Education:

• University of Iowa (BS in Psychology)
• Drake University (MS in School Counseling)

DMPS Experience:

• This is my third year with DMPS and I am so excited to help support Des Moines Public School students and their families! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the school counseling program, family changes, individual counseling, and/or groups.

Family/Hobbies:

• I have a huge golden retriever who is named Willis. In my free time, I enjoy reading, being out in nature, and spending time with my friends and family.

Hello! My name is Allison Bishop and I am so excited to be your first grade teacher!

Education:

• Iowa State University (BS in Elementary Education)
• Iowa State University (Reading Endorsement)
• Iowa State University (Social Studies Endorsement)
• West Des Moines Dowling Catholic High School

Family/Hobbies:

• I’m getting married this September to my fiancé Jackson.
• Jackson and I are expecting a baby boy in December.
• We have a cat named Mateo.
• I enjoy spending time with family and friends and spending time outside.

Education:

• University of Minnesota (BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Spanish studies)
• University of Northern Iowa (MA in Speech-Language Pathology)

DMPS Experience:

• This is my sixth year at DMPS working with students and families on the southside of Des Moines.  Prior to working at DMPS, I provided speech therapy for children at an outpatient clinic.

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband and I have one daughter and three German Shepherd dogs!  We enjoy exploring new places and being outside on trails and parks.  When I’m not running around with my family, I love drinking coffee with a good book whenever I get a chance!

My name is Tammy Bortscheller (Ms. B) and I have been teaching Special Education since 2004. I hold two degrees from Iowa State University: a B.S. in Child Services and a B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education. I also have a K-6 Instructional Strategist I endorsement from Grandview University. For me, one of the greatest rewards of being a teacher is knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of my students, no matter how big or small. I have lived in the Des Moines area all my life. I have a daughter, Olivia, and a son, Elliot. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, working out, and eating good food. My favorite place to visit is Disney World and I’m pretty sure I would live right there in the castle if they would let me!

My educational career started in my hometown of Marion, Iowa, at Starry Elementary school where I decided I was going to be a teacher after being in Mrs. Parman’s kindergarten class. I attended undergraduate at Cornell College, and had post graduate experience at Drake, Morningside, and Viterbo.

While serving in DMPS, I’ve had the opportunity to wear several hats, as a Professional Learning Facilitator, and as a special education consultant, a behavior interventionist, and a teacher before that. Regardless of the role, my core values have always aligned with service, equity, and disruption. I have worked with the intention to dedicate my career to advocacy, activism, and continued growth toward equitable outcomes for all learners. 

My preferred pronouns are she, her, hers. I live on the south side of Des Moines – the land of Sauk and Meskwaki, with my husband, Derek, and our dog, Durby. Outside of school, we are often with friends and family, bike riding, camping, traveling, eating good food, and listening to good music. I also love reading, working out, being in the sunshine, my birthday, a cozy snowstorm, and Iowa Hawkeye football.

Education:

• Master of Library and Information – San Jose State University
• Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication
• Bachelor of Arts, General Education – Willliam Penn University 2025

DMPS Experience:

• Third year as a DMPS Library Associate and former public library director
• Building Technology Specialist
• Substitute

Family/Hobbies:

• I am “mom” to three very cool people, “Gigi” to my grandson, and fiancee to Mark. The library is my happy place. I love spending time with my loved ones, reading, going to the movies, listening to music and taking our German Shepherd “Izzy” for walks.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

“Books give a Soul to the universe, Wings to the mind, Flight to the imagination, and Life to Everything.” – Plato

Hello, my name is Miranda Bunkers and I have been teaching special education at Howe since 2019. I have my bachelor’s in early childhood education with endorsements in reading and special education. I have enjoyed being at Howe and I can’t wait for another year with our Howe Hawks. When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy being outside, shopping, reading, diamond art, and listening to podcasts and music. I look forward to another year of learning and fun at Howe 🙂

Hello! My name is Emily Cammon and I am so excited to be teaching music at Howe. This is my first year at Howe, but this is my sixth year teaching elementary music for Des Moines Public Schools. I grew up in Marion, Iowa before attending Luther College where I earned my bachelor’s degree in music education. During my time teaching in Des Moines, I also graduated from Drake University with a master’s degree in education. When I’m not at school, I’m usually spending time with my loved ones, which includes my husband and our dog Freya. Other than making music, I love watching nerdy TV/movies with my husband and our friends, and experimenting with new recipes!

Education:

• Iowa State University (BS in Elementary Education/Science)
• Iowa State University (Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership)

DMPS Experience:

• I have been teaching with DMPS since 1997.

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband and I have three kids. We have two girls and a boy. We currently have no pets, but my youngest daughter is working hard to change that! I love to travel, enjoy the great outdoors, go for walks and spend time with my family and friends.

Hello, my name is Bronson Carpenter, and this is my third year at Howe! I grew up in Corydon, Iowa, a small town in southern Iowa and attended Wayne Community Schools. Following that, I graduated from Simpson College with a degree in Physical Education. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with the people I love most, as well as my dog, Archie! I am looking forward to teaching your children lifelong skills on how to live a healthy physical, mental, and social life!

Education:

• Iowa State University

DMPS Experience:

• I been with DMPS for 26 years.

Family/Hobbies:

• I am married with 2 children. When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling with family and friends.

Education:

• Upper Iowa University (BA Elementary Education)
• Upper Iowa University (Reading Endorsement)
• West Des Moines Dowling Catholic High School
• Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary/Middle School

DMPS Experience:

• I have taught 5th grade at Howe Elementary since the fall of 2007.
• I was a substitute teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School during the spring of 2007

Family/Hobbies:

• I am married to my husband, Joel,  and have 4 children, Ashton, William, Mila, and Gwendolyn
• I enjoy spending time outside gardening and playing basketball and baseball with my family.
• I coach middle school boys basketball.
• I am a huge Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan!

Education:

• Simpson College (BA)

DMPS Experience:

• I started substitute teaching in 1997.  I have been a 5th grade teacher here at Howe since fall of 1998.

Family/Hobbies:

• Enjoys spending time with family and friends
• Likes to read
• Loves Hawkeye football and basketball

Education:

• I attended Valley High School
• I graduated with my GED in 1996

DMPS Experience:

•  I started working for DMPS in 2016.
• I am happy to start my sixth year here at Howe as the Metro Kids Supervisor!

Family/Hobbies:

•  I enjoy traveling and watching movies. I spend almost every weekend hanging out with my grandkids!

HI HOWE families! My name is Paige Gwyin and I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten!

I grew up on the south side of Des Moines and attended DMPS for 13 years. I went to Granger that merged to become South Union elementary, McCombs middle school, and graduated from Lincoln High School! GO RAILS!!

I was lucky enough to be the building sub for Howe while I was finishing my degree, so I have had the chance to get to many Howe families and students before I took on the role as a Kindergarten teacher.

Education:

• I attended Grand View University for a year and then took a few years off where I worked as an associate with DMPS.
• I graduated from Upper Iowa University with my bachelors degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in reading and language arts.

Experiences:

• I have been with DMPS for many years before I was a certified teacher. I spent a few years as an associate working in a self-contained behavior classroom. I worked in Carlisle as a behavior tech and worked with a variety of students on SEL needs and behavioral needs for two years as well. I took on a Substitute teaching position as a building sub and came back to DMPS. I then moved into a certified teaching position once I graduated and became a Kindergarten teacher. 🙂
• This will be my seventh year with DMPS, and I am very excited. The climate, culture, diversity and equity within our school district is one thing that I love the most about DMPS.

Hobbies:

• I love Spending time with my son Ky’Aire.
• I teach dance & tumbling at DMi dance force on the south side of Des Moines.
• When I am not at work I love to travel, go shopping and be with my family.

I can’t wait for a great year! – Ms.Gwyin

Education:

• BSN from Grandview University

DMPS Experience:

• I started at Howe Elementary as the school nurse after spending many years employed at a hospital in multiple areas of patient care.

Family/Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending time with my four children and my Yorkie.  I love the outdoors and all the activities that go with that.   My main hobbies are sewing and riding my bike.

Education:

• I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Buena Vista University. I also have my reading and social studies endorsements in EL. I have been teaching for ten years, 8 of those years were in 2^nd grade.

DMPS Experience:

• I joined the Des Moines district in 2021 teaching 1^st grade at Jefferson Elementary.

Family/Hobbies:

• When I am not working I enjoy reading, biking, and spending time with my daughter and puppy. We have fun going for walks, going to museums and watching movies together.

Education:

• BA in Psychology from the University of Kansas with a minor in Applied Behavioral Sciences
• MS/EdS in School Psychology from Fort Hays University

DMPS Experience:

• I completed my practicum and internship with DMPS and am going onto my 4^th official year as a school psychologist with the district.

Family/Hobbies:

• I love spending time with my husband and two dachshunds, baking, cheering on the Jayhawks and Chiefs, reading books, and trying new restaurants.

Education:

• University of Northern Iowa BA Grand Canyon | University Masters of Reading

DMPS Experience:

• I taught with DMPS for 4 years previously with DMPS, I then taught 1 year in Houston, TX and now am returning for year 6!

Family/Hobbies:

•  I love spending time with my fiance, Isaac and our dog, Willow. I also enjoy reading, running and spending time with friends and family.

Education:

• Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa State University  GO CYCLONES!!!!

DMPS Experience:

• I have been teaching ELL with DMPS since 2009

Family/Hobbies:

• I have a husband and two children.  My family loves animals.  We have two mini pigs, a rabbit, and fish.  We love hockey, traveling, movies, being outside, and anything where we are spending time with family.

Education:

• University of Northern Iowa (BA Early Childhood/ Elementary Education Early Childhood Special Education Reading Endorsement)

DMPS Experience:

• Before staying at home with my children, I taught Kindergarten at St. Joseph Elementary for 8 years. I was a substitute for Des Moines, Southeast Polk and Bondurant.  I was hired by Des Moines in 2016 as the Reading/ Math K-3 Interventionist at Howe. This year I will be staying at Howe as a third grade teacher.

Family/Hobbies:

• When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my large family. My husband and I have been married now for 17 years. We stay very busy attending our kids activities! They are involved in soccer, wrestling and dance and we love supporting them! When we are not busy with kid activities, I enjoy going photography, camping, cooking, swimming, new adventures, bike riding, trying new restaurants, reading and traveling.

Education:

• Northwest Missouri State (BS)
• Viterbo University (Masters)

DMPS Experience:

• I have been with the district for 35 years.

Family/Hobbies:

• I have been married to my husband, Kendall, for 36 years.  We have 5 grown children, Austin, Kelsey, Ross, JT, and Jazmine.  When I’m not working, I love to read books, take my dogs on walks, and hang out with my 3 very cute granddaughters!

Hello there, my name is Haley and I am thrilled to start my work as an instructional strategist here at Howe. I grew up in the Des Moines area and attended DMPS schools, beginning in pre-K and continuing through my graduation from East High. Since then, I have lived in Missouri, Colorado, and North Carolina, working in schools, libraries, and a combination of both! I recently completed my Masters in Teaching Special Education at North Carolina State University – Go Wolfpack! I am excited to transition out of the library and into the classroom, but when I’m not at school you might find me reading picture books at the Franklin Avenue library with my cheerful 2-year-old daughter. I also enjoy coffee, flowers, trying to beat my spouse in Jeopardy, and my two chihuahuas, Fran and Jerry. I am looking forward to a wonderful year filled with lots of learning and laughter!

Education:

• Iowa State University (BS in Child, Parent, Community Service)
• Upper Iowa University (BA in Elementary  Education, Early Childhood and Reading Endorsement)
• Viterbo University (Masters in Education)

DMPS Experience:

• I started with DMPS in the fall of 2002.  I taught preschool for 1 year and kindergarten for 15 years at Howe
• This will be my 6^th year as a reading and math interventionist at Howe

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband, Paul and I have been married 32 years and have three daughters, Bailey, Morgan, Emma and two dogs Roxi and Remi.
• I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs, traveling and being outdoors- hiking, biking, swimming, or kayaking.
• I am looking forward to another wonderful school year.

My name is Mary Love. I am the special education consultant for Howe. I graduated from the University of NE at Omaha with my bachelor’s degree in education. I am certified to teach English/Language Arts and Special Education. I graduated from Concordia University with my master’s degree in educational administration. I taught for nine years in Omaha, NE for Omaha Public Schools. The other 16 years of my educational career have been with Des Moines Public Schools. Some of the positions I have had throughout my career are special education teacher, team leader, mentor, instructional strategist coach, and special education consultant.

I have been an adjunct professor with Upper Iowa University for the last eight years and will continue this year. I am married and have three children. When I am not working, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and spending time with my family. I am excited to be at Howe this year!

Education:

• Ankeny High School
• BA in ED at Grand View University

DMPS Experience:

• I began subbing with DMPS in the fall of 2022.

Family/Hobbies:

• My hobbies include reading,  bicycle riding and camping. As an artist I enjoy painting, drawing and creating mixed media pieces (mostly mosaics and collages). I have played the guitar for over 25 years and have been a part of several different local bands.

Education:

• I attended University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with a BA in special education, as well as earning my Masters Degree in Differentiated Instruction through Graceland University.

DMPS Experience:

• I have worked in special education at Merrill Middle School and McKinley Elementary.

Family/Hobbies:

• I have 3 children, all of whom have recently graduated from Urbandale Schools. My parent and siblings all live within 10-30 minutes from me.
• Hobbies: Reading, shopping, watching movies, traveling

Education:

• I graduated from Luther College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in reading.

DMPS Experience:

• This will be my third year with DMPS! I student taught at Howe Elementary in 3rd grade and Kindergarten. After I graduated, I worked at Riverwoods Elementary for one year as a Title Interventionist. I am so happy to be back at Howe teaching Kindergarten. This will be my second year in Kindergarten!

Family/Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending time with my family and friends in my free time. I also like reading, running, traveling, and sewing projects!

Education:

• Upper Iowa University (BA)

DMPS Experience:

• I started with DMPS in the fall of 2011.  Prior to teaching, I worked at Principal Financial Group.

Family/Hobbies:

• I love yoga, biking, reading, and spending time with my family.  Rich and I have two sons and 1 daughter: Jacob, Austin and Abby.  We became grandparents in 2018!

Education:

• I received my BA in English from the University of Iowa and my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa.

DMPS Experience:

• I’ve been working in the Des Moines school district for almost 15 years.
• I am very excited to start my 5^th year as the Behavior Strategist at Howe!

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband and I have a 16-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 3-year-old (and several pets!). I love spending time with family and friends, being outside as much as possible, running with our two dogs, reading, writing, and traveling.

Education:

• I graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Educational Computing and an endorsement in reading. I later graduated from
  Grandview University with a master’s degree in education and an endorsement in ELL.

DMPS Experience:

• The 24-25 school year will be my 22nd year at DMPS.  I previously taught 5th grade and ELL at Carver Elementary and last year I taught ELL at Callanan Middle School. I’m super excited to be back with the elementary students this year!

Family/Hobbies:

• I Iove spending time with my husband and 12-year-old twins.  We have 3-year-old Jack Russell that is a complete spaz, and we just added 2 kittens to the mix.  When I’m not with my family I’m usually found crafting or reading a good book. This is going to be a great year!  I can’t wait to get it started!

Education:

University of Northern Iowa

• Major: Elementary Education
• Minor: Literacy

Viterbo University

• Masters in Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching

DMPS Experience:

• Reading/ Math Interventionist at Monroe
• Reading/ Math Interventionist at Howe

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband and I have a 1-year-old son named Archie
• We have two Goldendoodles named Cooper & Carl
• I love reading, riding my bike, spending time with my family and friends, and swimming!
• I also love to travel, some of my favorite places that I have been include Egypt, Israel, China, Jordan, Iceland, and Greece

Education:

• Drake University, Des Moines Iowa
• Upper Iowa University (BA Elementary Education, Reading and Language Arts Endorsements)

DMPS Experience:

• I have been with DMPS since 2013, supporting students at Walnut Street Elementary School and Goodrell Middle School. I began teaching at Howe Elementary January 2017. I have taught 4th and 2nd grade at Howe.

Family/Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending time with my four children and husband.  I also enjoy playing tennis and a member of several USTA teams in the Des Moines area. Other hobbies include bike riding, swimming, and walking my two dogs!

Hello my name is Keera Tijerina and I will be the 1st grade teacher this year! I am from Minnesota, and love spending my time with family, friends, and absolutely love being outdoors. Especially when it comes to going on long walks and hikes with my dog Kane. I graduated from Iowa State University with my bachelor’s degree in human sciences, and continued my journey of learning getting my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Winona State University. I strongly believe in having a growth mindset not only for the students but also for myself. I am excited to learn and grow with the students throughout the year!

Trenton Williams is a global educator and graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 2000, where he was valedictorian, commencement speaker and student body president. Go, Rails!

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and French from Luther College in Decorah, IA, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He holds a master’s in educational leadership from the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY. Williams also completed an education specialist degree at Drake University.

Before coming to work for Des Moines Public Schools in 2015, Williams spent 11 years teaching abroad; two years teaching at the Dubai American Academy, United Arab Emirates; seven years at the Singapore American School, Southeast Asia; and two years at the International School of Stavanger, Norway. For the past four years, he has served as an interventionist at McKinley Elementary and a Released Dean at Jackson Elementary.