By Jess Hawkins

It’s that time of the week again, “Where Do You Work Wednesday”! This week, meet Alumnus Jill Bader.

Originally from Keota, Iowa, Jill Bader graduated from the University of Iowa in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a specialization in early childhood education. She then went on to receive a masters degree in elementary education from Viterbo University in 2010.

Bader has been working as a kindergarten teacher at Stewart Elementary in Washington, Iowa, for 14 years. In fact, her first class graduated from high school in May of this year.

She says that what she loves most about her work is creating a “safe and loving environment where every child is given the opportunity to grow” in her classroom. “Creating a positive classroom community from day one in Kindergarten is imperative to let every child know how important and loved they are in our classroom every day,” says Bader.

“The U of I gave me so many amazing opportunities to be prepared as an educator and have my own classroom,” says Bader. “The courses I took throughout my time in the College of Education were phenomenal. Education Psychology was one of my favorites.” 

While an undergraduate at the College of Education, Bader was also a proud member of the Hawkeye Marching Band.

“I am so proud to be a Hawkeye Alumna,” says Bader.

Want to be the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday” or nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag us with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.