Welcome to our Teacher Features page, where we highlight the incredible stories and experiences from educators making a difference every day. Here, you’ll find inspiring tales, tips, and creative ideas shared by teachers who are shaping the future. From innovative lesson plans to impactful moments of connection, these stories will inspire and empower both teachers and learners. Don’t miss out—check out these amazing stories and get inspired!
For Samuel Urness, teaching isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Growing up, he always felt a deep desire to help others. That passion led him to pursue a career in education, and today, he is proud to be part of the Waterloo Schools family.
“I chose to work for Waterloo Schools because of their commitment to providing an inclusive and innovative learning environment,” Samuel shares. “The district’s focus on equity and preparing students for lifelong success deeply resonates with my values. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, and I knew this was a community I wanted to be part of.”
At Highland Elementary, Samuel has found the perfect setting to nurture young minds during one of the most pivotal times in their lives. “Elementary school is where curiosity is sparked, confidence is built, and foundational skills are formed,” he explains. “It’s inspiring to create a positive environment where kids feel excited to learn and empowered to reach their potential.”
In his classroom, Samuel works hard to ensure students are actively engaged. By incorporating collaborative learning and allowing students to choose projects and activities that align with their interests, he makes learning both fun and meaningful. “When students can work together and explore topics they’re passionate about, their excitement for learning grows,” he says.
For Samuel, teaching isn’t just about academics—it’s about building connections. “My favorite part of teaching is seeing the excitement on my students’ faces when they discover something new. Watching them grow academically and as individuals is so rewarding,” he reflects. “Getting to know their unique personalities and creating a safe, supportive classroom environment makes this work truly meaningful.”
Samuel’s dedication to his students and his craft shines through in everything he does. “I’m deeply committed to supporting my students, collaborating with my colleagues, and continually improving my teaching strategies,” he shares. “I truly love what I do and care about making a difference in students’ lives.”
When asked to describe himself, Samuel chooses two hashtags: #Compassionate and #Passionate. “I want my students to feel seen and supported, and I strive to create a classroom where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed.”
Highland Elementary is fortunate to have educators like Samuel Urness who bring heart, passion, and innovation to their work every day. Thank you, Mr. Urness, for inspiring infinite possibilities in your students!
For Jodi Gaherty, joining Waterloo Schools wasn’t just a decision—it was a feeling. “After my interview, I walked away knowing this was where I was supposed to be. It felt right. It felt like home,” she shared.
Jodi’s passion for special education began years ago while working in group homes and later as a paraeducator. That passion carried her through the UNI Purple Pathway Program, where she earned her teaching degree. “Something kept pulling me back to being an Instructional Strategist. It’s my calling.”
In her classroom, building relationships comes first. “When students feel safe, valued, and understood, they’re ready to learn. Clear expectations and a strong bond make all the difference.”
Jodi thrives on watching her students grow, celebrating every milestone, and finding creative ways to keep them engaged—like group reading sessions where students build confidence together, one word at a time.
She describes her journey and teaching style with two powerful hashtags:
#teachtoinspire – “I hope to inspire even one student to believe in themselves and their potential.”
#icanvsican’t – “When things get hard, I remind my students—and myself—that we CAN do hard things. And we celebrate every victory.”
Jodi’s warmth, resilience, and dedication to her students shine brightly at Poyner Elementary, where Infinite Possibilities come to life every day.
Meet Breanna Stainbrook, an incredible educator making a difference every day in the Newcomer Program at Bunger Middle School. Drawn to the diversity and inclusivity of Waterloo Schools, Breanna joined the district to be part of a team that truly values every individual.
“One of my favorite parts about teaching in the Newcomer Program is giving my students a space to be kids and students. Many of our students haven’t had the chance to just be kids due to other responsibilities. My classroom might get loud or messy, but it’s worth it to see them laugh, learn, and enjoy themselves.”
Breanna’s teaching approach is as unique as her students. She creates lessons that celebrate their diverse backgrounds, like designing soccer jerseys to connect with their love of the sport or blending Halloween and Dia de Muertos traditions to teach sensory and descriptive language.
Her patience and creativity shine through her hashtags:
#Multilingual: Breanna speaks English and Spanish and is always learning words in her students’ native languages. Her willingness to make mistakes shows her students that learning is a shared journey.
#Patient: She ensures her students feel supported, never rushed, and always respected as they learn a new language.
Breanna’s classroom is a safe, inclusive space where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Thank you, Breanna, for embodying the mission of Waterloo Schools and creating infinite possibilities for your students!
Ashley Richard’s journey to Kingsley Elementary came from a love for community, growth, and learning. Originally from out of state, Ashley discovered Waterloo Schools through extensive research and felt it was the perfect fit for both herself and her young son. “I fell in love with the opportunities Waterloo Schools offered. I could see myself and my son being part of Kingsley,” she shared.
From a young age, Ashley knew teaching was her calling, turning her basement into a classroom and “teaching” her brother. Today, she brings that same passion and dedication to her students every day. One of Ashley’s most beloved strategies is to bring her life into the classroom, like sharing stories about her son’s pet hamster. These personal moments foster connection and make learning engaging. “Students want to know the real us as people, not just as teachers,” she said.
Ashley’s classroom is a space where students feel safe, inspired, and motivated. From competitive games to interactive lessons on exciting topics like tornados, she sparks her students’ curiosity and joy for learning. Ashley believes in using dynamic games and competitive activities to strengthen skills. For instance, her students can’t get enough of her “Around the World” game, where they compete with flashcards to reach math fluency in just three seconds. “It’s a game that taps into their competitiveness, and they love it! I start with two students, and they work their way around the room, aiming to ‘go around the world,’” she explains. It’s just one of the creative ways she makes learning math an exciting adventure.
When asked why new teachers should join Waterloo Schools, Ashley was clear: “There is so much support within our buildings. I feel extremely valued by my admin, parents, and students!”
We’re lucky to have teachers like Ashley who embody the #TeacherLife and embrace a #GrowthMindsetTeacher approach every day. Thank you, Ashley, for all you do for Kingsley Elementary and Waterloo Schools!
Returning to Waterloo wasn’t in Joel Riley’s immediate plans, but a sense of purpose led him back to his roots. After graduating from East High and initially veering away from teaching, Riley found himself back in the profession years later, first teaching in North Scottsdale, Arizona. But an article he read about Waterloo ranking poorly for Black residents changed his trajectory. “I felt a sense of guilt,” Riley shared. “Guilt for keeping my talents away from my hometown.” Determined to make an impact where it mattered most, Riley applied for a position with Waterloo Schools, moved back, and joined Cunningham before ultimately finding a new home at Carver Academy.
In his second year at George Washington Carver Academy, Riley finds his work particularly meaningful, not only because of the students he reaches but also due to the school’s diversity and dynamic environment. “Waterloo Schools is a real-life microcosm of our country,” he says. “If you want the real experience of living in America, then working for Waterloo Schools will give you that.” With a student body and faculty as varied as the city itself, Carver Academy offers a unique educational experience that reflects the broader world, preparing students to thrive within diverse communities.
Having started at Cunningham, Riley feels a unique connection with his students, often seeing former students from first and second grades mature into thoughtful teens. “It’s so surreal,” he explains. “Almost like a dream, watching babies turn into young teens. My favorite part is being able to keep an eye on the students I’ve known from those early years.”
Riley brings high-impact strategies into his classroom, blending movement and critical thinking to keep his lessons both engaging and impactful. His “four corners” exercise is a favorite among students, encouraging open discussion and the exploration of different perspectives. “I try to pick the brains of my students, to see what they know, and they know a lot,” he says. “We present our misconceptions to each other, then address them. That’s how we really learn.”
Riley embraces the values of #SupremeHarmony and #SenseOfSelf, guiding his students to reflect on their identities and respect one another’s unique perspectives. “At the end of the day, I’m here to create a classroom environment where everyone feels they belong, where learning is as much about the world around us as it is about ourselves.”
Meet Kacey Meihost, a dedicated Strat teacher at Hoover Middle School who is passionate about empowering her students with the tools they need to succeed!
“I chose to work in the Waterloo Schools because you get more opportunities and more room to grow in your career. You get to see more of the growth of students with disabilities. You get more resources to help support students.”
Kacey’s journey into special education was driven by her desire to celebrate her students’ strengths and provide them with strategies they can use in everyday life. She focuses on helping students advocate for themselves and believe in their ability to succeed.
To keep her students engaged, Kacey incorporates hands-on learning and provides choices that align with their interests. Whether it’s selecting a writing topic or diving into an interactive lesson, she ensures learning is both meaningful and fun.
Her favorite part of teaching at Hoover? The connections with her students:
“I love seeing their smiles, hearing them yell ‘Ms. Meihost!’ in the hallway, and receiving hugs from both current and former students. Those moments mean everything.”
Kacey encourages new teachers to consider Waterloo Schools, saying:
“If you’re looking for a challenging yet highly rewarding experience, this is the place. Waterloo Schools will teach you a lot about who you are and the person you want to become.”
Thank you, Ms. Meihost, for your dedication to creating a supportive and encouraging environment for your students!
Kristen Applegate’s journey to becoming a teacher with Waterloo Schools is a full-circle moment. During her time as a student teacher and later as a long-term substitute at both Hoover Middle School and West High, Kristen built meaningful connections with students and staff alike. Now, as a first-year Social Studies teacher, she’s enjoying the unique opportunity to teach some of the same students she worked with as 8th graders at Hoover last year.
“Seeing how much my students have grown in just a year is one of my favorite parts of teaching,” Kristen shared. “It’s amazing to watch them develop academically and personally as they navigate high school. Getting to reconnect with them at West makes the experience even more special.”
Kristen loves engaging her students by mixing traditional learning with creative and interactive activities. From simulations to hands-on projects like her “Cold War Mafia” game, she finds ways to make history come alive in her classroom. “High school students bring a level of maturity that allows for deeper conversations and exploration of material. It’s rewarding to watch them take accountability, make mistakes, and learn from them,” she said.
When asked why she chose Waterloo Schools, Kristen said the decision was easy: “The diversity and support here are incredible. From day one, I’ve felt like part of the community. I love working in a district that values its teachers and students so much.”
With hashtags like #HistoryInTheMaking and #TeachingWithPassion, Kristen exemplifies the dedication and creativity that make West High a great place to learn and grow. Welcome to the team, Kristen—we’re thrilled to have you inspiring the next generation!
Meet Bailey Gorgal, a passionate second-year Instructional Strategist at Carver Middle School, where she teaches 7th and 8th-grade Reading, Writing, and Math. Bailey’s journey into education is deeply rooted in her desire to foster inclusivity and diversity within the classroom. Growing up in a private school environment with limited exposure to diverse cultures, she is committed to creating a welcoming space for her students.
“I did not have any diversity growing up,” Bailey shares. “I felt hidden from the real world. I enjoy learning about different cultures and different ways of life from our students.” This passion for diversity is one of the driving forces behind her decision to join the Waterloo Schools.
Bailey’s commitment to inclusive education stems from her experiences with a close friend who had disabilities. “I saw how she wasn’t treated as well as she should have been,” she recalls. “I wanted to be the person who was inclusive and encourage students to believe in themselves.” Teaching runs in Bailey’s family, with her parents and several relatives being educators, which reinforces her dedication to this noble profession.
A core aspect of Bailey’s teaching philosophy is building strong relationships with her students. “For students to be engaged in learning, there has to be a connection between teacher and student,” she emphasizes. “These relationships provide a foundation for engagement, belonging, and ultimately, learning.”
In her classroom, Bailey employs creative methods to make learning fun. For instance, she uses games like UNO to teach multiplication equations, allowing students to enjoy the learning process while mastering essential math skills. “I enjoy finding ways that relate to their interests,” she explains. “Teaching doesn’t have to be perfect, but it needs to resonate with the students.”
Bailey also recognizes the importance of being a role model for her middle schoolers. “This turning point in their life could determine who they want to be in high school and beyond,” she notes. Her infectious energy and positivity create an inviting environment where students feel safe to explore and grow.
As an advocate for the Waterloo community, Bailey encourages new teachers to consider joining the district. “You will truly get an education and be exposed to many different scenarios early on,” she advises. “If students can have at least one person who believes in them, that’s all they need to be successful.”
In addition to her teaching passion, Bailey has a unique sense of style that she attributes to her mother’s influence. “I have over 80 pairs of Nikes and more than 100 pairs of shoes in total,” she says with a smile. “Clothing is a form of self-expression, and I believe it communicates a lot about who you are.”
Bailey Gorgal is not just a teacher; she is a trendsetter, a mentor, and a vital part of the Carver Middle School community. With her personable nature and dedication to her students, Bailey exemplifies the spirit of Infinite Possibilities at the Waterloo Career Center.
Meet Timothy Shumaker, a 2nd-year teacher at Hoover, whose passion for teaching began unexpectedly during his time working at Hy-Vee. His love for training and working with people, combined with his experience with kids, led him to pursue a career in education. After spending time in Waterloo Schools during his undergraduate program at UNI, Timothy knew this was where he wanted to start his teaching journey.
As a math teacher, Timothy believes in being passionate about the content and trying new ways to engage students. Teaching in 80-minute blocks, he encourages different methods for students to practice and showcase their skills. Whether it’s through whole-class discussions or small group activities, he makes a point to hear from as many students as possible. He knows that when students feel heard and validated, they grow in confidence and feel like they belong.
Timothy loves teaching 6th grade, especially seeing students transform from nervous newcomers to confident individuals throughout the year. He’s there to build them up, give them a laugh when needed, and support them through their middle school journey.
His advice for new teachers? “Teaching in Waterloo Schools is incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready to give your all, this is the place to be. Every day, you’ll witness breakthroughs in students, and there’s always someone benefiting from your efforts.”
We’re so proud to have teachers like Timothy who pour their heart into their work every day!
David Boody, a passionate teacher at Expo Alternative High School, always knew that Waterloo Schools would be part of his journey. His personal experiences in an alternative school, combined with the impact Expo had on his friends, made teaching at Expo his dream job. Even during college, he heard great things about Waterloo Schools and interviewed one of its principals for a class. That experience solidified his decision to pursue a career in education here.
“I struggled in school, but I always loved learning, especially social studies,” David recalls. “Without the incredible support of teachers at my alternative school, I probably wouldn’t have graduated. I knew I wanted to help students, especially those going through similar struggles.”
David’s approach to engaging students involves a blend of enthusiasm and creativity. He starts each day with an intriguing social studies fact or question to ignite discussion. From there, he incorporates movement and active learning strategies to maintain high levels of engagement. Allowing students to take part in deciding how the class operates is another unique element of David’s teaching style. “Practicing democracy in the classroom empowers students to take ownership of their learning,” he says.
David’s passion for social studies comes to life through dynamic lessons like student-led debates, where they pick viewpoints and defend them in lively discussions. He also creates mock congresses in his Government class, where students debate and vote on class laws, which could even impact how the class operates. His Geography students recently created tourism pamphlets for African countries, presenting them through interactive strategies that encouraged more student questions and conversations.
Why should new teachers apply to Waterloo Schools? For David, the supportive staff, teamwork, and strong leadership make it a fulfilling environment to work in. “Our administration is great, and our students and community make it even better.”
With a genuine love for learning, David embraces his identity as both a teacher and a lifelong learner. He continuously seeks new ways to engage his students and foster their love for social studies, knowing the impact it can have on their future.
Meet Avery Coulter, a vibrant force in the kindergarten classroom at Lowell Elementary! Drawn to Waterloo Schools by its tight-knit community, Avery immediately felt a sense of support and belonging, especially within her school. This connection has made her teaching journey deeply rewarding.
In her classroom, Avery emphasizes emotional well-being and accountability. “We use a lot of different voices when we answer and do check-ins on how we’re feeling during lessons,” she shares. These practices foster a supportive and engaging environment where students learn not just academic skills but also how to express themselves and care for one another.
For Avery, the best part of her day is the joy her students bring. “No matter what’s going on, they come into the room with smiles on their faces. They make my day, probably more than I make theirs!” she says with a smile. The genuine love and positivity from her students fuel her passion for teaching.
Avery also incorporates hands-on learning, like math intervention games from Bridges, which her students love. They work independently during these activities, reinforcing their learning in a fun and interactive way. Additionally, during LEAD time lessons, the class talks about feelings, leadership, and making positive choices, which has helped build a strong classroom community.
Her advice for new teachers? “Waterloo Schools is a great place to work! Every day is challenging but so rewarding. The growth these kids make every day makes it all worth it. Although Waterloo is a big district, it feels close-knit, and everyone supports each other, no matter the building.”
Her hashtags, #peaceandlove ✌️ and #leader, reflect the core of her teaching philosophy. “I say ‘peace and love’ to all my students, and now they give me a ✌️ and a. We also often ask, ‘Are the choices we’re making showing we are leaders?’”
We’re so proud to have teachers like Avery, who build strong, loving communities in their classrooms every day!
