In 2002 I began teaching math at McCombs. I earned my undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and my master’s degree from Morningside University.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing cards, cheering on the Cyclones, and watching my girls play sports.

I have been working with Des Moines Public Schools for over 12 years. This is my fourth year at McCombs and it truly is the #1 Middle School in Des Moines! I have been able to teach in a wide variety of content areas being a special education teacher. I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and my master’s from Drake University. I have been married for 11 years and have three daughters, Mya 6 and Piper and Emma are 3.

Student Resource

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Grandview College. I went on to earn my Master’s degree in education from Morningside College. I have been teaching special education at McCombs since 1998. I have taught in both 6th and 8th grades. When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my husband and children.

In 2006, I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary and middle school education focusing on literacy.  In 2010, I graduated from Morningside College with a Master of Arts degree in education.  I am passionate about literacy and helping students and children to become confident readers.  Outside of teaching, I enjoy golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from University of Northern Iowa.  I have been teaching in the Des Moines district since 2008, and this is my first year at McCombs Middle School.  I grew up in Algona, Iowa and graduated from Algona High. When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family.  I look forward to working with you and your child.

I graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor’s in Radio/TV production and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and I returned to Drake for my Master’s in Teaching with endorsements in ESL and Journalism. I first joined DMPS in 2015 as a substitute teacher and became an official teacher in 2017. I love working for McCombs and getting to all of my students across all grades. In my free time I enjoy traveling to new countries and cities in the US. I’m very adventurous and am always looking for a new thrill!

I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Iowa State University. Altogether, I have over 40 years of experience as an educator in Iowa and Wisconsin. I have been the principal at McCombs since 2011.  When I’m not on the job, I like to travel, go to movies, take walks, read and spend time with family.

In 2005, I graduated from Simpson College with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History.  I taught History for 4 years at a private school in Ankeny.  I then began work on Special Education endorsements at Upper Iowa University and began my career with the Des Moines Public Schools.  I started at McCombs in 2011. I now teach in the Structured Learning Program.  I have endorsements in Intellectual Disabilities and Work Experience Coordination.  I have found my niche with kiddos who are on the Autism Spectrum or have Intellectual Disabilities!  They are a source of joy, frustration, laughter and fun for me!
I am from the South Side and an alumni of Lincoln High, class of 2000!  I have one daughter, Stella, who goes to Jefferson Elementary.  I love spending time with her, watching Iowa Football games, and cooking!  I also have two dachshunds who enjoy barking, digging and racing around the house!
Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions regarding your student in the program or McCombs! I look forward to working with you both!

I graduated in 1996 from the University of Iowa with a degree in Social Work.  After working in the field of social work in Iowa City, I went back to the University of Iowa and graduated in 2002 with my second degree in Elementary Education.  In 2011, I earned my Master’s Degree from Morningside College.  I taught elementary school for 14 years in Des Moines before coming to McCombs in 2016. I absolutely love working with middle school age kids! I live in Norwalk with my husband Major, my three sons Tyson, Justus, Boom and my daughter Lottie.  In my free time, I enjoy watching my kids in all of their sports and of course watching Hawkeye football!

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Bradley University, and my Master’s Degree in Reading Instruction from Drake University. I have been teaching here at McCombs since 2003. In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family.

I am a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree.  I have enjoyed teaching with DMPS since 2002 and have had the privilege to work with all grade levels of students.  McCombs Middle School is where I have found my joy in teaching art!  Outside of the classroom, I enjoy being creative, traveling and diving around the Caribbean islands, and having adventures with my family.

Des Moines Public Schools Visual Arts Web Page

I am a graduate of Grandview University with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Secondary Education. I have been teaching in Des Moines since 2014. I joined the McCombs team in 2015 teaching 8th grade mathematics and Algebra 1. Outside of school I enjoy doing things with my family and coaching.

Oh my goodness, where to start? Well, I was born in the 1900’s. Since then I have racked up long list of accomplishments that I am very proud of. In case my wife reads this, I first want to mention that I have been happily married for something like 20+ years now and have a son I am very proud of who currently attends Lincoln High School. After my own graduation from Lincoln High School I joined the family business (construction) and was blessed to work with my family for 15 years until I decided to make a change, for what turned out to be even better. I attended Drake University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with endorsements in both special education (k-8 Strat 1) and rhetoric. I now have many years under my belt teaching at both McCombs Middle School and The Des Moines Playhouse. Currently I have taken a number of students across state lines for educational extension trips to D.C and soon, New York. I coach the All-Male Hip-Hop and Step competition team at DSM Lincoln and am the Drama Liaison for DSM Public Middle Schools. I love my jobs and I can’t wait to help your child find their true potential.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from Iowa State University and my master’s degree in education from Morningside College.  I have been teaching at McCombs Middle School since 2004.  I grew up on the south side of Des Moines, graduated from Lincoln High School, and still live in the south side community!  When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family.  I look forward to working with you and your child.

MAP Practice – Khan Academy

I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from Simpson College.  I have been teaching at McCombs Middle School since 2012. When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, traveling, and crafting.  I look forward to working with you and your child.

I am a graduate of The University of Northern Iowa with a bachelors in Elementary Education and minor in Reading and a Masters in Education from Viterbo University.  I have worked in Des Moines Public Schools since 2004, teaching reading, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.  Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and my pets.  I love to travel and practice yoga.

I graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  I taught at Harding Middle School for 12 years, then moved to Brody for two years, and have been at McCombs since 2013.  I have taught special education for all but 3 years of my teaching experience and truly enjoy it.  I grew up, and currently live just south of Des Moines in Indianola, but I student taught in Houston, TX.   When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my boys and my husband.   We enjoy watching movies, going for bike rides, traveling, and just hanging out together.

Jamaica West Indies is my native country.  I received my Master of Education from Buena Vista University majoring in Effective Teaching and Instructional Leadership. I graduated from College of Arts Science and Education with my degree in Elementary Education. I received my Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of West Indies with Majoring History and Economics. I earned a certification in School Administration and Management. I have taught for over 17 years, five of these years in Des Moines Public Schools.

I am married with three children one in college and two who are attending Des Moines School District. It is a blessing to have had the opportunity to appreciate the school district both as a teacher and a parent. I enjoy the diversity in which I can share and learn from. I helped with The Dream 2 Teach program for the past three years.  I worked with the Sister 4 Success program. Iowa recently selected new social studies standards, and I was a member of the review team. It’s thrilling to see the new programs in Des Moines Public Schools which help to share and promote success.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska. I’ve been teaching at McCombs Middle School since 2011. I serve as an advisor to Student Council and as a mentor to Science Bound. I also coach soccer, volleyball, and assist with basketball. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, reading, and playing sports.

Hi! My name is Tammy Nilsen. I grew up in Fort Dodge where I graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High and Iowa Central Community College with my associate’s degree. I then moved to Ames where I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from Iowa State University in December of 2010. I have been teaching at McCombs Middle School since 2012.  I am married with one daughter who is 4 years old. When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family.  I look forward to working with you and your child.

I am a graduate of Drake University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree with emphasis in percussion. I have enjoyed teaching with DMPS since 2008 and have had the privilege to work with all grade levels of students in a variety of music focus’ such as general, vocal, and instrumental music, as well as recording and music production. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy recording music for radio and television, writing and recording my own music, and spending time with my family.

http://performingarts.dmschools.org

Des Moines Public Schools Performing Arts Web Page

I graduated in 2007 from the University of Northern Iowa with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Literacy.  In 2015, I earned my Master’s Degree in Education from Morningside College.  I have been teaching at Des Moines Public Schools since 2007 – I was at Brody Middle School for 3 years, Jackson Elementary School for 6 years, and started teaching 8th grade at McCombs in 2016.  I grew up in Des Moines and even graduated from Lincoln High School.  I still live on the south side with my husband and daughter.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, being active outdoors, and traveling!

​​​Bill Proctor has served in the Des Moines Public School system for 15 years.  Prior to McCombs Proctor worked as a Biology teacher, Science Bound Coordinator, Head Assistant Basketball coach, and Brother2Brother advisor at  Hoover High School for 13 years.  Before Hoover Mr. Proctor worked as a Biology/Chemistry teacher at S.E. Polk High School for 5 years while coaching basketball, football and track.  He was also the Head Boys Basketball coach at Saydel High School for many years. Proctor’s first job started in Ft. Worth, Texas as a Biology/Chemistry teacher.  He was also the Head Girls Basket basketball coach.  Proctor Graduated from Upper Iowa University and is married to Lisa Proctor.  He has three boys Jeran, Brees and Taylen.  He also has two dogs Tex, and Sampson.  Proctor resides in Johnston Iowa and is the Head Assistant Boys Basketball coach at Johnston High School.  Proctor has 21 years of teaching and coaching experience and loves working with kids!

I am a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education.  I have previously taught in the Waterloo and Southeast Polk districts as a chorus teacher.  I was thrilled to join the McCombs team in 2016 and have greatly enjoyed working with the students here in Des Moines! I have three children and we all enjoy doing musical, artistic and adventurous activities together.  I enjoy traveling when possible, doing puzzles, and watching American Idol and America’s Got Talent when I have time!

I received my bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Family and Consumer Science with a mathematics emphasis in 1982 and my master’s degree in education in Viterbo in 1999.  I have teaching in the Des Moines School District for 30 years and at McCombs for 28 years.  My family consists of my husband, three grown children, a high school senior, and one grandchild.  In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, music, baking and sewing .

I attended Waldorf College, where I received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education in 2004, with a K-8 reading endorsement.  I later went on to graduate school at Morningside College, where I obtained my Master’s degree in Instructional Strategist Level II-Special Education K-12.  I also obtained a middle school endorsement from Morningside College.  I have been teaching special education at the middle school level for 10.5 years; focusing mostly in 6th and 7th grade math and literacy.  This is my 3rd year here at McCombs Middle School.  I previously taught at Harding Middle School, and before that a small school in northern Iowa.  My favorite part about teaching is showing students who struggle with learning that anyone can learn and progress.

I am married to my husband Josh, a senior environmental analyst at MidAmerican Energy Company.  We have one daughter, Ava, who is almost 2 years old, and another girl on the way this April.  As a family, we love doing anything outdoors such as kayaking, biking, camping, gardening, and hiking.  We also support the Hawkeyes because who else right!

I have been teaching at McCombs since 1987 when I was Miss Buckley, teaching English, Media, Drama, Civics, Reading and Science along the way.   I have been teaching Science since 1995 and am currently teaching 8th grade Science.  This year we will be studying lots of new concepts that will challenge and excite!  I am married and have three children and two grandchildren.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and working puzzles.

A combination of physics (including sound and light), astronomy, and genetics.

My name is Becky Victor-Baker. I am currently an 8th grade Civics teacher at McCombs. I have taught Reading or Social Studies at all grade levels since I have been at McCombs. I have 2 daughters and recently gained a son in law. I graduated from Iowa State University. Go Cyclones!!! I also support Central College where my daughter attends. I enjoy traveling, country living, horses, dogs and cats plus spending time with family and watching my daughters dance. I enjoy teaching and learning new things each day. Plus I look forward to meeting new students each year!!!

I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from University of Northern Iowa and I am currently working towards my master’s degree in leadership from the Buena Vista University.  I have been at McCombs since 2007.  When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my two children, Sarah and Robert, and husband Bob.

Student Assignments

I am a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in TESOL/Spanish-teaching and a master’s degree in Effective Teaching and Instructional Leadership. I have had the pleasure of working at McCombs Middle School since 2015 and looking forward to many more years to come. In my time teaching at McCombs, I have enjoyed working with ELL students of all proficiency levels. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, attending different car racing events, and travelling as much as possible.