Thursday, May 8, 2025
Vol. 6, No. 38
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
T H A N K Y O U T E A C H E R S Making the biggest impact Seniors share who their favorite teacher was during their time at PCM By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
As the school year winds down and seniors begin counting down to their final day at PCM, they look back on the teachers that made the biggest difference to them while in the classroom. Teachers can make an impact for a lot of reasons, from exciting teaching methods to being there for students during trying times, forging unforgettable memories for the kids they teach. “My favorite teacher is Mr. Nolin because you can tell he is passionate about history and
he always finds ways to make it fun to learn about it.” — Brevin DeRaad “Mrs. Jacobson because she has been with me all four years and has expanded my learning into a new language. She makes learning fun and I am always looking forward to her class.” — Harlan Shannon “Mr. Bieghler because he’s always supported me and pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be.” — Riley Graber “I would say Mr. Micheal because we have the strongest bond and because he helped me through so much of my high
It’s all because of the kids PCM first grade teacher Tiffany Mueller put kids ‘first’
school career!” — Brooke Briles “I have a ton of favorites but Biegs (Bieghler) probably sticks out the most to me as he always gives me the best advice. If I ever need a good laugh I know to go to Bonnett … So one of them.” — Adrien Robbins “Mr. Hemann is my favorite teacher because he is a teacher that pushes us beyond our limits or what we think they are anyway. He does this while also making personal connections with each student. You can tell he truly cares about each of us individually. I will miss him very, very much.” — Addi Steenhoek
3 times 3 to x minus z PCM math teacher Brandy Tate has filled many roles during her time as a Mustang By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer PCM High School algebra teacher Brandy Tate has been on the move during her five years in the district. From starting in third grade to a stint in fifth grade and now at the high school, she has seen a variety of students in different phases of their education. “The transition has been an amazing experience,” Tate said. “The staff, students and families have been so welcoming.” Teaching math can sometimes TATE | 3
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Being with her full first grade team at Monroe Elementary has been a bonus for teacher Tiffany Mueller.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Long-time first grade teacher Tiffany Mueller loves teaching for a lot of reasons, but there is one that soars high above the other: the kids. Having taught at PCM since 2007, she has met many little ones at the start of their journey and watched them grow and eventually walk across the graduation stage to their next adventure. “I got a position at PCM as a first grade teacher, and I have loved it so much I have continued with first grade the whole time I have been at PCM,” Mueller said. Relationship building is
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an important part of teaching at every level. When kids are little, it is also building a foundation of a positive learning environment and showing them they have an adult on their side in the classroom. “My favorite part of teaching is building positive relationships with students,” Mueller said. “I am very invested in them not just as learners, but in all aspects of who they are as a person, including their social emotional needs. I also love to see their engagement in learning each day, helping them build positive relationships MUELLER | 3
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Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer PCM High School math teacher Brandy Tate has enjoyed her move to the high school this year.
Making learning fun PCM Middle School science teacher Ashley Van Wyngarden takes a hand-on, active approach to teaching kids By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
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This isn’t the first time PCM Middle School science teacher Ashley Van Wyngarden has taught in the district. Van Wyngarden dipped her toes in teaching at PCM as an associate while it college before taking a fulltime position five years into her career. “I worked here as an associate and also subbed in Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer most of the buildings, so PCM has felt familiar for
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quite some time,” Van Wyngarden said. “I’ve been at PCM for one year as a middle school science teacher.” Van Wyngarden started in large schools, including high schools at Southeast Polk and Ankeny right out of college. Five years later she decided to switch to PCM. “Coming back to PCM as a full-time teacher after working here initially as an associate was a pretty special moment,” Van Wyngarden VAN WYNGARDEN | 3
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