Morgan Deutmeyer
Fourth grade
Morgan Deutmeyer is a graduate of high school at Dyersville Beckman and University of Iowa. She now lives with her sister in North Liberty.
Outside of the classroom, her favorite activities include baking, reading and boating in the summer.
This is her first full year teaching. She student taught first grade last school year.
What do you love about teaching? “The ability to make an impact and help kids grow. Every day is different!”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My own fourth grade teacher, Mr. Urban, made learning so fun. He truly cared for each of us.”
Robert Helgerson
Sixth grade writing and social studies
Robert Helgeson graduated from North Fayette High School in West Union and University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He and his wife, Danielle, live in Lisbon. Danielle is a marketing director for senior living companies. The couple have two children – Evan, 10, is a fifth grader who loves baseball and hanging out with friends and Kaylin, 2 and a half is wild and mischievous child who loves her shoes dresses and family.
If he’s not in the classroom, you may see him courtside as an assistant coach for the girls’ basketball team or for his son’s baseball, soccer and football teams. He loves being outside and staying active.
Helgerson has previously taught as a seventh and eighth grade science and social studies teacher for three years at Linn-Mar, sixth grade math and science teacher for two years at Winfield-Mount Union and as a sixth-grade teacher at North Cedar for seven years.
What do you enjoy about teaching? “Building rapport with my students throughout the year and watching them mature as individuals and learners.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “Janet Helgerson, my mom, a 30 year choir teacher. Showed me how she was able to impact students lives for the better. Would be available when they needed her and always challenged them to be better at everything they did.
Dean Pedersen, my high school social studies teacher. He really pushed my love for history and the yearning to know more. He had a really relaxed way of approaching difficult subjects. He was known to students as ‘Dude.’”
Jenna Novak
Second grade teacher
Jenna Novak graduated from Prairie High school in Cedar Rapids and the University of Iowa. She now resides in Iowa City. Her mom, dad and brother live in Cedar Rapids.
Outside of teaching, Novak loves watching sports (wrestling and gymnastics being her favorites), reading and going on walks with her friends.
She previously taught fifth grade at Fairmeadows Elementary in West Des Moines.
What do you love about teaching? “I love making a difference in students’ lives. Making a classroom into a family and seeing growth and progress in all students.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My third grade teacher, Mr. Granzeveld, influenced me greatly. He taught me that it is okay to make mistakes. He always made me feel safe and comfortable at school.”
Bailey Vifian
Second grade teacher
Bailey Vifian graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids and the University of Northern Iowa. She resides in Cedar Rapids with her mom, Kelly, and dad, Mike. Her boyfriend, David, also lives in Cedar Rapids. She also has two younger sisters, Shelby and Addy, who also reside in Cedar Rapids. “We love spending time together,” Vifian said.
Outside of her work as a teacher, Vifian loves to read, play tennis and travel.
Lisbon is Vifian’s first teaching assignment.
What do you love most about teaching? “I love getting to see students learn and grow. I also enjoy creating a classroom community where students feel loved and cared for.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My mom is a preschool teacher who has inspired me since I was little. Growing up with a teacher in the family means I was always around the classroom. She showed me the importance of creating relationships and loving your students.”
Payton Wheeler
Third grade teacher
Payton Wheeler graduated from Solon High School and the University of Northern Iowa. Wheeler now resides in Solon with her mom and dad. Her boyfriend, Brayton, also resides in Solon. Her brother is in Minnesota, attending college.
Outside of their time in the classroom, she loves to spend time reading, hanging out with friends and family and watching her favorite shows.
This is Wheeler’s fist year as a teacher.
What do you love most about teaching? “I love the relationships and impact you can have/make with the kids.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My third grade teacher, Mrs. Cook. I learned how to make those relationships and become a teacher that kids want to learn from.