you teach: English II, Journalism, Newspaper and Yearbook
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The best things about Roosevelt are my students and colleagues who have become like family.
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I own a professional makeup business that does makeup for commercials, politicians, weddings and special events. Actress in local and regional productions. Our three children; Campbell, Cole and Cohen are all very involved in soccer. Lots of hours spent on our boat at Lake Okoboji
How long have you been at Roosevelt: Since 2019
Education: High School from Sherubtse College, Bhutan
Bachelor of Science from University of Delhi, India
Bachelor of Education from Tribhuvan University, Nepal
ELL Empowerment from Grand View University, Iowa
Teach: Algebra II
ELL Foundation Math I and II
Favorite at Roosevelt: Diverse students body and cooperative staff
Free Time: Community services and pass time with kids
This (2020-21) is my third year at Roosevelt.
Education Background:
Doctor of Musical Arts – Voice Performance and Pedagogy (University of Iowa)
Master of Music – Vocal Performance (University of Hawai’i at Mānoa)
Bachelor of Arts – Music Education (Bethel University)
Bachelor of Arts – Vocal Performance (Bethel University)
Courses you teach:
Chamber Choir
Da capo a cappella jazz choir
Forte Treble Choir
Revelation Show Choir
AP Music Theory
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Workout, dance, sing, read, bake
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 6 years
Kathleen (Katie) Doherty
Teacher, Science
Education Background: I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Major in Chemical Engineering and then went on to get my Masters in Education from Drake University
Courses you teach: I currently teach chemistry and biology
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: the enthusiasm my students have for learning! I love seeing how my students embrace challenging science problems!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog Denver, doing yoga, reading, and cooking/baking.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This is my first year at Roosevelt
Education Background: BA, International Studies, American University, Washington, D.C. Master’s in Secondary Education, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA . I have been teaching for 20 years and prior to that I worked six years in Middle East affairs in Washington, D.C. I’ve also either briefly worked in or traveled to many countries around the world– including the Middle East, China, and even Eastern Europe before the Cold War ended. I still have vivid memories of seeing the Berlin Wall when it was still used to divide people.
Courses I teach: History As a teacher, I love bringing my passion and enthusiasm for global affairs to the students, always working to impart the importance of understanding international relations and how the modern day world is rooted in history.
My favorite part of Roosevelt: At Roosevelt, I love the energy, enthusiasm, and the inquisitive minds of my students, not to mention the silliness. I usually have students in my room from 8 am to 4:30 pm– many who just come by to say hello, or make sure I’m not bored during lunch (never dull at lunch time)
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: When I’m at home, I am usually active with my wife and daughters– playing tennis, or planning out new trips as we are avid travelers (unfortunately our Maui plans in June just got canceled) I’m also a wine collector and the story behind each of the regions where wine is grown. And just to be sure I’m not bored at home I have 4 males cats who are always up to something
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: I have been at Roosevelt for 10 years
Alex Dunbar
Teacher, Social Studies
Ed background:
BA triple major from UNI in French, Psychology, and Management
Post BA at UNI for secondary teaching licensure, Behavior Disorder and Learning disabilities endorsements
Currently teaching Power English for entitled individuals (sped)
Favorite thing about TRHS is the diversity of both students and staff- I learn/experience something new all the time
Free time: reading (duh), camping, bird watching, needle crafts, gaming….
Been at TRHS for 20 years- teaching 26 total.
Kimberly Evans
Teacher, Flex Academy Science
Education Background: AA DMACC BA in Environmental Studies Simpson College MA in Education Simpson
Currently Teaching: FLEX Science
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Biking, gardening and spending time with my dog
How long have you been at Roosevelt: First year at Velt
Education Background: MA in Teaching from Drake University BA in English from Nebraska Wesleyan University
Courses you teach: English II and III
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students–their energy, creativity, and passion inspires me.
My hobbies I enjoy in my free time: reading, cycling, cuddling with my cat (Pablo), and hiking with my dog (Rupert).
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 2019-2020 is my first year at Roosevelt, and I love it!
Education Background: Associate of Arts in General Education at Hawkeye Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Teaching-English and Creative Writing Minor, Master of Science in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development and Speech and Reading Endorsements, Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership and Administrative and Evaluator Licensure, finally Instructional Strategist: Mild to Moderate and Work Based Coordinator Endorsements
Courses you teach: English (taught in Flex Academy for 3 years), Special Education classes (Power English last year and English I self-contained and co-taught and English III co-taught this year)
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love the people. The students and staff are amazing, and I feel welcomed and appreciated when I’m there.
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I enjoy reading and writing. I also like to spend time with my friends and family, and my leopard gecko. Finally, I enjoy traveling and seeing new places.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This is my sixth year at Roosevelt, my seventh year in the district, and my tenth year teaching. It is also my second year as an administrator.
Background Education: BA in Chemistry Education, UNI Masters in Educational Administration – ISU
Teach: Chemistry/AP Chemistry
What do you love about Roosevelt: Love the diversity of the student population at Roosevelt!
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: Teaching since 1984 – ALL at Theodore Roosevelt High School
Education background:BA Social Science emphasis in Education UNI 1985: First teaching job was in Texas from 1985-1993
What courses do you teach: Teach American Government and Sociology and Assistant Coach for Varsity Girls Basketball.
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The kids and people who work there.
Hobbies: Spending time with family. I have 4 kids three daughters and 1 son and 5 grand kids. I enjoy attending the grand kids activities. Season ticket holder for Iowa football. Umpiring all levels of girls softball. Watching superhero movies, especially during the COVID-19 isolation. Finally, watching all types of sports especially college sports. Spending time outdoors
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 27 years since the flood of 1993.I have been here so long I have taught parents of current Roosevelt students. Along with teaching several staff members.
I graduated from Buena Vista with a degree in Special Education K-12 . I went to Drake and received additional certifications in the area of Special Education. I received my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. I taught one year at Aggasiz Elemetanry in Ottumwa. The following year I transferred to Ottumwa High School, where I taught the next 20 years. I am currently in my 12th year at Roosevelt. In my free time I enjoy spending time with grandchildren, gardening, reading, knitting or working on my paper crafts.
Education Background: BS Ed Drake MS Ed ISU
Courses you teach: Biology
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students. They teach me new things every day!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Scrap booking, quilting, gardening, politics.
Courses you teach: Biology
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students. They teach me new things every day!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Scrap booking, quilting, gardening, politics.
Years at Roosevelt: 10
Howard Hewlett
Teacher, Social Studies
Education Background: Dordt College Instructional Strategist I-K through 12
Current Position: Instructional Strategist (Special Education), Biology and Earth Science
What do you love about Roosevelt: The kids are my favorite part about working at Roosevelt.
What do you enjoy to do in your free time: I enjoy reading, hiking, camping, watching the Hawkeyes and spending time with my family.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This is my 3rd year.
Educational Background: BA in Business from Briar Cliff University in 1996. MS in Educational Leadership from Drake University in 2010
Courses Currently Taught: Future Ready, Future Set, General Business, Intro to Business, Marketing Entrepreneurship, and Business Law.
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Love how our building is filled with so many unique individuals, representing so many cultures and backgrounds, but we all come together as Roughriders!
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school: Jack of all things, Master of none!
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: Fall of 2000, over 20 years.
1996 BA: Sports Management from Iowa State University
2006 BA: Physical Education from Iowa State University
2008 SPED Teaching Endorsement from Upper Iowa University
Current: Working on MD from Upper Iowa University
Unified PE
Algebra Foundations II (SPED Math)
Math Transitions (SPED Supplementary Math online)
Working with some of the same staff members for the last 10 years
Working with a diverse student body
Coaching Football, being a daddy for the first time
Helping with softball and football activities in the summer
Currently: 5 years
Also worked at Roosevelt for a few years in the past (Teaching and Coaching)
Valerie Jaehrling
Teacher, Science
Emily Kelch
Teacher, Social Studies
Michaella Kleinmeyer
Teacher, Science
Education Background: AA and AAS in Biology from Indian Hills Community College, Bachelor’s in Biology from Drake University, Master’s in Teaching from Simpson College.
Courses you teach: I teach Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Learning more about the diverse community!
What hobbies or things that I enjoy in my free time: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, our son, and our three dogs! I like to go to the zoo, spend time in my backyard, as well as binge watch my favorite TV shows.
How long have I been at Roosevelt: This is my first year teaching.
Landon Klimesh
Teacher, Physical Education
Education Background: BA in Physical Education and Health from the University of Northern Iowa in 2019
Courses you teach: Physical Education – Team Games and Total Body Fitness
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: How welcoming and diverse the students and staff are
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: working out, biking, and watching and playing sports
How long have you been at Roosevelt: First year at Roosevelt
I received my BA from Colorado college and my MFA from the University of Colorado. Currently I am in my second year of Morningside’s Teacher Internship Program. This is my rookie year at Roosevelt. I am teaching Intro to 2D and 3D Design and 3D Design II. Prior to coming here I’ve taught at the University of Colorado, The Des Moines Art Center, and DMACC. My favorite thing about Roosevelt is the people. In my free time I love to get outside, spend time with my family, swim, and make art.
Jessica Lange (Hyslope)
Teacher, Special Education
Educational Background: BA in History Teaching from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016 MS in Special Education from Drake University in 2019
Courses Currently Taught: Algebra Foundations III, Special Education Geometry, Math Transitions
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The wonderful students and staff!
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school: Playing video games, watching anime, crocheting, and being with my wonderful husband, Branden.
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: Spring 2020 was my first semester at Roosevelt.
Educational Background: St. Augustine’s College-BA ISU-MA Morningside College-MA
Current Position: Behavior Interventionist
Favorite this about Roosevelt: THE STAFF!!!!!!!!
What hobbies or things do you do in your free time: Hunting, Biking Riding, Reading Black History
Years At Roosevelt: 6 but 24 in the district
Education Background: BSE-Mathematics /BA-Math Education (Drake)/MAE-principalship (University of Northern Iowa)
Courses I teach: Algebra 2/Pre-Calculus
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Fight Song
Hobbies I enjoy in my free time: playing with technology
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I have been at Da ‘Velt since 2006
Casey McConnell Luberda
Teacher, Science
Education Background: Associate of Arts in K-12 Education from Iowa Western Community College
-Bachelor of Science in Biology from Iowa State University
-Received Teaching License in 2020
Classes I Teach:
-Biology and Environmental Science
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love the community among the staff and the diversity of the student body!
Hobbies outside of School: I love photography and hands-on projects. I also love any outdoor activity.
Years at Roosevelt:
Spring Semester 2020 was my first semester here at Roosevelt!
Education Background: Drake University (B.S. in Secondary Ed w/ endorsements: Math and Instructional Strategist I)
Courses I Teach: Co-teach Algebra I, Algebra I 2yr S1/2, Algebra I 2yr S3/4, Algebra I, and Math Transitions
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The community!
What hobbies do you have in your free time: Training for triathlons and spending time with family and friends
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This is my third year at Roosevelt
Education Background: Bachelors Degree from University of Northern Iowa with Degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Master’s Degree from Drake University in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction.
Courses you teach: All Essential Elements courses to students on Alternate Assessment, including Math, Science, Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies. I also lead Special Olympics, Unified Sports and Best Buddies here at Roosevelt.
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I absolutely love the inclusive climate at Roosevelt and that everyone is so welcoming and encouraging. We are currently leading the country as a unified school and allowing all students with disabilities similar opportunities as their peers.
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I love to travel the world and go to new countries, watch baseball, fish, and spend time with family.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I will be starting my 3rd year at Roosevelt.
Courses you teach: All Essential Elements courses to students on Alternate Assessment, including Math, Science, Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies. I also lead Special Olympics, Unified Sports and Best Buddies here at Roosevelt.
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I absolutely love the inclusive climate at Roosevelt and that everyone is so welcoming and encouraging. We are currently leading the country as a unified school and allowing all students with disabilities similar opportunities as their peers.
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I love to travel the world and go to new countries, watch baseball, fish, and spend time with family.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I will be starting my 3rd year at Roosevelt.
Associative Arts from Iowa Central Community College
Bachelor of Music from The University of Iowa
Master of Arts in Teaching from Coe College
Teaches: Band and Jazz Band
I love the community that Roosevelt is a part of!
Hobbies: Ride my motorcycle and jeep, woodworking, hunting and shooting, fishing, working around the acreage
Been at Roosevelt since 1998
Education Background
The University of Iowa 2008 – Secondary English Education
University of California at Riverside 2008-2012 – GATE & ESL Endorsements
Courses you teach-or put your title for non teachers
English II and AP Literature and Composition
Favorite thing about Roosevelt
The history of the building and the diversity of the students.
What hobbies or things you do in your free time
-Spend time with my kids
-Disc golf
-Biking
-Kayaking
-Go Cubs!
-Go Hawkeyes!
How long have you been at Roosevelt
This is my 13th year in teaching. My first five were in Southern California. I have been in DMPS since, and with TRHS for three years now. Go Riders!
Antonio Mazuecos
Teacher, World Languages
I am originally from Spain and moved to the US five years ago. I received my BA in Physical Education and Sports sciences, and Master’s degree in Education from the Universidad Politecnica of Madrid, Spain. I got my Native Language Teaching Authorization by Iowa Board of Education in 2019 and my certificate to teach AP Spanish in the summer of 2020.
I’ve lived in Iowa for one year now, previously teaching Spanish at East High School. Prior to that I was living in Jackson, MS, where I taught Spanish and coached soccer.
This year is my first year at Roosevelt, where I will be teaching Spanish II and Spanish III.
Although I’m new, thus far my favorite thing about Roosevelt is the wonderful and supportive staff, as well as the strong sense of community.
In my spare time I enjoy playing sports, working out, and watching movies. I am also a big fan of Real Madrid, a Spanish soccer team.
Education Background: BA in Biology from Simpson MA in Education from Simpson
Courses that I teach: Earth Science and Biology
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I think Roosevelt has the best students, teachers, and admin!
What hobbies or things do you do in your free time: My hobbies are breeding/showing CFA Exotic Shorthairs- type of cat, raising chickens, and making fancy event cakes.
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: Since 2019
Todd McGhghy
Teacher, Special Education
Education Background: B.S. Washburn University 1993 M.A. Purdue University 2008
Courses you teach: Special Education Instructor, Coach Football
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Equity, and Inclusion
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I try to get involved in the lives of students outside of the regular school day by coaching three sports and attending events and functions.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: Since 2019
Christopher Miller
Teacher, Industrial Technology
Education Background: MA: Educational Leadership-Viterbo University BA: Technology Education-University of Northern Iowa
Courses you teach: Industrial Tech courses
What do you love about Roosevelt: Coaching and the diversity of our students
What do you enjoy to do in your free time: In my free time I like spending time with my family and continuing education opportunities
When did your ride start at Roosevelt: since 2016, been in the district since 2003
Background Education: BS Finance – Drake Secondary Ed – Upper Iowa SPED endorsement – Upper Iowa
Currently teaching: I teach Government, Econ, Environmental Science
What I love about Roosevelt: I enjoy the many different kinds of people I get to meet at Roosevelt.
What do you enjoy to do in your free time: In my free time I play/coach sports with my kids enjoy going to the gym to work out!
How long have you been at Roosevelt: Been at Roosevelt for 14 years
Education Background: Bachelor of Science in History 2000 Teaching license in 2016 Working on my MA in Education
Courses I teach: AP Human Geography / Independent Study Econ
What do you love about Roosevelt: I love the diversity of my students.
What do you enjoy to to do in your free time: I teach Yoga, hike, and road trip
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I have been at Roosevelt four years.
Class Description
Education Background: Bachelors in Mathematics, Master’s in Ed. Psych: Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics
Courses you teach: Algebra 1
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The feeling of community
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: spending time with my husband and son, playing with my dogs, cooking, puzzles, and traveling
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This will be my second year.
Studied math and chemistry at University of Utah
Currently teach math in the Flex Academy
I love Roosevelt’s long tradition in Des Moines !
In my spare time I love to garden and to knit socks
I have been at Roosevelt since 2008
Education Background: Masters of Science in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy from Drake. Bachelor’s of Arts in English and a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Drake.
Courses I Teach: AP Language and Composition, Writing 12, Contemporary Literature
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The kids and friendships with my colleagues
Hobbies: Playing with my three kids, hanging out with my husband, reading, working out
Years at Roosevelt: 2020/2021 will be my tenth year
Education Background: Bachelors degree from Grand View University in Applied Mathematics and Secondary Education
Courses I teach: Algebra II and ELL Algebra I
What I love about Roosevelt: I love the students and community at Roosevelt.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, ALL sports, and drinking tea
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 3 years
I have a Masters of Education from Grand View with an ELL endorsement and a BA in English and Secondary Education from Grand View.
I teach ELL English 1 and the Newcomer ELL courses. This is my second year at Roosevelt.
I love teaching at Roosevelt because it is the school in my community, and I am passionate about teaching where I live. I love to see my students when I’m on a walk or at the grocery store. I love to read, listen to audiobooks, go on walks with my dog, and g
Education Background: Bachelor’s Degree from Grand View University
Courses you teach: AP and US History
What is your favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love the diversity at Roosevelt
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Hiking and going to concerts
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 11 years
Rachel Schantz Colon
Teacher, Special Education
Education Background:
It’s a long one, but here it goes… A.A. in liberal arts/DMACC; B.S. in Marketing, B.S. in Management/Iowa State University; MAT with reading & strat 1 endorsements/Drake University; AND working on PhD in Philosophy of Education/Drake University
Courses:
English 1, Power English, and English 4 (Co-taught and self-contained)
Favorite thing about Roosevelt:
My favorite thing about Roosevelt is the students. I love the passion that students bring to the table- their interests, desire to be a part of the community, aptitude to stand up for what they love and believe in, and the support they offer to each other. All the teachers are pretty great too!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time:
I like to spend time with my family, long-distance run, grow plants, swim, hike, kayak, travel
How long have you been at Roosevelt:
Since 2012 (with a gap year to teach at Simpson)
Education Background: Bachelor of Arts in English (Drake University) Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Drake University) Masters of Science in Education (Drake University)
Courses you teach: English I, Sports Literature Head Girls Basketball Coach
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love my players and my students. Roosevelt > Everybody
My hobbies I enjoy in my free time: I chill with my family. I watch TV. I read books (sometimes).
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 5 years at Roosevelt
David Schwendinger
Teacher, English
Education Background: BA in English from University of Iowa, BA in English Teaching from University of Northern Iowa, MA in Teaching from Viterbo University
Courses you teach: English 2 and English 3
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Diversity and coaching boys’ cross country
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Playing basketball, running, reading, home remodeling
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 2020
Kalifornia (Gray) Sotelo
Teacher, World Languages
Education Background: Bachelors Degree from Morningside College in Spanish and Special Education with endorsements in reading and coaching! Masters in Education Administration from Drake University
Courses you teach: I teach Spanish 1, 2 and AP 4
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: is the people in it!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I enjoy salsa dancing, working out and being with friends and family!
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This is my sixth year at Roosevelt!
Education Background: Masters in Educational Technology Full Sail University 2011 Bachelors in Music Education Iowa State University2007 Bachelors in Art and Design Iowa State University 2000
Current teaching position: Roosevelt Band / 5th Grade Elementary Band at the following schools: (Howe, Jackson, Jefferson, Park Avenue, South Union, Wright)
What do you love about Roosevelt: I love being a Roughrider for the sense of Pride I feel when I see my students achieve great things, for the genuine school spirit that everyone in our community shares& for the amazing life-long relationships that I get to build with students and staff from day to day and year to year. Go Riders!
What do you enjoy to do in your free time: Spending time with Family
How long have you been at Roosevelt: Since 2011
Education Background: B.M. Music Education – St. Olaf College
Official titles: Assistant Director of Vocal Music, Assistant Director of Theater Arts
Courses I teach: Bridges 2 Harmony, Chamber Choir, Rider Rhythm JV Show Choir, Rider Choir, Bass Clef Choir
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Love the supportive arts community with the best students in the city!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Reader/watcher of utopian and dystopian literature/films
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: 2020-21 will be 4 years at TRHS
Education Background: Drake University- MS in Counseling / Personnel Services & WEC Endorsement Morningside: Instructional Strategist I Iowa State- BS in Elementary Education
Courses I teach: Career Transitions & Job Training
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love the students, families and the supportive environment we have for one another! Go Riders!!!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I enjoy spending time with my family and all outdoor activities including swimming and biking
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I have been teaching for 15 years – but I have been at Roosevelt- (6 years) since 2014
Education Background: BA in Spanish, University of Iowa MA in Language and Literature in Spanish, University of Northern Iowa
Courses you teach: Spanish I , College AP Spanish V
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: The sense of community I feel working with the students and staff.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school: I love spending time with family, bike riding, and reading.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I have been at Roosevelt for five years.
Education Background: ESL Endorsement from Grand View College MA in Secondary Education from Adelphi University BA in English from Adelphi University Certificate in Acting from New York Academy for the Dramatic Arts
Courses you teach: English IV- World Literature English III- American Literature
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: is the family atmosphere and the mix of the student body
Hobbies you enjoy in your free time: crafting, reading, and family time
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 13 years (since 2007)
Julie Toscano
Teacher, Family & Consumer Science
This is my first year at Roosevelt and I will be teaching Future Ready and Nutrition and Food Prep 1. I am so exited to get to know all the staff and students! I graduated from Iowa State University and went on to teach both FCS and ELL in other schools. Now I am working on my Master’s degree at Drake! In my free time I love spending time with my family, going for walks with my dog, and doing photography. Make sure to say hi if you see me around, I cannot wait to meet you!
Education Background: Bachelor of Science Western Illinois University Physical education K-12 Health Endorsement K-12 Language Arts Endorsement 5-8
Courses you teach: I teach Physical Education. As well as coach baseball, football, basketball and track
My Favorite thing about Roosevelt: the diversity
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time : Spending time with family and friends
How long have you been at Roosevelt: First year at Roosevelt
Jessie Weishaar
Teacher, Social Science
I received my undergraduate degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. I began teaching social studies in northwest Iowa. After 5 years of teaching and my obtaining my masters from Iowa State University, I moved to Des Moines with my family. This began my 9 career as an administrator, 8 of those were with Des Moines Public Schools. When the opportunity to teach was presented I couldn’t pass it up. Roosevelt High School has an incredible student body, teaching staff, support staff and Administration. My own children are in the Roosevelt feeder! I am honored to be able to serve this community.
Kimberly Wermerskirchen
Teacher, Math
Education Background: B.S. from Central College in Math/Computer Science M.S. from Drake University in Education
Courses you teach: Geometry /Intro to Statistics / Intro to Trigonometry
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students are my favorite part about Roosevelt. I get to work with a talented group of teachers and young people every day
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: During my free time I like to go for walks with my dog Daisie, explore State and National Parks, ride bike, and create scrapbooks.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: Been at Roosevelt since 2017 DMPS since 2003.
Iowa State University, BA in History.
Viterbo University, MA in Educational Leadership.
Social Sciences Teacher-Currently teaching 20th Century World History.
That I get to work with a diverse group of students in the classroom and outside the classroom through teaching, Student Council, and Assistant Activities Director.
Love to go to live music events, theatre, sporting events, and decks on a summer afternoon.
This is my 29th year either teaching and/or coaching at Roosevelt.