Kristin Grotewold, President-Elect

Currently, I serve as the K-5 Math Instructional Coach for the Waukee Community School District. Prior to that I have been a building instructional coach, district instructional mentor and taught a variety of grade levels K-12. I attended the University of Northern Iowa and obtained my Elementary and Middle Level Education major with minors in Math and Social Studies. While at UNI, I was fortunate to partner with faculty and co-create TEAM (Teaching Educators About Mathematics). I love teaching students and helping teachers enhance their math instruction and interventions.  I'm excited to serve our educators in the state of Iowa!

My husband and I spend much of our time supporting our kids at their sporting events. Tatum is 11, Lincoln is 9, and Kenzie is 2 1/2 going on 16!  We love to relax on the beach whenever we get the chance!

Grade-Level Representatives

Kimberly Conner, Post-Secondary Representative

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Iowa, where I teach a variety of math content, methods, and technology courses for elementary and secondary preservice teachers. Before coming to UNI, I taught middle and high school math (7th grade – Algebra 2) and led a middle school math club. Two of my goals in the classroom are to help students make sense of mathematics using different models and technology tools and support preservice teachers in learning to explain mathematics by drawing on key concepts and definitions rather than relying solely on procedures. My research thus far has centered around the teaching and learning of proof in high school and teachers’ facilitation of number talks. I have been a longtime member of NCTM, presented twice at ICTM conferences, and look forward to becoming more involved with ICTM in the next few years. Outside of school, I enjoy dabbling in different artistic mediums (currently pottery and stained glass), going to see theatre, and traveling.

Sharon Jaeschke, Secondary Representative

I am recently retired from 35 years of teaching mathematics courses that ranged from 7th grade math to calculus. My career started with the Cedar Valley School District, which then merged to become Prairie Valley, and, since then, underwent another sharing agreement, becoming Southeast Valley High School. In 2001, I became a trained teacher mentor and working with pre-service and beginning teachers has become a passion for me. I love helping teachers find ways to make their lessons engaging and meaningful for students. Belonging to ICTM was extremely helpful to me over the course of my career, and I am excited to serve on the Board. I earned my bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Central College and a Masters of School Mathematics from Iowa State. I spend as much as possible with my four children and two grandsons. I am also passionate about fitness and sports, having coached most of them at some point in my career!

Kevin Bogert, Middle Grades Representative

I was born and raised in Donnellson, Iowa. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. This is my 22nd year in education. I have taught in Sedalia, Missouri; San Antonio, Texas; and Keokuk, Iowa. During my 22 years, I have taught 3rd-6th grade. I am currently the 4th-8thMath/Science Instructional Coach in Keokuk. This is my first year joining ICTM. I am looking forward to my role as a middle grades representative.

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my wife and daughter. As a family, we like to go to Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis CardinaIs games. I also enjoy playing golf and I am the high school boys golf coach at Keokuk.

Donny Short, Elementary Grades Representative

This is my 10th year of teaching, and I am excited for an opportunity to share my experience with ICTM! During my ten years, I have taught upper elementary, been an instructional coach, been a literacy model classroom teacher, and currently am the Mathematics Model Classroom at Bryant Elementary in the Sioux City Community School District. My goal as a teacher is to provide students with engaging learning experiences that combine their interests with engagement structures and an opportunity to find success. In addition to being an elementary teacher, I work as an Adjunct Professor and Advisor of Elementary Education for Wayne State College.

When I’m not teaching, I can be found on- or back-stage at LAMB Arts Regional Theatre as an actor, director, choreographer, and digital music technician. I’m fortunate that my husband, Brian, also enjoys theatre. During our shared free-time, we can be found reading or binging shows on the couch with our three miniature schnauzers – Harley, Cole, and Mikey!

At-Large Representatives

Deb Little, At-Large Representative

Being one of the few elementary teachers on the board, I bring a different perspective. I understand what it is like to try to teach all of the content areas well-- including mathematics. Currently, I teach fourth grade in Denver, Iowa. I have also taught first, second, fifth, and sixth grades. Teaching mathematics is my favorite part of the day. In my classroom, I encourage students to trust in their mathematical thinking and to share their strategies and reasoning with one another as they engage in problem solving activities. As a practitioner, I am constantly trying to improve my mathematics instruction and welcome opportunities to share and learn through classroom observations/learning labs, discussions on social media, conferences, etc. Please contact me through email: dlittle@denver.k12.ia.us or on Twitter: @Mrs_Little_17. I look forward to the opportunity to share and learn together with you!

Shannon Pasgovel, At-Large Representative

I was born and raised in a small town, Wilton, Iowa. My husband, 2 children, and German Shepherd live on our 3rd generation hog and grain farm in rural Tipton. I enjoy learning new things, collaborating with others, and watching suspense/dramas on Netflix.

I earned my AA degree from Muscatine Community College, BA from the University of Northern Iowa and MA from Drake University. I began my teaching career in Davenport at Sudlow Intermediate teaching 7th & 8th grade students Mathematics for 10 years. Currently, I am a PreK-12 Educational Consultant with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, MBAEA. As a consultant I have the opportunity to do what I love, be sociable and a leader because in this position it's all about networking and problem solving with and for individuals, teams, and systems. I’ve been in education for 18 years and a member of the ICTM, IA-NCSM, IA Core Advocates, NCTM, and NCSM. I’ve had the honor to serve on our ICTM board for the past 2 years.

Valerie Sitzmann, At-Large Representative

Hello! I have been an Iowa educator for 27 years (24 years in a middle school classroom and 3 years as a Math Consultant for NWAEA). In the classroom, I enjoyed the challenge of making all students feel like they were mathematicians as well as assisting all students to be successful with math. As an educational consultant, I now get to share my love of math with other educators and get the privilege to work with students of all ages.

I am a relatively new member of the ICTM Board, only serving 3 years, but I have been a longtime ICTM and NCTM member; I am also an Iowa Core Advocate and a member of the State Math Leadership Team. Getting to meet and work with other math educators from across the state and meet leaders in mathematics education has been the highlight of my time on the ICTM Board.

I live with my husband in an empty nest in Kingsley. We enjoy golfing, home improvement projects, spending time at the lake, and traveling to national parks.

Stephanie Steines, At-Large Representative

I started my career in 1998 teaching science at a small high school in southern Minnesota. Three short years later I started the job I have held since then teaching mathematics, my real passion, at Decorah High School. Over the years I have taught a variety of courses including Algebra, Algebra 2, FST (Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry), Precalculus, and AP Statistics. My goal in the classroom is to create an active learning environment in which my students are engaged in discourse with one another to develop mathematical understanding. I encourage a growth mindset and learning from mistakes to build a stronger understanding of the concepts involved. I have been a member of ICTM and NCTM for many years and have participated in the AP Statistics Reading every summer since 2014. Away from school I enjoy reading, singing, watching movies with my husband, and following my four children in their many and varied activities.

Julie Yurko, At-Large Representative

What I teach:  K-12 Math Instructional Coach for Fort Madison SchoolsWhy Math:  Honestly, I hated math until I was in High School.  There I had teachers who challenged me and helped me see the importance of math in real life.  From then on, I saw math as a fun and challenging puzzle just waiting to be pondered. I love being a part of ICTM...hanging out with these hard-working, like-minded math people is a great way to keep up on the latest in Iowa Math!  When I’m not at school or learning more about math and Instructional Coaching, you might find me quilting, hiking, or rooting on my beloved St. Louis Cardinals (GO CARDS!).

Appointed Positions

Nolan Brand, Student Representative

Currently a Junior at Central College in Pella IA, I will soon have the opportunity to lead my own mathematics classroom! However, I have certainly enjoyed practicum experiences and working with a cooperating teacher at the Pella Community School District to gain time and knowledge in preparation for graduation. My major is elementary education, with accompanying endorsements in middle school mathematics and language arts. Middle school mathematics top’s my list, and where I hope to get my first teaching job in the state of Iowa.

I graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2020 and followed in both my parent’s footsteps who went through the Education Program at Central. They are currently both educators in the Mount Vernon Community School District. But, in spite of that, most of my passion for teaching came from all four of my grandparents, who were Iowa public educators!

During study breaks I enjoy playing card games, riding my bike, or trying to improve my basketball skills! I see math in all of those activities, and all around us! Mathematics is a foundational skill and one that needs to be continually developed. I hope to translate my love of math to students and continue to make math exciting and adventurous!

Deidra Baker, Marilyn Zweng Memorial Fund Committee Chair

I currently teach Statistics and Geometry at Mid-Prairie High School. This is my 30th year teaching in Iowa. I am married and live on an acreage in Southeast Iowa with my husband, our horses and dog. I have 2 children - my daughter is in Medical School and my son just graduated from UNI and is planning to teach industrial technology.

I enjoy teaching all levels of math and working with students. I have been the Great Prairie AEA rep for ICTM, as well as The Journal editor and previous ICTM president. I have presented at state and national math conferences. I love learning and strive to be a better teacher every day.

April Pforts, Iowa Department of Education Representative

I have been a member of NCTM for about 15 years, and a member of ICTM for about 5 years. I have taught middle and high school mathematics in Iowa for 10 years before becoming the mathematics consultant at the DE. I love leading mathematics educators because I am able to impact students through their teachers, coaches, and administrators. I want students in Iowa to be the best problem solvers in the world. I want mathematics to never be the barrier for a student to go after their dreams. I love to binge watch Net-flicks, travel, and hang with my family. Representing and serving the state of Iowa at the national level is both rewarding and humbling.

Deb Tvrdik, Treasurer

I have been a member of ICTM for over 40 years and have served on the board in various positions. I began as a regional director in AEA 3. In addition to my present position, I have served as President, NCTM representative, and Journal Editor. Serving on the board has allowed me to meet many dedicated math educators from across the state. The interaction with others has always been a source of inspiration and has challenged me to keep current with the best practices in mathematics education.

I received my BA from the University of Northern Iowa and my MSM from Iowa State University. I began my teaching career in Algona at the middle school and then taught high school math at Paton Churdan. The majority of my career was as a high school math teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High. Presently, I am an online Statistics instructor for University of Upper Iowa and Iowa Central Community College. I still love seeing students have those “aha” moments.

My husband and I were both career educators and have 2 adult children who are both married. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 3 grandchildren! Being semi-retired has allowed me to travel and play duplicate bridge at the tournament level.

Wendy Weber, Secretary

I have been teaching STEM and other majors as well as future mathematics teachers at Central College for over 24 years. All courses I teach are my favorites which include Calculus I and Geometry.  I especially enjoy teaching reading, writing, and speaking mathematics in our Mathematics Seminar. ICTM is a great organization to share new ways to teach mathematics -- I love going to the conference every year, learning new pedagogies and connecting with past students who are now colleagues.

To satisfy my artistic side, I do counted cross-stitch.  I’m working on a geometric design that I can't wait to hang in my office at Central College.  Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son, Jonathan (15), and husband, Tom.