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:
- 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.
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
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:
- 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 2nd grade.
DMPS Experience:
- I joined the Des Moines district in 2021 teaching 1st 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:
- 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.
Hi, Howe family! This is my first year at Howe, and I am so excited about joining the team. I went to Drake University and graduated with endorsements in math and reading. When I’m not at school, you can usually find me outside, at a library, or spending time with friends and family.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you throughout the year 😊
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:
- 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!