The staff spotlight series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the UI College of Education such a special place to work. This spotlight recognizes the critical contributions our staff members make to the College of Education community in support of our faculty and students.

UI WILD’s Phoebe Yetley is now wearing two hats as the director of Iowa Wildlife Camps and the assistant director of School of the Wild, both part of UI WILD. 

The programs focus on conservation education and outdoor activities for children in Iowa, reaching more than 6,000 students annually from 98 schools across the state.

Iowa Wildlife Camps and School of the Wild are personal to Yetley – she was once a camper and student herself. A Coralville native, Yetley attended Kirkwood Elementary’s School of the Wild in 6th grade and spent many summers exploring Macbride Nature Recreation Area as a camper at Iowa Wildlife Camps.

“It’s a joy to now work alongside some of the same people that were there facilitating these programs when I was a kid.”

What is your educational background?

I have a B.A. in Political Science and Magid Center for Writing Certificate from the University of Iowa.  

What does your job entail in the College of Education?

Many things! I coordinate outdoor learning programs for elementary, middle school, and high school students in our community, and facilitate all the unique ways College of Education students experience teaching outdoors through our UI WILD programs. 

What is your favorite part about working at the College of Education? 

The many partnerships and opportunities to collaborate with others! 

What are your hobbies, interests, or special talents? What would colleagues be surprised to know about you?

I love anything you can do outdoors. Biking, backpacking, canoeing, climbing, sailing, skiing... I'll dabble in anything. When I decide to slow down, I enjoy writing. I am inspired by authors who can capture their experiences in nature and their relationship to the land in stories. Some of the best teachers in my life are stories. 

Where is your favorite place to eat in downtown Iowa City?

Nodo has a sandwich for whatever mood I'm in.

What is something on campus that you look forward to participating in or doing?

I am always excited to meet the new Elementary Education students in their Science Methods class I teach each semester. 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Anywhere in South America! I'm sad that I haven't been to Glacier National Park yet and would love to go. I have a special connection to Ledges State Park in Madrid, Iowa, and I'd give anything to return to Richardson Creek, situated between the wooded valley on the land of my childhood summer camp.  

Visit the Celebrating College of Education staff page to nominate a colleague. Self nominations are also welcome.