I graduated from Simpson College with endorsements in Reading and Special Education, and this is my 13th year teaching for DMPS.

My passion is KIDS! I love being a part of each child’s life and I strive to make a positive impact on every child I work with or see each day.

I live in Ankeny with my husband Chris, my 8 year old daughter, and my 5 year old son. We love playing outside, riding bikes, and reading!

I am in the building from 7-2:45. My email is tracie.backstrom@dmschools.org

This is my second year teaching 4th grade at Cattell Elementary. I Graduated from Iowa State University (GO CYCLONES!) I received my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English Language Arts and also my minor in Adult and Family Services.

I believe that all children have the ability to learn, it just may be in different ways! That is why I feel it is vital to create meaningful and engaging lessons that serve a specific purpose! I create a positive classroom community where students feel safe and secure with their teacher and peers! I want every student to leave my classroom at the end of the day knowing they are important to me!

I grew up on the South Side of Des Moines. I attended Howe Elementary, Weeks Middle School, and Lincoln High School. In my free time I love being outside, reading, going to movies, and spending time with my 5-year-old son, Jordan!

You can reach me by email megan.bell@dmschools.org and by phone from 7:00- 2:45.

I have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University and a Reading Endorsement at Drake University. I have been teaching since 1989, specializing in Kindergarten.

I chose to be a teacher because I love working with all children. It is such a thrill to watch them grow academically and socially. Every child should have the opportunity to learn in an atmosphere where respect for one another is a top priority. I believe that success comes from hands-on learning opportunities and real world experiences. My goal is to encourage students to experiment, explore, and think critically while having fun too!

If you ever have a question, feel free to contact me at school by note, by telephone at 242-8403, or by e-mail at susan.devries@dmschools.org.

I hold a B.A. in K-12 Physical Education/Coaching from the University of Northern Iowa and a M.S. Exercise Physiology Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

I believe that physical movement is an important element in a child’s development. I strive to create a safe, structured, and challenging environment for students to explore physical activities/skills. This opportunity allows children to express themselves outside of the classroom setting.

If you have any questions about the P.E. program at Cattell, please email me at bradley.dittmar@dmschools.org

I have been in education for 9 years and hold the following degrees:
Drake University with a bachelors degree in music education
Grand Canyon University with a masters in Educational Administration and Leadership

I believe that all students can be successful in their lives. It is our job as educators to help them gain the building blocks necessary to be successful.

This is my 17 year teaching at Cattell. I attended the University of Northern Iowa for both my undergraduate degree and my graduate degree in literacy education.

I believe establishing a positive learning environment is key to helping students meet and exceed their learning goals. I want each student be motivated, engaged, and inspired to do their very best!

I can be reached at Cattell by phone or email Monday-Friday from 7:00 – 2:45 PM.

I hold a B.A. Art/K-12 Art Education from the University of Iowa.

I have been teaching Art at Jonathan Cattell Elementary for twelve years. I am fortunate the Cattell parents understand the importance of a dedicated Art space where students can create, connect and respond through the arts. Thank you for the daily opportunity to share the joy of Art with your child.

Please email megan.luna@dmschools.org if you need to contact me.

I have taught first grade at Cattell for 9 years and I am a Grand View graduate.

I am passionate about education and will work hard to instill a love of learning in all my students. I encourage students to set goals and help them meet them through team problem solving, practical practice, use of technology, and parent collaboration. I continue to seek out effective, researched based teaching strategies that will help meet the needs of multiple learning styles while reflecting on how I can continue to grow as a teacher.

Phone (515)242-8403

7:00-7:15 or 2:30-2:45

Best Way To Contact- Email:  bethany.moon@dmschools

This is my 14th year of teaching, my 11th at Cattell. I have the following degrees/endorsements:

BA from Briar Cliff University

Teaching Endorsement from Texas

Teaching Endorsement from Iowa -Upper Iowa University

Masters in Teaching and Reading Endorsement – Morningside College

Learning should be a fun experience. I want to build community in my classroom by working hard and playing hard, while striving to build relationships with my students. At the end of the day I want to send them off with a smile and hug.

My husband and I have 6 children. We have one grandchild , one grandturtle (that should be living with his dad not grandparents ) and two granddogs.

I can be reached by phone (242-8403) from 7:00-7:15. You may call after this and leave a message. I will return your call when I am not attending to students. Feel free to email me:

joan.osborn@dmschools.org

I got my Bachelor’s from Grand View University. I got my Master’s from Morningside College. I have been teaching in the Des Moines School District for 16 years.

I am a special education teacher who will be supporting 4th and 5th grade students in their classroom. My educational philosophy is that all students are unique individuals that have the ability to learn and grow educationally, socially and emotionally. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to facilitate the learning and growth of students by creating a safe and challenging learning environment.

I have lived in the Des Moines area for 20 years now. I am a wife and mother of 3 active boys. We have a family dog and a hedgehog. In my spare time I like to read and make soap. I do not consider myself a crafty person but enjoy doing crafts.

“OFFICE HOURS” / BEST WAY TO CONTACT/EMAIL: The best way to contact me is through email: neomi.voeller-case@dmschools.org.  I will check my email periodically throughout the day and reply as soon as I can. You can also reach me by phone 242-8403. Someone in the office answers the phone from 7:00-2:45. If I cannot be reached by phone, please leave a message with the office and I will return the call as soon as I can.

I graduated from Ellsworth Community College with an Associative Arts Degree. Then I went to the University of Northern Iowa where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Education. I also received a Master’s Degree from Drake University.

I work with identified special education students at Cattell. I work primarily with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders and focus on reading, math, and writing skills. I have taught at Cattell for 20+ years. I believe that every child can learn. I try to be encouraging and figure out the best strategy to help children be successful and grow. When not at school I spend time with my family and friends. During the summer I run a camp in the Kansas City area for girls with disabilities and their friends.

The best way to reach me is by email. My email address is karen.whittlesey@dmschools.org I will check my email throughout the day and get back to you as soon as I can. You may also try calling between 7:00 and 2:45. The number is 242-8403. If I am not available then leave a message and I will get back to you.

This is my 19th year in education. I attended the University of Northern Iowa for my bachelor’s degree and Viterbo University for my master’s degree in education.

My passion for education guides my everyday life in the classroom. I care about building relationships with my students and believe that is the foundation for learning to take place. I have high expectations but will provide the support each and every child needs to be successful. Second graders have so much enthusiasm that I love what I do each and every day.

The best way to reach me is by email- stacy.williams@dmschools.org. I will reply within 48 hours of receiving your email. If you would like to speak to me on the phone please call between 7:00-7:15 AM or 2:25-2:45 PM. You may also leave a message and I will return your call as soon as I am able.

I have been working in education for 19 years teaching.  I hold degrees from Marquette University, Upper Iowa University, Drake University, and Cardinal Stritch University.

I believe everyone learns in their own unique way. The classroom is a safe place for students to learn with and from each other. It is important for everyone to be comfortable making mistakes and growing from those experiences

You can reach me between the hours of 7:00am-3:00pm.  Please contact me via the school office and I will return calls after these times or send me an email. I will return emails within 24 hours at Julie.zimmer@dmschools.org

This is my first full year of teaching at Cattell Elementary! I graduated from Grand View University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Reading endorsement.

I believe that all students can learn. I understand that not all students learn the same way, so I create lessons that are engaging and meaningful for my students. I believe that it’s important to build a classroom community so my students feel safe and welcome every day they walk into my classroom.

In my spare time, I love to read and go on vacations! I live with my fiancé and cat named Jax. We adopted Jax about a year ago and can’t imagine life without him!

I can be reached at Cattell by phone or email Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM.