A new year means new faces at Liberty. The new staff are coming here from all over the country. This article will introduce these teachers through their childhood memories and other opinions from favorite cars to dream pets.
Liberty has three new Special Education Strategist teachers: Hailey Lansing (she/her), Erin Phillippe (she/her) and Kaleb Williams (he/him).
Lansing, a level one Special Education Strategist, graduated from UNI with a Bachelors in Physical Education. She then went on to receive her Masters in Special Education from Morningside University. Lansing previously taught at Monticello High School, Solon Middle School and, most recently, Solon High School. Lansing is most looking forward to meeting the students, staff and getting to know the Liberty High community.
Phillippe, a level two Special Education Strategist, graduated from Liberty University. She kicked off her career in Georgia where she taught at Snelson Golden Middle School for two years. For the last five years, Phillippe was teaching in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. She spent one year at Harding Middle School and the next four years at Cedar River Academy. She is excited to be at Liberty and to develop relationships and roots in the school’s community. Phillippe is ready to help students transition successfully by building life-long skills and confidence.
Williams, a level one Special Education Strategist, was a Liberty student and graduated in 2020. After high school he went on to attend Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. Williams got a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He continued his football career at Morningside as a running back and kickoff returner for all four years. Williams is stepping into his first year of teaching, excited to build relationships through teaching, coaching and student organizations.
When given the option to have any animal as a pet, Williams said, “I would own a dolphin. No more boat rides or jet skis on the lake.”
Liberty also welcomed new ELL and ELA teachers, Joshua Niyokwizigirwa (he/him) and Leah Wiseman (she/her).
Niyokwizigirwa, an ELL teacher, got a Bachelors in secondary education (Applied Pedagogy in teaching English) from the University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi and a Masters of Arts in Special Education from Morningside University, Sioux City, Iowa. Niyokwizigirwa spent two years teaching English in Burundi. He also taught ELL to fifth through eighth-graders at the College Community School District for three years. Niyokwizigirwa is excited to join the Liberty High school family and is looking forward to working with the team and connecting with students and family.
Wiseman, an ELA teacher, attended Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn. where she got a degree in secondary ELA education. Until this year, Wiseman was a teacher at the Hardin Valley Academy in Knoxville, Tenn. Now that she is at Liberty, Wiseman is looking forward to being a part of the academic team and wants the chance to add to the positive culture. She is also excited to be the coach for Liberty’s girls cross country team.
The last four teachers to be introduced are Matt Harding (he/him), Jennifer Peterman (she/her), Ashley Stogdill (she/her) and Cole Hauser (he/him).
Harding, a physics teacher, grew up in Clinton, Iowa. Harding received a BA in Physics Teaching at the University of Northern Iowa in 2000 and a Masters of Science Education from UNI in 2010. After college he went on to teach Physics and AP Physics at Iowa City West for 24 years. But this is not his first year being a part of Liberty. He has been the boys soccer coach for the last two seasons. Harding is thrilled to be a part of the Liberty community on the academic side of things.
Harding was asked what car he would purchase with a billion dollars.
“I’m a bit of an auto racing fan, so I think a cool billion could easily cover an F1 car, and the required crew of mechanics to keep it running,” Harding said “First place I’m taking it is the Nurburgring in Germany.”
Peterman, a math teacher, now gets to teach and be close her family. She moved to North Liberty last summer and is thrilled to be a teacher at Liberty this year. Peterman came a long way as she was teaching math and AP Computer Science in South Korea for the last five years. However, she is not unfamiliar with teaching in the US. Peterman also taught in South Carolina, Texas, Minnesota and Iowa. Peterman attended the University of Iowa earning a Bachelor’s in Economics and multiple masters degrees, all in education.
Stogdill, an iJAG specialist, will help students explore career options and build a plan for their futures. She graduated from the University of Iowa and has been an Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) employee for the last four years. Stogdill is fortunate that she’s had the opportunity to travel and work in many elementary schools, two junior highs and two high schools. She is looking forward to getting to know all of the students at Liberty.
Stogdill was asked about a funny childhood memory.
“I got my head stuck in between the railing at my grandmother’s house and was balling,” Stogdill said. “Come to find out it got wider at the top and all I had to do was pull my head up and out.”
Hauser, a building substitute, is from Altoona, Iowa. He attended and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2020, and as of now, Hauser is pursuing a Masters of Secondary Education from Morningside University with the goal of teaching physical education and coaching. Hauser enjoys doing CrossFit with his wife, Lauren and they also like to spend time with friends and family. He is most looking forward to creating meaningful relationships with staff and students at Liberty.
One crazy experience that Hauser had to share happened over the 4th of July.
“During the 4th of July, I was driving a three-wheeler with my cousin on the back. It was my first time driving it and instead of avoiding a barn that was ahead of us by hitting the brakes, I hit the throttle leading to crashing into the barn and giving us both second degree burns on our legs,” Hauser shares. “We share the scars to this day.”
Liberty is excited to welcome these teachers to the family.
