5-6 Year Old Team
Stephanie Hubka
5/6 Year Old Teacher
E: stephanie.hubka@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! My name is Stephanie Hubka and I have been at the Downtown School since 2015. I have the great privilege of working with students in the 5, 6, and 7 year old learning groups. I received my degree in elementary education from Simpson College with endorsements in early childhood education and reading.
When I am not teaching, I love hanging out with my family and friends doing anything outside. I love watching the Iowa Hawkeyes especially during football season. If there is a game on of any kind, I am probably watching it. During the warmer months, I enjoy being out on the golf course trying to fine tune my golf game which is easier said than done!
I look forward to meeting you and working with your child. It will be a great year!
Click here to follow Ms. Hubka's class on Facebook.
Jennifer Jones
5/6 Year Old Teacher
E: jennifer.jones@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! My name is Jennifer Jones. I have been teaching at the Downtown school for 8 years. In 2005, I graduated from Grand View University with a degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in reading. After graduating, I subbed for 2 years, until I found my dream job as a kindergarten/first grade teacher at the Downtown School!
I live on a farm in Bondurant with my husband, Clint and our three children, Zoey, Cooper and Otto. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with our families.
I love working with children and seeing them grow! I am a firm believer that students learn more by doing and teaching others. 'Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.' - Benjamin Franklin
Jeff Kerns
5/6 Year Old Teacher
E: jeffrey.kerns@dmschools.org
Biography
Hi! I am Jeff Kerns. I have been teaching at the Downtown School since 2007. I have a Bachelor in Elementary Education from Grand View College and a Master's degree in Effective Teaching and Learning from Drake University. I love spending time with my family. My wife and I have three children and seven grandchildren. I believe in giving back to the community. This is why educating children is a passion of mine. I also love to serve others that are less fortunate by participating in mission trips. Other hobbies of mine include collecting license plates and rocks, especially geodes.
Barb Leise
5/6 Year Old Teacher
E: barbara.leise@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! My name is Barb Leise and I teach 5, 6, and 7 year old children at the Downtown School. I’ve been at this school since 1998. I’ve been teaching kindergarten, first grade or second grade since 1988. I love my job. Teaching is my passion.I believe in the research based practices and individualized instruction that is supported at the Downtown School. I feel fortunate to be here. I attended Iowa State University for my undergraduate degree and Drake University for my master’s. I am married and we have a chubby cat at home. I have 6 nieces and nephews who live in town. We are fortunate to get to be a close part of their lives.
Melanie Schroeder
5/6 Year Old Teacher
E: melanie.schroeder@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! Welcome to our 5 & 6 year old classroom!
I grew up in Western Iowa, in the small town of Pisgah. My elementary and early childhood education degrees are from the University of Iowa -- Go Hawkeyes! In addition, I am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher and have my Master’s Degree as a K-12 Reading Specialist from Viterbo University. I have taught in Des Moines for over 20 years. My husband Kris and I have three teenagers; Evan at Iowa State, Sarah at Drake and Quinn at Waukee High School. Our family loves the Iowa and Chicago Cubs, my husband’s cooking, and reading. I am excited to join the Downtown School and am looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Michelle Wheeler
5/6 Year Old Teacher
E: michelle.wheeler@dmschools.org
Biography
In 2011, I graduated from Upper Iowa University with a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Language Arts. I have been teaching at the Downtown School since 2013. In December of this year, I will graduate with a master’s in education from Drake University. I live on our family farm just outside of Carlisle with my husband Scott and our 6 children: 2 are in college, one is in the Air Force, one is in tech school and two still live at home. I love teaching and learning. I find them both very exciting. I hope my excitement and passion for learning carry over into our classroom. I am very excited to get to know you and your child.