New teachers in Newton Community School District

Teachers new to the Newton Community School District for the 2012-2013 school year include the following:

• Kristin Arthur received her registered nurse degree from Mercy College of Health Science. She has been working for Skiff Medical Center. She will be the nurse at the Berg Complex.

• Jim Beerends received his bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Northwest Missouri State University and his master’s degree in secondary school administration from the University of Central Missouri. He has been the band director in Pleasant Hill, Mo., the past 11 years. He will be the Newton Senior High School band director.

• Brittany DeJong received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UNI. She completed her student teaching in Dallas Center-Grimes and Des Moines Public Schools. She will be a second grade teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary.

• Haley Fischer received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central College in Pella. She completed her student teaching in Knoxville. She will be a Level III special education teacher at Berg Elementary.

• Katy Freytag received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Ill., and her master’s degree in teaching from Rhode Island College in Providence, R.I. She has nine years teaching experience, most recently teaching fourth grade for the El Paso Independent School District in El Paso, Texas. She will be teaching fourth grade at Aurora Heights Elementary.

• Scott Garvis received his bachelor’s degree in historical sciences, political science and history from Westmar University in LeMars. He has a master of sports science from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala., and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University. His most recent position has been as senior director of athletics at Eastside Catholic in the Seattle Metropolitan area. He will be an assistant principal and the activities director at NHS.

• Laura Gillum received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa. She completed her student teaching at Ashland Ridge Elementary in Ankeny. Laura will be a second grade teacher at Berg Elementary.

• Jenny Hamand received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Iowa Wesleyan College. She previously taught in the Newton school district for 13 years. She is returning to the district and will be a special education teacher at Berg Middle School.

• Karen Hurt received her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Cornell University. She has been working in the Newton area as a substitute teacher and tutor for several years. She will be an at-risk teacher at BMS.

• Natalie Jack received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wartburg College. She taught elementary reading last year at Waverly-Shell Rock and will be a special education teacher at BMS.

• Jolee Jansen received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Buena Vista University. She has been a substitute teacher for Newton Community Schools for two years. She will be a fifth grade teacher at Aurora Heights Elementary.

• Allison McNichols received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Grand View College. Her student teaching was at Ballard-Huxley Middle and High Schools. She will be teaching math at NHS.

• Allison Morgan received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Buena Vista University. She student taught in Baxter and Lynnville-Sully Elementary Schools. She will be teaching Title I Reading at Thomas Jefferson Elementary.

• Danielle Murphy received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and her master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Iowa. She completed her counseling internship this spring at Prairie Point Middle School, College Community School District, Cedar Rapids. She will be a guidance counselor at NHS.

• Laura Rowen received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in physical education from Drake University. She previously taught and coached at Waterloo Columbus High School and Walnut Community School District. She will be an at-risk teacher and also assistant volleyball coach at NHS.

• Ashley Ryan received her bachelor’s degree in physical education from UNI. She completed her student teaching at Eldora-New Providence and South Hardin. She will be teaching physical education at BMS.

• Brandon Sharp received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Simpson College. He completed his student teaching at Southeast Polk Schools and is head coach for the Newton girls basketball team. He will be a special education teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary.

• Carroyl Routier received her bachelor’s degree in English from Central College. She completed her student teaching at Pella High School and Middle School. She will be a special education teacher at Newton High School.

• Michelle Stoker received her bachelor’s degree in English/language arts from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., and her master’s degree in special education from the University of Northern Iowa. She has been teaching special education students at Johnston High School the past 12 years. She will be a Level III special education teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary.

• Courtney Van Wyk received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central College in Pella. She student taught at Jefferson Intermediate School in Pella and Knoxville Middle School. She will be a science teacher at BMS.

• Jenny Verwers received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UNI. She has been substitute teaching for Newton schools and most recently worked as in-school-suspension paraprofessional at the high school. She will be teaching special education at NHS.

• Sarah Zimmerman received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central College in Pella and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Doane College in Crete, Neb. She has five years experience teaching early childhood special education in Pella and Bellevue, Neb. She will be teaching ECSE at the Emerson Hough Preschool.