New teachers come to Creston

The schools of Creston are welcoming a number of new teachers and staff this year, both to Creston Community School District and the private schools. Take a look at what each person is bringing to the community.

Paige Davis

Second grade teacher Paige Davis grew up in Creston, eventually making her way to Iowa State to pursue her education degree. Davis said she’s excited to get to know her new second graders and fellow teachers.

According to Davis, the best teaching advice she’s received is that building relationships is one of the most important elements of teaching and learning. In her free time, Davis likes to drink coffee, watch movies and visit her friends and family.

Lindsey Fosse

Lindsey Fosse will be joining Creston Elementary School as a first grade teacher this year. Originally from Missouri, Fosse taught there and in Nebraska before making her way to Iowa.

Hill said the best teaching advice she’s received was to “capitalize on your strengths and never make assumptions or labels.” She’s most excited to get to know her grade-level team and be a part of the Panther family. Outside of work, Fosse likes to complete home renovation projects, play video games with her husband and taking care of her two dogs, Nala and Coco.

Dalton Gross

Growing up outside of Harlan, Dalton Gross went on to pursue his secondary education degree at the University of Nebraska - Omaha. This year, Gross will be teaching world history and contemporary affairs at Creston High School.

Gross explained that while students may not always remember what you teach, they will remember how you act. “Being kind and being there when they need you is number one.” Gross said he’s looking forward to impacting students this year. During his time off, Gross enjoys hunting and fishing.

Antton Zauzu Hernandez

Hailing from the northeastern Spanish city of Jaca, Antton Zauzu Hernandez will be teaching high school Spanish in Creston. In Jaca, Hernandez is the head of the English department at Domingo Miral High School.

When it comes to teaching advice, Hernandez was told to “listen to the students, listen with your heart.” He looks forward to contributing to the community, which he said has welcomed him with open arms. In his free time, Hernandez is interested in sports, working as a handyman, playing guitar and visiting different places.

Mahayla Hill

Creston High School’s new business teacher and Future Business Leaders of America advisor is Mahayla Hill. Before coming to Creston, Hill was teaching business management and social studies in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The best teaching advice Hill ever received was to remember “It’s just one day, there is always tomorrow if you do not get everything done.” She’s most looking forward to working with the FBLA members. In her free time, Hill likes to read and rock climb.

Abbi Hood

Originally from Creston, Abbi Hood lived in Utah for two years before coming back to Iowa to finish her teaching degree. She will be teaching kindergarten, along with coaching eighth grade volleyball and speech and drama. Hood is the daughter of previous CCSD superintendent Tim Hood.

The best teaching advice Hood ever received was “to be flexible and to try new things. Take advice from other teachers and see what you like and don’t like. Implement what you think is best for you and your students.” She’s most looking forward to meeting her new students and families and watching her students grow. In her free time, Hood likes to shop and hang out with friends.

Hallie Laning

While originating in Illinois, Hallie Laning has been in the area since college, attending North West Missouri State University. Last fall, she student taught in the Southwest Valley School District. This year, she’ll be teaching industrial arts at Creston High School.

Laning said the best teaching advice she has ever received was to be a lifelong learner and to build genuine relationships with her students. In the coming year, she’s excited to “give my students the opportunity to work in the shops and give them true hands on trade experience.” Outside of school, Laning enjoys working on the family farm, being outside and reading.

McKynna Newbury

As a first-year teacher, McKynna Newbury is excited to learn and grow with her first group of students. Originally from Greenfield, Newbury will be starting her career as a second grade teacher at Creston Elementary School.

Some of Newbury’s favorite advice came from her university supervisor, who said to never be shy when asking for help and to use your mistakes as a learning opportunity. In her free time, Newbury likes to read, do outdoor activities and spend time with her family.

Alisa Phillips

Originally from eastern Iowa, Alisa Phillips and her family moved to southwest Iowa seven years ago. Alisa will be serving as the junior kindergarten through fourth grade art teacher this year.

Alisa was told to always be passionate, flexible and kind in her work. She’s most excited to meet her new students and coworkers this year. Outside of work, Alisa likes to be outdoors and in nature.

Rachel “Rasha” Phillips

Though born in Creston, Rachel “Rasha” Phillips only begun her Creston residence in 2005 while in her 30s. Before that, she lived in various locations around the United States. This year, she’ll be starting the school year as Creston Middle School’s art teacher.

The best advice Rasha received is to meet people where they are, though she likes to add her own piece to the end: “Show them where they are going.” She’s excited to solidify a middle school art collective this year. Outside of school, Rasha enjoys thrifting, traveling and is a devoted dog mom.

Chelcee Rathe

A graduate from the Creston Community School District, Chelcee Rathe will be teaching sixth through eighth grade English language arts this year. Rathe is also the daughter of Creston Middle School Principal Lesa Downing.

Rathe said the best teaching advice she’s been given is that “students don’t care how much you know, until they first know how much you care.” She’s looking forward to building relationships with students, working alongside amazing teachers and being a part of the CMS family this year. In her free time, Rathe likes to hang out with her husband and two daughters and cheering on the Cyclones.

Phoenix Thompson

Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Phoenix Thompson will be a special education teacher at Creston Elementary School this year. Thompson previously worked as a paraeducator and substitute teacher for the school.

Thompson said the best teaching advice she has received was that even on tough days, one can change their mindset to turn the day around. In the coming year, she’s excited to work with her students. “I want to be able to build the confidence in my students that allows them to feel like they can do anything if they set their minds to it.” Outside of school, Thompson enjoy exploring new places, Spending time outside with her pets, hanging out with friends and listening to music.

Ben Walker

While he’s not new to the area, Ben Walker is new to teaching in the Creston school district. Originally from Missouri, Walker moved to Creston in 2007, teaching at Mayflower Heritage Christian School for 17 years. He’ll be working as a middle school math teacher this year.

The best teaching advice Walker ever received was to continue to learn. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and learn from your mistakes.” He’s excited to get to know all the students and staff this year. In his free time, Walker likes to spend time with his grandkids, bowhunting and watching and playing sports. He and his wife Brenda have four daughters.

Marge Welch

Marge Welch will be a new science instructor at Creston High School this year. Though she has taught at both the high school and college level before, she most recently was an instructor and the president at Southwestern Community College.

The best advice Welch has received is to show your passion for your subject matter. “If you enjoy what you do, the students will learn to appreciate the field, even if they don’t love it like you do.” She’s excited to show her students the beauty of science. In her free time, Welch enjoys spending time with her children, spouses and her two granddaughters, as well as reading and gardening.

Jacqueline Islas

Jacqueline Islas will be starting her first year as a preschool associate at St. Malachy Catholic School this year, moving from her original position as preschool assistant teacher at East Union.

Islas said the best teaching advice given to her was “to never give up and always follow your dreams.” She’s most looking forward to meet her new students this year. In her free time, Islas enjoys going to the movies and spending time with family.

Terri Van Gelder

St. Malachy’s new library and LEAP teacher this year is Terri Van Gelder. No stranger to the teaching world, Van Gelder has worked with elementary through middle school students since 2000, previously in the Creston Community School District.

The best teaching advice Van Gelder has received is to “remember that students are people, not letters on a grading system. Get to know them and teach with love and patience.” She’s excited to learn something new and meet the families and staff of St. Malachy this year. Outside of teaching, Van Gelder is the co-owner of The Legacy Venue and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Jackie Wyant

Jackie Wyant spent much of her life in Trenton, Missouri, raising her family and teaching until her retirement in 2015. However, school wasn’t done with her, and she tutored at North Central Missouri College for four years. Now she will be serving as the middle school math teacher and math interventionist at St. Malachy Catholic School.

Wyant said the best teaching advice she has gotten was the importance of student success and continued communication. She is looking forward to “enjoying the St Malachy’s community of people, teaching my favorite academic subject and spending time with family located near Creston.” Outside of school, Wyant enjoys traveling, going to sporting and music events and spending time with family, which includes a new granddaughter coming in September.

Sue Teutsch

A long time volunteer at Mayflower Christian School, Sue Teutsch will be officially joining the staff this year as the school librarian.

Teutsch is looking forward to getting to know this year’s students at Mayflower and sharing books with them. Her favorite genre is historical fiction.