Teachers
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
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: Bachelor of Education – Queen’s University, Kington Ontario Canada , MSE: Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction – Drake University, Des Moines, IA.
Favorite thing about East: The students and staff. I am so lucky to get to work with such an authentic group of students and a team of teachers who genuinely care about the success of those students.
Interests/ hobbies: In my free time I enjoy playing hockey, woodworking, and most importantly, spending time with my family.
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: B.S. in Biology from ISU, MBA from Drake, MAT from Drake
Favorite thing about East: The students and the location. There’s always something going on around the East Side.
Interest/ hobbies: My 4 kids, Amateur Radio (callsign KF Zero JBP), my faith
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.
Education: Ed Background: BA in Social Science Education 1998. MATL Kaplan University 2008. Ed.D-Dissertation-Concordia Portland is ABD.
Favorite things about East: Loyalty from East Alumni, diversity of student body.
Hobbies/interest: Office offical for AHL (Iowa Wild), reading court cases, law in general
Educational Background: BA – University of Upper Iowa – US History & Mild/Moderate Strat, MA – Morningside College – Education
Favorite thing about East: Working with such a large and diverse staff and student body
Interest/hobbies: Watching/attending football games with family/ golf / dogs
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”
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: BA in Spanish and Secondary Education with a minor in TESOL (ISU)
MS in Teacher Leadership and Professional Development (Drake)
Favorite thing about East High: Hands down, the diversity
Hobbies/interest:
I am a “softball mom”. I spend a LOT of time at the diamonds watching my daughter play or catching for her as she pitches. If I’m not at the ballpark, I am helping my husband run his Construction Business, TJAM Construction, LLC
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 with a minor in Theatre from Coe College; Certification in Secondary Education from the University of Iowa; MFA in Educational Theatre and Children’s Theatre from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Courses you teach: AP Language and Composition (for DMPS and DMACC credit); College Speech for DMPS and DMACC credit)
Favorite thing about East High: I love that when I came from Hoyt to EHS I got to teach some of my students for 7 years, & I love the diversity and it has enriched the life my parents blessed me with.
What hobbies or free time activities you enjoy: I love being a mother, reading, and swimming. I am active in church and with extra curricular activities at East. I hope to learn to knit now that my kids are in college. I love to travel with my youngest son to his triathlons and look forward to traveling with my oldest son for pure adventure and enjoyment
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
Educational Background: university of Nebraska-Lincoln Bachelors of Education k-12 Art education degree. Art Emphasis in Photography and Watercolor
Favorite thing about East: The students really have amazed me at this school. My first impression was when I interviewed two kids rushed to get the door for me. They didn’t know who I was they were just so polite. The admin is so supportive and I really feel like part of the East team!
Interest/ hobbies: Art and Photography of course. Anything outdoors. We are a busy family and always camping , going on mini adventures
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: I graduated from EAST HS and then attended Minnesota State University-Mankato and the University of Northern Iowa. I have a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Viterbo University.
Favorite thing about East: Being an East High alumnus myself, it is fabulous to teach here, we have amazing students and families. I live in the East High community and my son is a student at East. We are THE BEST! Go Scarlets!
Interest/ hobbies: I coach swimming and enjoy hanging out at my home pool. I love to travel, and I also love to visit the National Parks. I also love to write.
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
Class Description
Education: BA in Secondary Education University of Maine
Educational Background: B.A. in English from Iowa State University
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: 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: I love the feeling of community and family, but most of all, we have the best students!
Hobbies/interest: Hanging out with my kids, listening to music; binge watching Netflix
Morton, Ken
Homebound & Polk County Jail Teacher, Head Girls Track Coach
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.
Education: AA DMACC (Liberal Arts) BA Grand View University (English) MS Walden University (Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment)
Favorite thing about East: My favorite part about East is the history and the pride that goes with it.
Hobbies/interest: I enjoy gardening, camping, and hanging out with my granddaughter.
Class Description
Twitter: @MrsRitchieEHS
Education: Attended Grand View College for BA in Education and Iowa State for Masters in Education
Favorite thing about East: Vollaboration between students, staff, and community to encourage student successes
Educational Background: H.S. Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids, IA College: Iowa State University 1998
Favorite thing about East High: I love the energy that East brings out of people. The Staff and Students seem to bring out a positive level of energy that creates an environment of wanting to be a part of something big.
Hobbies/interest: I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like to golf, play Bags and attend sporting events when time allows.
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!
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
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.