From the top down left to right: Brittany Mease, Brice Girkin, Kirsten Waline, Sarah Shirley, Lindsay Linck, Jean Matzen.

Brittany Mease

Hometown: Truro, IA

Numbers of years teaching: First year teaching

College and degree: Iowa State University, Bachelors in English Education

Classes you’ll be teaching: Seventh grade literature, eighth grade language arts and publication

Married/Kids/Pets: A dog, Bosco

Hobbies: Reading, writing, hitting the trails around Cedar Falls and spending time with family/friends

What got you into the profession: “I had really good teachers throughout my entire school experience that made an impact on my life. I want to do for the next generations.”

Why North Tama: “I really like northern Iowa and this area. When I had my interview here, I just felt at home.

Goals for the year: “To enjoy diving into the school, it’s community and getting to know my students on an individual level.”

Brice Girkin

Hometown: Charles City, IA

Numbers of years teaching: First year teaching

College and degree: University of Northern Iowa, Bachelors

Classes you’ll be teaching: Elementary Physical Education, coaching varsity/JV football

Married/Kids/Pets: Single

Hobbies: Being active, playing cards with friends and family, movies

What got you into the profession: “My parents. My mom is a daycare provider and my dad coached me in athletics growing up. I always wanted to work with kids and help them be more active.”

Why North Tama: “This is an awesome community and atmosphere. When I walked into my interview, it felt like home here.”

Goals for the year: “I want to help inspire and engage my students. I want PE to be fun.”

Kirsten Waline

Hometown: Story City, IA

Numbers of years teaching: First year teaching

College and degree: University of Northern Iowa, Bachelors in Elementary Education, minor in Literacy

Classes you’ll be teaching: Third grade

Married/Kids/Pets: A dog, JJ

Hobbies: Traveling, being outside, being around friends/family

What got you into the profession: “Both of my parents were teachers and I had a first grade teacher who really inspired me.”

Why North Tama: “I wanted to start with a smaller school district closer to Cedar Falls. This just fit perfectly.”

Goals for the year: “To make a classroom environment the kids can enjoy coming to and look forward to every day.”

Lindsay Linck

Hometown: Cedar Falls

Numbers of years teaching: Five years as a school counselor, four years as a Mental Health Counselor

College and degree: University of Northern Iowa, Bachelors. Masters degree in Mental Health/School Counselor

Classes you’ll be teaching: Secondary School Counselor

Married/Kids: Two kids, Charlotte and Will, three dogs, Rosie, Sandy and Riggly

Hobbies: Avid marathon runner, teach fitness classes

What got you into the profession: “I ran a health club when I lived in La Cross, WI after graduating from college. I saw a lot of issues that couldn’t be dealt with in the gym. I started research about how I could be more effective helping people.”

Why North Tama: “I was looking to get into a school within driving distance of Cedar Falls. There’s a great vibe here and the staff is very welcoming here.”

Goals for the year: “Instill trust with the community and feel the kids feel secure. Build relationships with students, staff and parents.”

Sarah Shirley

Hometown: Waterloo, IA

Numbers of years teaching: Four years teaching

College and degree: Hawkeye CC, University of Northern, Masters in Administration from Viterbo University

Classes you’ll be teaching: Kindergarten

Married/Kids/Pets: Engaged and a dog named Jax

Hobbies: Volleyball, going out to dinner, shopping

What got you into the profession: “A lot of my family are teachers. Both my grandmas, my cousins, my aunt, my uncle all teach. It’s something I’ve always wanted.”

Why North Tama: “My cousins are Maegan and Andrew Meister here at the school. I’ve never taught in a small school, so I’m looking forward to something different.”

Goals for the year: “Build a relationship with my students. I’m excited to make new friends while being in a different environment.”

Jean Matzen

Hometown: Fairfield, IA

Numbers of years teaching: Eight years teaching

College and degree: Southern New Hampshire, Bachelors in Biology

Classes you’ll be teaching: Seventh and eighth grade science, seventh grade social studies

Married/Kids/Pets: Two dogs, Izzy and Epsen

Hobbies: Swimming, biking, running, being outdoors

What got you into the profession: “I was inspired by teachers in high school when I saw the difference they made in me. I want to be that for someone else.”

Why North Tama: “I worked for Waterloo for five years and wanted to try a small town atmosphere. People are very warm and inviting here.”

Goals for the year: “Just give students what they deserve every day, wake up with them in mind.”