By Brooke Larsen

It’s time for another “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week meet alumna Gina Ferrel (BA ’94, Elementary Education).

Gina Ferrel began her career in Iowa City at Weber Elementary School. She worked there for 20 years teaching first and second grade. Ferrel is now in her third-year teaching fourth grade at Archibald Alexander Elementary School in Iowa City. 

Ferrel says every day she is impressed by the work her students invest to learn, to focus and to be kind to one another. 

“I'm honored to be part of their growth academically, socially, and emotionally,” Ferrel says. "My students have made me want to put in the work to be a better teacher, person, parent, friend, and colleague.”

Ferrel says the most memorable experience within the University of Iowa College of Education was her student teaching with Karla Scholfield at Penn Elementary School in North Liberty. 

"I learned how to love students first, so they would love to learn,” Ferrel says. "Teaching is about relationships, and students need to know we care deeply about them.”

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