Meet these proud Hawkeyes, serving our communities.
Lindsey Maston
B.A. Biology
M.A.T. Secondary Science Education
Science Teacher, Belle Plaine Community Schools
"My favorite thing about the University of Iowa, and especially the College of Education, was how close knit of a group it is. I know every single person in my cohort, and we really got to know each other so deeply, as well as our professors.
We had a lot of amazing professors at the college that I felt really cared about me as a person
and my educational journey, which was just cool to get at a university that is so large.
I was also a Noyce scholar at that time. One thing I really loved about the Noyce Scholarship specifically, was that it made me consider schools that I might not have. I learned that I really love the small school feel, and I love the diversity of students that you come into contact with. I get to know every single student, regardless if I teach them or not. I can form closer relationships with them and really get to know them as people, and they get to know me. My absolute favorite part of my job is truly the kids. A lot of people will say that, but when you get that class that you quite literally get up in the morning to go and see and have fun with, it makes your job so incredibly rewarding.
Teaching is different every day. I have the freedom to make my day however I want it.
When I want it to be a super fun, interactive day, I can do that and make every day completely different from the last. It keeps me engaged, and it keeps me having fun with the job."
Annie Hawker
B.A. Elementary Education
M.A. Special Education
M.A. Educational Leadership and Policy with Principal Licensure
Principal, Prairie Heights Elementary
"I have had amazing mentors and leaders in my 25 years as an educator—principals, superintendents, and teachers who have encouraged me as a leader.
Always know as an educator that your "True North" is learning.
Keep that vision of "Success for All" and being all in for all kids all the time helps you make better decisions.
Each child that I work with is an opportunity for learning and connection. There have been so many."
Derek Hansen
B.A. English Education
High School English Language Arts Teacher, Missouri Valley Community Schools
"Working in a rural setting came easy to me, growing up in the community I now teach in. I believe it directly contributed to my desire to become a teacher.
To be working with teachers that I looked up to as a student has been a reaffirming loop as to why this profession is so special.
The first year of teaching as a whole is extremely challenging but extremely rewarding at the same time. You're learning your teaching style every day. There are good days and bad days, but those good days give you a sense of accomplishment that I have not felt in any other job I've had. It is also rewarding to look back on the year to see how much my students have grown. It feels like it was a community effort, and it really is true when they say, "it takes a village."
My professors at the University of Iowa and my school's administration have both emphasized the need to have patience and find balance. The patience needs to be there as all students learn and absorb information differently. You realize that by working to nurture your mental/physical well-being, you are more motivated and energized to give your all to your students.
Every staff member in the College of Education demonstrated what makes educators important figures in the lives of our youth. I will always be proud of my time on campus, and
it's always great to be a Hawkeye!"
Kathryn Twist
M.A. Educational Leadership
Instructional Coach and Teacher, Northeast Community Schools
"My favorite part of my job is being a mentor for new teachers and being a part of their journey.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is to
find your people—the ones who inspire and motivate you to be your best, laugh with you, and pick you back up when you’ve been knocked down.
There’s something special about working in a rural community. You get to know your students, families, and colleagues in a way that makes your profession so rewarding.
I was fortunate enough to be influenced by my Grandma Florence who taught in a one-room schoolhouse, and my Dad, who was a superintendent. I got to see first-hand how much of an impact they had on countless kids, who after they passed, shared incredible stories with my family.
I can only hope to be a positive impact on the students and teachers I serve."
Olivia Plowman
B.A. Art Education
B.A. Art
Art Teacher, Shenandoah Elementary School
"I grew up in rural southwest Iowa. Knowing that I have the privilege to bring my passion for and knowledge of visual arts back to my community is really rewarding. I feel that rural communities are places where people aren't shy to lend a helping hand, so teaching the youth in a community like that not only visual arts, but to stay kind and helpful is sometimes hard, but always rewarding. I also can really relate to my students- living in a small town, smaller class sizes, limited access to supplies to make art with, having limited exposure and access to fine arts, etc.
My favorite part of the job is seeing the joy that art making brings my students. I so often see smiles, hear happy squeals of laughter, and feel a lot of love and friendship in my classroom.
Knowing that kids enjoy coming into my room and making something that they are proud of makes me so happy.
Something that still rings true is that although there are rough days, your attitude makes the rough days good. If you can start every day with a clean slate, think about why you started teaching, and have gratitude for the little things, you will feel a lot less stressed and have WAY MORE FUN!"
Benjamin Schauer
B.M. Vocal Performance + K-12 Music Education Endorsement*
5-12 Band Director; 6-12 Curriculum Director; 9-12 Drama Instructor, Boyer Valley CSD
"I love the moment when everything finally clicks for a student.
Whether it be on stage or in the classroom, the moment the lightbulb finally turns on is magical. Sometimes it feels like we’re never going to get there, but when we do… It’s a huge celebration!
When a student is given the room to succeed, they become a new person. I’ve seen shy and quiet students enter my classroom and leave leads of their school plays, president of the student body, all-state musicians and thespians, captains of their sports teams – all because they were given the room to grow and thrive.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Hawkeye Marching Band. It is one of the strongest communities on campus, and the connections and friendships I made are lifelong. Nothing beats being on the field in Kinnick, cheering on your team from the endzone in Pasadena, or creating an absolutely lightning-like energy at a pep rally or parade. It was truly a home away from home during my tenure at UIOWA!"
*MSE with Principal Endorsement, Doctoral candidate in Education, Drake University
Teresa Putnam-Genz
M.A. School Counseling
College and Career Counselor, Louisa-Muscatine Jr/Sr High School, Columbus Community High School, and Muscatine Community College
"The small, rural schools I work at have staff who are willing to work hard for the success of their students, supportive communities who believe in their schools, and students who are willing to try new things. It has been so rewarding to see the love poured into these schools, and the opportunities given to students to build successful futures.
The scholarship, leadership, service, and character of my rural students is nothing short of remarkable.
I am honored to be part of connecting students to opportunities to make their dreams possible and supporting them in accomplishing their goals. I help my students to choose their path after high school whether it is employment or apprenticeship, enrollment in college or trade school, or enlistment in the military. The connection I make with each student as an individual is hands down the best part of my job."
