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Nine educators join WB schools in 2016-17
News · August 25, 2016
West Branch Community Schools welcomed nine new staff at its teacher orientation meeting on Aug. 17.
Here’s a little bit about them:
Julie Howard of West Branch will teach Talented And Gifted for grades kindergarten through 12.
She earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and masters degree in Secondary Education: Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa and a bachelors degree in secondary education at Upper Iowa University.
Before West Branch, she taught sixth-grade reading and language arts at Waterloo Community School District, seventh-grade language arts at Burlington Community School District, and eighth-grade language arts and literacy teacher as well as K-12 TAG teacher at CAL (Coulter-Alexander-Latimer) Community School District.
She sad she was drawn to West Branch because of the “opportunity to work with more TAG students in a full-time position.”
“I am happy to be in West Branch and a part of the school system,” she said.
Kristy Franzoni of Solon will serve as counselor for sixth- through 12th-grade pupils.
She and husband Bryan have four children: Lindsay, Brayden, Seth and Isaiah.
She graduated with a masters degree in professional counseling from Bradley University.
Before West Branch, she worked as a fifth- through 12th-grade counselor in Ashland, Ill., at A-C Central. The family moved to Iowa after her husband was promoted at work.
“When we first found out we were moving to Iowa, we immediately asked others about good, smaller districts near Iowa City, and West Branch was always mentioned,” she said. “Teachers here are positive and motivated, so I’m excited to join the team! We are also excited to have our boys grow up in a great school and community!”
Marissa Boles of Coralville will serve as counselor for elementary pupils.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2012 at the University of Iowa and a masters in education in 2016 from Western Illinois University.
Before West Branch, she was finishing up an internship at the Davenport school district and completing her masters degree.
She said she was attracted to West Branch schools because of “the attitude and personalities of the staff during the interview process.”
Courtney Behm of Coralville will teach preschool pupils.
She earned her elementary education degree in 2015 from the University of Iowa.
Before coming to West Branch, she was finishing up her degree.
She said she likes the “smaller, close-knit community” and West Branch’s reputation.
Lyndsey Noe of Tiffin will teach eighth-grade reading and language arts and serve as an assistant varsity volleyball coach.
She earned a communication studies degree in 2008 from the University of Iowa and English/Language Arts degree, focusing on fifth- through 12th-graders, in 2012 from Buena Vista University.
She taught at Cardinal Middle School in Eldon before coming here to begin her fifth year teaching middle school language arts.
“The West Branch community has a sense of pride and I wanted to be a part of that,” Noe said. “The size of the school is perfect for me, and as a graduate of Iowa, the location is perfect.”
Joan Gredell of Iowa City will teach preschool pupils.
She and husband Bob have three children: Tamra, Conrad and Nelson.
She earned an elementary education/early childhood degree from Iowa Wesleyan College and a masters degree in early childhood and special education from the University of North Dakota.
Before coming to West Branch, she spent 16 years working for Head Start.
Living in the Iowa City area for most of her life, she said she “heard great things about the school district.”
“I loved the vision and mission of the school district,” she said.
Gaige Gill of West Branch will teach high school social studies students.
In 2014, he earned bachelor degrees in secondary education and history from Mount Mercy University.
Before coming here, he taught at Maple Valley-Anthon Oto School District for two years. There he coached girls and boys track and junior high boys basketball. He started Ram-Fitness, a weightlifting club at the school.
While in college, he coached junior high girls track for two years and varsity girls track for one year at Central City. He also started coaching softball, which he continues doing after five years.
He said West Branch “is close to home for me and where my fiance grew up.”
“I also love the size of the school and tradition of the town,” he said.
Jack Thomas Frank of Coralville will serve as the high school band director.
He earned in 2016 a bachelor of music degree from the University of Iowa.
Before West Branch, he was attending UI and active in many groups. He worked as the band manager for the Hawkeyes Marching Band and many musical projects in the Iowa City area, including the New Horizons Band.
He said he was attracted to West Branch schools because of the “supportive administration, great kids and a very positive attitude toward the arts.”
Karina Krall of Atalissa will teach high school English and journalism students, while also serving as the advisor for the Bear newspaper.
She earned in 1989 secondary education, English and Spanish degrees from Cornell College. Then, in 1997, she received her journalism certification from the University of Iowa.
Before coming here, she taught for 21 years — three years at Tri-County, three years at Clarence-Lowden and 15 years at North Cedar — with subjects including English, Spanish and journalism. For the past four years, she has served as a substitute teacher for grades five through 12 in West Branch, Tipton, North Cedar and Lisbon.
She said West Branch attracted her because it is her hometown.
“I am a 1985 West Branch graduate and have always had a fondness for this district and the Bears!” she said. “I am excited to be home!”
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