Teachers
Aguilar, Teresa
Math Interventionist
Educational Background: Bachelors – Theatre & English: Creative Writing ; Masters in the Art of Teaching (MAT) – Pacific University, Oregon.
Favorite thing about East: The dedicated and hard-working staff and students
Interest/ hobbies: Practicing Defense Against the Dark Arts
Educational Background: Bachelors Degree in Music Education at the University of Northern Iowa.
Favorite thing about East: The people all around. The staff are some of the most supportive to work around and the students never cease to amaze me with their work and personalities.
Interest/ hobbies: Disc Golf, hikes, and talking.
Class Description
Algebra 1 CANVAS Page
Educational Background: B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in Human Relations from The University of Iowa, M.Ed. in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University , M.A. in Counseling from The University of Arizona
Favorite thing about East: The welcoming atmosphere and sense of community among staff and students at East is so special!
Interest/ hobbies: My favorite outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and skiing! My favorite indoor activities include reading, scrapbooking, and watching TV/movies!
Educational Background: BA in History and Education from Iowa State University
Favorite thing about East High: I love the community and the energy that students and teachers bring to the building every day! I take great pride in being a scarlet
What hobbies or free time activities you enjoy: When I’m not teaching I love spending time with my family and friends, reading a good book, or finding a great documentary to watch!
Brown, Warren
Technology Education Teacher (Metalworking), School Leadership Team
Educational Background: BA from Simpson College in Journalism and Mass Communication. Masters of Arts in Teaching from Simpson College.
Favorite thing about East: All the diversity that the students bring to the classroom.
Hobbie or interests: Love to bike, race cyclocross, run, camp, hike in the mountains, fish, and spend time with my son.
Educational Background: College- BA English Iowa State University, Teaching License ELA MA -Morningside College Masters in Teaching Special Education.
Favorite Thing About East- I love the relationships I have with the kids and staff.
Hobbies/Interests- Traveling with my family, reading cooking, yoga
Educational Background: Associates Degree from DMACC, Bachelor’s in Biology from Iowa State, and Master’s degrees in Business Administration and in Teaching from Drake University.
Favorite thing about East: Meeting the next generation of East Side students.
Interest/ hobbies: Amateur Radio. I talk directly, antenna-to-antenna, to other radio operators world-wide, using less power than a lightbulb. When it works, it’s magical!
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Grand View University
Master of Arts in special education with an emphasis in behavior disorders/learning disorders from Morningside College
Favorite Thing About East: The willingness of the students to work hard to succeed at any task presented to them.
Hobbies: Watching his 2 daughters play softball and hockey, running, exploring Iowa’s scenic byways, and watching football (Chicago Bears and the Iowa Hawkeyes)
Educational Background: BA in biology and chemistry from Grand View, Master of Arts in Teaching from Simpson
Favorite thing about East: The community within the building.
Hobbies: Baking, yoga, listening to crime podcasts and spending time with family.
Educational Background: BA – Education – Upper Iowa University, MA – Education – Morningside College
Favorite thing about East: Look forward every day to working with such a wide range of diversified staff and student population at East. The sheer variety of daily experiences is what makes it such a challenging & rewarding profession.
Interest/ hobbies: Playing golf, traveling with family, love of dogs and NFL football.
Educational Background: I graduated with my undergrad degree from Iowa State in 2012 and most recently completed my master’s degree from Drake University in 2019.
Favorite thing about East High: This is my first year at East High. I am looking forward to the opportunity to grow and learn along with the students.
Hobbies/interest: In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my wife and daughter, woodworking, and being outdoors.
Geha, Megan
English Teacher (SPED), Dream to Teach Mentor, School Leadership Team
Educational Background: AA: Kirkwood Community College, BA English University of Iowa, Teaching License ELA ISU, MA Morningside College Masters in Teaching Special Education.
Favorite Hobbbies: Teacher, mother, activist, Beatlemaniac.
Favorite thing about East: the kids and promoting our motto, “For the Service of Humanity”
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts degree from UIU, Master’s Degree from Morningside
Favorite thing about East: I am able to be unapologetically me! And our Motto.
Interest/ hobbies: I enjoy watching our child compete in football and wrestling, hanging out with all of our kids, cuddling with all of my dogs and being outdoors on our land.
Gladson, Ryan
Math Teacher, Science Bound Advisor, School Leadership Team
Educational Background: mechanical engineering degree from Iowa State University. Master’s in education from Kaplan university.
Favorite thing about East: great tradition of people, overcoming adversity to find success at school and in life.
Interest/ hobbies: construction, watching football, attending my kids’ events, playing video games
Educational Background: BA-Simpson College: K-12 Physical Education , Endorsement-Upper Iowa: Instructional Strat. Morningside: Masters
Favorite thing about East: Community, Tradition, Diversity
Hobbies: Home improvement projects, Sports, Listening to podcasts, hanging with the family
Educational Background: Master’s Degree of Arts in Teaching and Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Biology from Iowa State University
Favorite thing about East: Our students are the best in the city. They make my job fun and make it worth it.
Interest/ hobbies: Coaching softball and volleyball, watching sports, hanging out with friends and family, and spoiling my dog.
Educational Background: BA from Iowa State University. MS from Drake
Favorite thing about East: the diversity
Interest/ hobbies: softball mom, reading, boating, baking
Educational Background: BS in Chemistry from Warren Wilson College, NC, MA in Teaching from Lenoir-Rhyne University, NC
Favorite thing about East: The students and staff!!
Interest/ hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, taking my kids to new places, and listening to podcasts. I also like to read scientific news articles to share with students and coming up with new labs for kids to try in the classroom.
Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education/Special Education Inclusive Settings from University of Puerto Rico, ELL Endorsement from Grand View University
Favorite thing about East: I love cultural diversity and I am passionate about working with the community that welcomed me when I arrived from Puerto Rico.
Interest/ hobbies: Music is one of my great passions. I am a worship leader in my church, I sing, play the piano and in my free time I love to spend time with my family. As a family, along with our 4 dogs, we enjoy running bikes, spending time in my backyard, kayaking and camping.
Educational Background: BA- UNI, MA- Drake
Favorite Thing About East: Our school motto, and working with students who live it out.
Hobbies: Hiking, NBA, movies/books/podcasts
Educational Background: BS in Family and Consumer Science education Iowa State University. Currently working on Masters in Learning Technology
Favorite thing about East: Love the people, staff, focus and mission. I love the East side since I was rasied on this side of town.
Hobbies/interest: swimming, kayaking, weight lifting, and technology.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English—The University of Iowa, Master of Arts in Teaching—Drake University
Favorite thing about East: The students and staff!
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends, shopping for antiques, vintage and fun finds, baking, and more…
Educational Background: BA in English and Theatre from Coe College; Teaching Certification from the University of Iowa; MFA in Children’s theatre and Creative Drama from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Favorite thing about East: I love the diversity and sense of community at EHS.
Interest/ hobbies: Swimming, singing, reading, family
Education- BS in Social Science with a minor in Geography from Portland State University Currently working on a MA-TESOL.
Favorite Thing About East- I love the students at East.
Hobbies/Interests- Walking, being outdoors, embroidery, cats, my kids, dance, baseball.
Class Description
Canvas Linke- https://dmschools.instructure.com/courses/217922
Education: Graduated from Luther College in 2019 with degrees in Studio Art and Art Education
Hobbies/interest: I enjoy drawing and painting, visiting museums and art galleries, riding my bike, hiking, and traveling to music festivals!
My favorite thing about East: The great sense of community between staff and students.
Educational Background: BA Political Science; M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction; M.Ed. Educational Leadership
Favorite thing about East: I enjoy the friendly staff I see in the hallways each day and all my new students. Every day my students make me laugh and enjoy the work I do.
Interest/ hobbies: Tarot Reader, Crypto Enthusiast, Mixed Media Artist
Educational Background: Bachelor of Music (Temple University), Teacher License (Regents Alternative Pathway, U of Iowa), ESL endorsement (William Penn), Secondary English endorsement (Grandview and U of Phoenix)
Favorite thing about East High: the people (students and staff)
Hobbies/interest: Hiking, gardening, playing music, and reading
Educational Background: BA in History from UC Santa Cruz, Master of Arts in Teaching from Centenary College
Favorite thing about East High: The community
Hobbies/interest: Reading books and playing games
Education: BS from Drake in Mathematics, Secondary Mathematic Education, Business Endorsement Upper Iowa , MBA Drake University
Favorite thing about East: Students
Hobbies: Soccer, cooking, gardening, reading, biking, working out.
Educational Background: B.A. in History and English from Iowa Wesleyan University, M.A. in History from Western Illinois University, B.A. in Education and ESL/ELL endorsement from Upper Iowa University
Favorite thing about East High: Our students–because of their resilience and willingness to work hard every day.
Hobbies/interest: spending time with family, reading, playing basketball, running
Educational Background: I have a master’s degree in educational leadership from Viterbo University and my bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. I am certified to teach K-6 elementary Classroom, K-8 Spanish and 5-12 PE. I attended DMPS and am a 1995 East High Graduate.
Favorite thing about East: I love everything about East High School. We have the best students and serve the best families. I love watching East Athletics teams and cheering for the Scarlets. I coach swimming here at East and love East High Swimming!
Interest/ hobbies: I enjoy traveling and vacationing with my family. I love watching my son Tyler’s sports activities. He will be a freshman at Coe College and I am looking forward to watching him swim in his college swim meets. I also enjoy reading and writing.
Educational Background: BS in Biological Science from Universidade de Brasília, Brazil & MS in Plant Sciences from North Dakota State university. Several courses on communication, inclusion, and diversity while working in the private sector.
Favorite thing about East: The students, sense of belonging and the supportive staff.
Interest/ hobbies: I love hiking and camping. I spend a lot of my time learning about different perspectives on things and listening to a lot of biography audiobooks.
Educational Background: Iowa State University-graduated 1990
PE K-12
US History 7-12
World History 5-12
Favorite thing about East: The teachers, coaches, and hard working student athletes
Interest/Hobbies: Coaching sports, Watching and playing sports
Educational Background: BSE-Physics, Mindanao State University -Iligan Institute of Technology Philippines
Favorite thing about East High: The diversity and energy of the staff.
What hobbies or free time activities you enjoy: Spending quality time with my family, travelling and listening to good music.
Educational Background: BA in International Affairs and Economics, minor in Spanish. MA in teaching Social Studies.
Favorite thing about East: Everyone here can be their most authentic self without fear of judgement because our community is so supportive of one other.
Interest/ hobbies: Learning, watching my kids in their sports and activities, riding bikes, cooking, traveling, yoga.
Class Description
Educational Background: B.A. in English from Iowa State University, pursuing my M.A. In English Literature and Teaching Reading at ISU
Favorite thing about East: All the wonderful people (staff and students, both) that I get to work with
Interest/ hobbies: Reading, exercising, baking
Educational Background: bachelors at Wartburg in education, math and Spanish. Masters from northcentral university in educational psychology.
Favorite thing about East: the diversity and learning about all of the cultures
Interest/ hobbies: reading, spending time with family, watching movies
Educational Background: Bachelors of Science degree in Nutrition Science and Bachelors of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences in Education.
Favorite thing about East: The community! The teachers, admin, and staff all do their best to show their support for one another. It’s something you wouldn’t find anywhere else!
Interest/ hobbies: I love studying nutrition (even on my free time). I love watching all the food and health documentaries. I love watching cooking shows. I also am into weightlifting, hiking, and being in the mountains. Not necessarily climbing the mountain, but just being there.
Educational Background: BA in Secondary Ed.
Education: Endorsements in English, Speech, and Theater. Attended Grand View and Drake Universities.
Favorite things: My family, my pets, music, camping and creativity!
Educational Background: Associate of Arts at Kirkwood Community College, Bachelor of Science in Geology at University of Northern Iowa, Master of Science in Geology at East Carolina University
Favorite thing about East: The diverse group of students.
Interest/ hobbies: Exploring new places and activities with my family.
Educational Background: AAS in Commercial Art (Graphic Design) from DMACC; BS in Education from Iowa State University
Favorite thing about East High: The sense of community amongst staff, students and families.
Hobbies/interest: Hanging out with my kids, traveling, listening to music, reality shows
Educational Background: Bachelors in Math Education from the University of Kentucky, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado Denver, currently working on a Masters in Applied Statistics from the University of Kentucky
Favorite thing about East: The East Side Pride
Interest/ hobbies: Traveling, Spending time with family, Baking, Home Improvement
Morton, Ken
Homebound & Polk County Jail Teacher, Head Girls Track Coach
Educational Background: Bachelors Degree in Bioengineering for the University of Illinois and Urbana Champaign
Favorite Thing About East: We have the best students and teachers
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, gardening, sewing, weight lifting
Educational Background: Bachelors in Elementary Education, minor in Spanish K-12 & ELL K-12 at Grand View University.
Favorite thing about East: Working with students of all background as well as the amazing staff support. It makes my job so valuable.
Interest/ hobbies: Fishing, gardening , and shopping and spending time with my family.
Educational Background: BA in Secondary Education with major in Math and Physical Science, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University. Master in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies from Iowa State University
Favorite thing about East High: The diversity of the people.
Hobbies/interest: Reading, dancing, drawing and painting
Education: UNI BS: Elementary Education Morningside College MA in Teaching: K-12 Special Education
Favorite thing about East: Interacting with all our students and helping them build their futures.
Hobbies/Interest: I really enjoy being outdoors, playing golf, playing tennis, working on projects, watching a good television series, and hanging with my wife and daughter.
Niemeyer-Lorenz, Natalie
Journalism Teacher, Newspaper Advisor, Yearbook Advisor, Quill & Scroll Advisor, Ambassadors Advisor
Educational Background: BA University of Iowa 2011, MSE Drake University 2015
Favorite thing about East High: My students & our classroom.
What hobbies or free time activities you enjoy: Spending time with family, being an aunt, yoga and going out to eat.
External Links
Twitter: @MsNiemeyerEHS
Educational Background: AA from Kirkwood Community College , BA in Mathematics Education from the University of Northern Iowa
Favorite thing about East: The People
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Movies, Iowa Hawkeye Sports, Tennis
Patterson, Margaret (Meis)
Social Studies & Social Transitions Teacher (SPED)
Education: Drake University: BS in Elementary Education, Morningside College: Master’s in Special Education
Favorite thing about East: students and staff
Hobbies: cooking, reading, family, camping
Education: BA: University of Iowa –Journalism and English, ELL endorsement: University of So. Maine, MA: Viterbo University- Education
Favorite thing about EHS: diversity of the school community
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family, walking my dog, cooking, reading, exercising, and being outdoors.
Educational Background: BA in Criminal Justice and MA in Teaching from Simpson College.
Favorite thing about East: Community and the students.
Interest/ hobbies: Traveling, hiking, cooking, walking my dogs, watching true crime documentaries, reading and spending time with my family and friends.
Educational Background:
- I am a graduate of DM Public Schools; I was in the last graduating class of Tech High School.
- I attended Brown Institute after high school where I earned a certificate of training in Radio & Television Broadcasting.
- I returned to college in 1998 when I attended DMACC and earned my AA degree. I then transferred to Grand View University. I graduated with my MA in English in 2001.
- In 2004 I began working on my master’s degree through Walden University. I Graduated with my MS in Education focused on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in 2006.
Favorite thing about East: Initially, the family atmosphere as well as the school spirit and rich history of the school. Now, I still love those things, but my favorite thing is the students.
Interest/ hobbies: I’m an English major, I love reading. I also enjoy my small veggie garden in the spring/summer, but I enjoy time with my granddaughter the most.
Educational Background: Grand View College, Iowa State
Favorite thing about East: The Camaraderie
Interest/ hobbies: Binge watching vintage TV shows
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Iowa State University
Favorite thing about East: I love the energy in and around East. I love how the students and staff energize each other to do better!!
Interest/ hobbies: Golfing, attending sporting events, watching my daughter play soccer, socializing with family and friends.
Educational Background: Grandview– Bachelors in History & Secondary Education, minor Government, Drake-Master of Education. University of Nebraska at Kearney– Master of History
Favorite thing about East!: Community Pride
Hobbies: Spending time with family, Reading/Watching News, Streaming shows, Landscaping/Gardening
Educational Background: M.A. Ed. – Concordia University, Irvine California; Special Education Endorsement – Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Favorite thing about East: We are all representative of many different backgrounds and cultures, We call this wonderful place our home where we share each other’s values and also learn from each other. .
Interest/ hobbies: Traveling and working out.
Education: Iowa State – BS in Elementary Education, UNI – Master’s in Special Education
Favorite thing about East: The diversity
Hobbies: Baking, going to ISU football and basketball games, spending time with my family
Education:
UNI– Bachelors in Elementary Education
Drake–
- Masters in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
- Admin License
Morningside-
Working towards a Strat 1 5-12 endorsement
Favorite thing about East!: Community Pride
Hobbies: Reading, watching sports (all), spending time with family, and going to our lake house in Missouri!
Educational Background: Bachelor’s in Secondary Education All Social Studies endorsement at Drake University, Masters in Special Education-Strat I and II, Drake University
Favorites about East: I am so proud of being an adopted East Sider (lived here for 22 years). I love our school where everybody has a chance to belong and achieve great things. At East, we are proud of where we are from, who we are and where we are going and that’s why I’m so proud of being a teacher at East.
Interests- I love watching my 4 kids’ sports and activities as well as rooting for the Hawkeyes, Bulldogs, Stl. Cardinals, and Cincinnati Bengals. I also enjoy reading, traveling to historical sites, and spending time with my close family and friends.
Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree from University of Northern Iowa.
Favorite thing about East: The diversity of our students and staff. We all have different backgrounds, but are united as Scarlets.
Interest/ hobbies: I play violin, viola, ukulele, and guitar. I also love cooking and reading.
Education: Dowling Catholic High School , Eastern Montana University , Drake University , & Viterbo University
Hobbies/interest: Mother of 2 20-somethings, both attended East. Love to cook, garden and read.
Favorite thing about East: 16th year at East, love the students, love the staff, could not imagine a better place to be!
Class Description
Weller, Joleen
3D Art, Graphics, Metals Teacher, Building Wellness Champion & Prom Advisor
Educational Background: East High 1994 + DMACC – AA Liberal Art 2004 + Grand View – BA Art Education 2007 + University of Florida – MA Art Education 2017 + UNI/DMACC/William Penn – Tech Ed Endorsement 2023
Favorite thing about East: That it feels like home and we are a family who takes care of each other and I LOVE our school motto “For the Service of humanity”
Interest/ hobbies: I root for East, the Cubbies and the Gators. I like to draw portraits, create something from nothing and spend time in the outdoors when the weather is good.
Educational Background: Went to Webster University in St. Louis, Bachelors in Music Education – Vocal
Favorite thing about East: The people! Teachers, admin, and students are so supportive and great humans to be around every day!
Interest/ hobbies: Spending time with my wife and my two dogs, reading, playing video games, going to the gym
Educational Background: Currently working on Doctor of Education from Drake University, Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago, Bachelor degrees in economics and education from the University of Iowa.
Favorite thing about East: My favorite thing about East is the community and the commitment to the Service of Humanity. As we have face adversity and big and small ways the community rallies to make the best possible for our kids.
Interest/ hobbies: Backpacking, traveling, DIY home improvement, trying new food (at least twice)