In the spring of 2000, NYSYC, Destiny’s Child, and Lonestar ruled the billboard charts, alongside iconic favorites such as AOL Instant Messenger, the Motorola Razr, and Cupcake Wars. The class of 2000 (also know as Y2K) was there, witnessing the tidal wave of change brought about by the growth of the internet throughout the 1990s. Information now spread across the world in minutes compared to hours or days, and both teachers and students had to learn how to incorporate digitized information, credibility, and citations into their research and writings.
Thankfully, a group of students from West High’s class of 2000 found inspiration within their halls to return, and help the next generation navigate our ever changing technological landscape. Composed of principals, teachers, a superintendent, and more, this group of educators is passionate about their community, and connecting with the students they serve.
According to Joshua Payton, principal at George Washington Carver Academy, it was the opportunity to give back to the community which gave so much to him that sparked his career path within Waterloo Schools.
“Personally, the Cedar Valley was the village that shaped me into who I am today,” said Payton. “Knowing I have a chance to create a positive impact on everyone I work with fills me with pride.”
Not everyone in the class of 2000 knew they wanted to become an educator, like so many students today, different life experiences shaped their views and ambitions, leading them back to Waterloo.
“Originally, I went to the University of Iowa to study communications,” said Abby Regenold, sixth grade literacy teacher at Hoover Middle School. “ I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at that point in my life. After some different life experiences and lessons, I came to the realization that I wanted to do something that would make a difference in other people’s lives.”
After college, she found herself teaching in the same room she’d studied science in as a student at Kingsley elementary.
“I loved that room, because it made me feel connected to the past and reminded me of the journey I took to become a teacher,” said Regenold.
Regenold isn’t the only educator to become a leader in their former classroom. Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith now walks the halls of his former elementary and high schools, reminiscing with several teachers who taught him as a student. He says that knowing the impact these educators have made on him helped to kindle his passion for teaching when he was just seventeen years old.
“During my junior year at West High I realized I wanted to work with kids after tutoring at West Middle School,” said Smith. “I truly love giving back to the students and families of Waterloo. I was in their shoes and want to tell them they can do anything they put their mind to!”
Angela Webb also knew early on that she wanted to become a teacher in the Cedar Valley. After graduating from West High, she attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, along with her master’s, and doctorate. Webb currently teaches the expanded learning program at Central Middle School and Irving Elementary School.
“Waterloo Schools offer a lot of great opportunities for students. The expanded learning program educators are a great group of caring professionals and I knew I wanted to learn from them,” said Webb. “Both of my girls attend Waterloo Schools and we see every day the wonderful work that Waterloo educators are a part of.”
“The Cedar Valley is a great place. I love being here in this community and I have been here my whole life,” said Mike Landers, assistant principal at Central Middle School. “The entire Cedar Valley has everything you need to lead a great life. I am a fourth generation person from Waterloo.”
Landers says West High’s basketball coach, Dr. Anthony Pappas worked with him a lot as a teenager. Still to this day Pappas keeps up with his career in education, continuing to be an invaluable resource for Landers and the students of Central Middle School.
“Waterloo Schools has great people working here and they prepare young people for the real world,” said Landers. “I knew that I wanted to make an impact somewhere and I knew that I had a passion for helping others. I could not imagine being in any other school district. We have great kids and great families in this district and this community.”
Many educators remember the uncertainty of high school graduation, and trying to find their passions as a young adult.
“I didn’t decide what I wanted to do until my second year in college,” said Jacobson. “Growing up, I never thought I would’ve clicked with kids the way I’ve grown into it today.”
Dylan Jacobson earned his teaching degree from UNI, and then worked as a substitute teacher with Waterloo schools before receiving his master’s degree in special education at Upper Iowa. Jacobson now works one-on-one with students at the Expo Alternative Learning Center as an instructional strategist.
Alternatively, Sheena Frickson knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age, but says she took many different paths before choosing to set her sights on education. It was one of her childhood teachers, Mrs. Johnson, who encouraged her passion for teaching, especially while Frickson worked as a student teacher in her classroom.
“I remember when I was in fifth grade and she arranged for me to get extra help with a teaching volunteer. We would work one-on-one together outside of the classroom, with no distractions for me. That was a time when I felt most successful in elementary school. Mrs. Johnson noticed my struggle and arranged for me to have help, in a way that built up my confidence,” said Frickson. “Years later I was able to student teach with her and then, when she retired, she came and volunteered with me in my classroom!”
Now Frickson enjoys building relationships with her own students, watching them grow and develop, and being a part of their success.
For Korey Minard, employee relations and liability specialist, she says that being able to listen and help people is what she enjoys most about her role with Waterloo Schools.
“I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I graduated, but I’m glad to have found my place here!” said Minard. “I have been able to find a career that I enjoy, working with people that I can laugh and learn with.”
Fortunately, many graduates tend to find their own unique niche, in their own unique time, just like Patricia Carlson, lead teacher at Kingsley elementary school.
“At the time of graduation I really didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I thought I had so much more time to figure it out,” said Carlson. “I knew I wanted to work with kids and being a pediatrician was always on my mind. I had never thought about education or teaching until I started at UNI my junior year of college.”
After graduating from UNI with a double major in elementary education and early childhood education, and an administration degree several years later, Carlson became the principal of Franklin elementary school in Boone, Iowa. While she enjoyed her two years in administration, Carlson says she missed the everyday instruction and interaction she had while teaching, prompting her to return to the Cedar Valley community she loves.
“I really wanted to work in the Waterloo Schools because of the diversity that we are exposed to in this district,” said Carlson. “We have the opportunity to learn so much from our students and support them on their educational journey.”
According to Carlson, Waterloo Schools is paving the way for an innovative education, giving students opportunities to succeed in ways the class of 2000 never dreamed of.
“We need to tell our story, because our story is beautiful!” said Carlson.
