This school year, PV welcomed several new teachers in the building. The new additions to PV’s faculty replaced Linda Noble, Sue Kvach and Marta Brooks who all retired last school year.
The new teachers also replaced Lori Broderson, Megan Dixon and John Hoty, who moved away from the district. PV’s new faculty includes Marina Boes, Kelley Christman, Jason Landa, Zachary Miller, Nicholas Scheetz, Bambi Suits, and Bailey Trondson. They all shared a few things about their new position and their personal interests.
Marina Boes: French teacher
Where did you teach before PV?
“This is my first year teaching, but I student taught at Valley High School in West Des Moines.”
Where did you graduate from/what was your major?
“I graduated from Drake University with a Secondary Education in French and a minor in World History.”
What is your favorite part of PV so far?
“I think the smaller size of the school is great because you get to know the students and the staff better.”
Did you always want to go into teaching?
“I always thought I wanted to be a pharmacist, but I was terrible at Chemistry.”
Kelley Christman: Counselor
Where did you teach before PV?
“I used to work at PV from 2013-2015, and I worked at a few other places after PV. I always wanted to go international, so I moved to Istanbul, Turkey as an International University counselor. I had a great time but after a few years overseas, it was time to come back home.”
Where did you graduate from/what was your major?
“I did my undergrad from UNI in Social Studies Education, and I got my masters in school counseling from Western Illinois.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“If I could travel all day everyday, that is what I would like to do.”
Did you always want to go into teaching?
“I always wanted to be a teacher or counselor, but I did think I was going to work in higher education at universities, but I like working here at the high school.”
Jason Landa: Math/Computer Science teacher
Where did you teach before PV?
“Before PV, I taught at Northeast High School in Goose Lake, Iowa.”
Where did you graduate from/what was your major?
“I graduated from UNI with a major in Mathematics Education and a minor in Computer Science.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I like to hunt, fish, go biking, hiking, and spend time with family.”
What is a fun fact about yourself that your students may not know about you?
“I once lost my driver’s license and had to pay a $208 fine.”
Zachary Miller: Science teacher
Where did you teach before PV?
“I’m a first year teacher but I student taught at North Scott.”
Why did you come to PV?
“I came to PV because it’s a great district to work for with a great reputation, and it was great to come back home.”
Where did you graduate from/what was your major?
“I graduated from University of Iowa with a BA in Geoscience, minor in Environmental Science and a MAT in Science Education.”
What is your favorite part of PV so far?
“Spartan Assembly along with teaching Earth Science. PV has a great faculty and staff.”
Nicholas Scheetz: Science teacher
Where did you teach before PV?
“Washington High School (Washington, IA) past 11 years.”
Where did you graduate from/what was your major?
“I graduated from UNI (University of Northern Iowa) with a degree in Earth Science.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“In my free time I enjoy spending time at home with my 3 dogs and cat. I enjoy watching and coaching football and basketball.”
What is a fun fact about yourself that your students may not know about you?
“ I grew up with two parents as teachers so teaching was always an option. I started college as a business major and thought that I might want to run my own business. I decided to become a teacher because I enjoy working with students and wanted to share my love for science with them.”
Bambi Suits: ASL teacher
Why did you come to PV?
“I teach ASL at PV via SCC as a dual enrollment course.”
Where did you graduate from/what major?
“St. Ambrose with a major in English and Women’s Studies.”
Where did you work before?
“I am a freelance Sign Language Interpreter in the Quad Cities.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“Hang out with my family, knit, watch tv shows, and listen to music.”
Bailey Trondson: English teacher
Where did you teach before PV?
“This is my first year teaching. I am right out of college.”
Why did you come to PV?
“It is a great school and I have always lived in the area. When I heard about the job, I was very honored to be part of a great district.”
Where did you graduate from/what was your major?
“I graduated from University of Illinois with a major in English and a minor in Secondary Education.”
Did you always want to go into teaching?
“I thought I was going to be a nurse, but I decided to go into teaching instead. It was something I could see myself looking forward to doing everyday.”
