Pence Elementary Announces New Staff
Several new faces will be in the building for the 08-09 school year
by Nathan Wear
You may see some new faces as you walk the halls of Pence for the 08-09 school year.
Our first changes are in the kitchen. Doug Vorhies will be replacing Shirley Brown at the position of head cook. Mr. Vorhies has 32 years of institutional food service preparation experience. Recent experience includes work at the correctional institution in Mt. Pleasant and Head Cook responsibilities at Park View Care Center. And yes, Mr. Vorhies can bake cinnamon rolls! Also in the kitchen will be Ranita Shelby. She will be replacing Charlotte McClain and comes to Pence with experience working in the Washington Elementary Kitchen. Mrs. Shelby is familiar with Pence since her children attended school here.
Becky Kann, who has taught 3rd grade at Lincoln Elementary in Fairfield, will be transferring to the open position that was vacated by Mrs. Countryman's retirement. Mrs. Kann has extensive experience and we welcome her to the 2nd grade position. She will know exactly what our 2nd graders need to be prepared to make the transition to third grade!
Nicole Shea will be the other 2nd grade teacher and will fill the spot vacated by Ms. Ahrens. Mrs. Shea is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has a Master's Degree from DePaul University. She comes to Fairfield with 4 years of experience teaching in the Chicago area.
Next is Ms. May's position in 1st grade. That will be filled by Laura Kaska. Mrs. Kaska previously taught in the Fairfield School District at Washington Elementary. She subbed extensively throughout the year at Pence and the other elementary buildings. She brings wonderful experience to our classroom and already knows several of the Pence students and families!
Melissa Muir has been hired as the new preschool teacher. Ms. Muir has a BA and MA in Early Childhood and Special Education from the University of Northern Iowa. She will be teaching the class at the Park and Rec facility. She has experience working with younger children and also completed research in the area of early childhood education. We welcome her expertise to our preschool program.
Jessica Sandbothe will be teaching in Kindergarten. She comes to Fairfield with a degree from ISU in Early Childhood Preschool-grade 3 special and regular education. She has previously taught in a public school preschool and special education classroom. Most recently, she has worked with Head Start in Lee County. We welcome her back to the classroom! She will be filling in for Lezlie Freeman.
Please take time to welcome all of our new staff!
