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!

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 🙂

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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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 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