Student Support Team
Deb Croft
Interventionist
Biography
Debra Croft is a University of Northern Iowa graduate, and holds a Master of Education in Collaborative Learning and Teaching for K-12 Educators from Graceland University. She has been teaching for 38 years, primarily as an interventionist. Her passions are family, educating children and exercise!
Dana L. Allen
Dean of Students & Special Education
Biography
I learned about the Downtown School when I was a high school student at Colfax-Mingo. Since then it was my dream to become a “Downtown School” teacher. When I first heard about this school, I thought it was a dream and in the years I have been teaching here, I can’t imagine teaching in a better place.
My history with the Downtown School goes back to 2006, when I was fortunate enough to be chosen to do my pre-teaching at the Downtown School. I then received my undergrad from Simpson College in 2008 with my degree in Elementary Education, Liberal Arts, and a minor in Psychology. I received concentrations in reading and special education.
Since being hired with the Downtown School, in 2008, my journey here has gone in various directions. I have worked with the 7/8 team, the 9/10 team and I currently work as our K-5 special education teacher. I am also part of our build leadership team and our building technology specialist.
In addition to all of my professional roles at the Downtown School and with DMPS, I am a UNI Panther. I completed my masters in administration the summer of 2018 with University of Northern Iowa as a part of their Urban Education Principalship Network. My new learning has been a gift in preparing me for future roles in our district.
I am grateful for my professional career with Des Moines Public Schools and the Downtown School. It continues to be a dream! I truly can't imagine a better place to be!
My Mission: Support a school culture that focuses on cultivating the skills needed for every child to fulfill their future dreams.
Links
Please visit my links below to see the other district work I am involved in.
Other:
http://www.dmschools.org/2016/03/downtown-school-teacher-digs-beyond-fundraising/
Or feel free to browse through my journey with UNI.