SEP Teaching & Learning

SEP Teaching & Learning All things teaching and learning at Southeast Polk!

Please join us in welcoming Paul Forristall to SEP. We can't wait to see the energy, passion, and dedication you'll brin...
08/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming Paul Forristall to SEP. We can't wait to see the energy, passion, and dedication you'll bring to our students this year.

School: Junior High

Subject: 8th Grade Science

College(s): Buena Vista

Tell Us About Yourself:
I am a lover of music by collecting vinyl and listening to live music. I like to be active by traveling with my wife to National parks, going to ballgames, and golfing. I love to cook and I really enjoy eating good food.

Favorite Quote:
Do or do not. There is no try.

Welcome to SEP, John Lin! Looking forward to a great sschool year.School: Middle School Subject: MathCollege(s): DrakeTe...
08/20/2026

Welcome to SEP, John Lin! Looking forward to a great sschool year.

School: Middle School

Subject: Math

College(s): Drake

Tell Us About Yourself:
"After 12 great years teaching foreign language and ESOL in high school, I’m excited to start a new chapter this year in the math department at Southeast Polk! For me, the best part of teaching has always been helping students figure out tough problems and build confidence, and I’m really looking forward to doing this work alongside the students, families, and team here at Southeast Polk.

When I’m not in the classroom, I’m busy being a dad to three awesome daughters. You can usually find us playing board games, trying out new activities, or hunting for the best food spots around town."

Favorite Quote:
Try and fail, but don't fail to try. — John Quincy Adams

Please help us give a warm welcome to Rebecca "Becca" Wehr! We're thrilled to have you on our team and can't wait for ou...
08/20/2026

Please help us give a warm welcome to Rebecca "Becca" Wehr! We're thrilled to have you on our team and can't wait for our students and families to get to know you. Welcome to the RamFam!

School: Altoona Elementary

Subject: School Nurse

College(s): Mercy College of Health Sciences

Tell Us About Yourself:
"Hi, my name is Becca, and I have been a nurse for almost 12 years. Throughout my nursing career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in several different areas, including behavioral health, cardiology, and the emergency department.

Outside of nursing, I’m married to my husband, Daniel, and we have two daughters, Brinley, who is 10, and Kendall, who is almost 1. We also have a golden retriever named Tucker and two cats, Bella and Bob. Our family loves spending time outdoors, and you can often find us at a sporting event cheering on Brinley. "

Favorite Quote:
Tough times don't last, tough people do.

Please join us in welcoming Olivia Arndorfer. We can't wait to see the energy, passion, and dedication you'll bring to o...
08/19/2026

Please join us in welcoming Olivia Arndorfer. We can't wait to see the energy, passion, and dedication you'll bring to our students this year.

School: Clay Elementary

Subject: Kindergarten

College(s): Briar Cliff University

Tell Us About Yourself:
I’m so excited to begin my first year of teaching! I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher, and I couldn’t be more excited to begin this new chapter. I can’t wait to meet my students and make kindergarten a fun and memorable year for them. In my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and making it a great school year!

Favorite Quote:
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - A. A. Milne

Welcome to Southeast Polk, Lin Nikkel! We are thrilled to have you here!School: Middle School Subject: 6th Grade Band Co...
08/19/2026

Welcome to Southeast Polk, Lin Nikkel! We are thrilled to have you here!

School: Middle School

Subject: 6th Grade Band

College(s): University of Northern Iowa

Tell Us About Yourself:
Hi! My name is Lin Nikkel. I love everything about music and always have something new playing in the car. When not teaching, I enjoy anything surrounding the subject of food as well as knitting and crocheting things to wear.

Favorite Quote:
"I dwell in possibility" - Emily Dickinson

Welcome to SEP, Taryn Hintz! We're so excited to have you join the RamFam and can't wait to see the impact you'll make ...
08/18/2026

Welcome to SEP, Taryn Hintz! We're so excited to have you join the RamFam and can't wait to see the impact you'll make this year.

School: Middle School

Subject: 7th grade Science

College(s): Central College

Tell Us About Yourself:
I grew up in small town Primghar, Iowa, where I attended South O’Brien. I was involved in athletics and fine arts. After graduating, I attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, majoring in Elementary Education, as well as participating in softball, volleyball, and track & field. Post graduation, I moved back to northwest Iowa, where I landed a teaching and coaching position before returning back to the Des Moines Metro area. I love spending time at the gym I work at (Krave Gym), hanging out with family/friends, and spending my free time in Okoboji or golfing!

Favorite Quote:
Good things take time.

Today we're excited to introduce another one of our outstanding new teachers. Please join us in giving Eden Casotti a wa...
08/18/2026

Today we're excited to introduce another one of our outstanding new teachers. Please join us in giving Eden Casotti a warm SEP welcome! We're so glad you're here and can't wait for an amazing school year together.

School: Delaware

Subject: 5th Grade

College(s): Iowa State University

Tell Us About Yourself:
"Hi, my name is Eden Casotti! This will be my fourth year in education, and I’m thrilled to officially be joining the team as a 5th grade teacher at Delaware! I’m passionate about creating a positive, welcoming classroom where every student feels encouraged to learn and grow. Outside of school, my husband and I love to travel and explore new places. At home, we stay busy with our two cats, Kevin and Eddy!

Here's to a fantastic year together! 🖤💛"

Favorite Quote:
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C. S. Lewis

Today we're spotlighting Chris Douglas. We're so excited you've joined our team and can't wait to see all the great thin...
08/17/2026

Today we're spotlighting Chris Douglas. We're so excited you've joined our team and can't wait to see all the great things you'll bring to our students and school community. Welcome to Southeast Polk!

School: Willowbrook

Subject: Building Improvement Leader

College(s): UNI

Tell Us About Yourself:
Year 18 as an educator

Wife, Elaina, serves as the Instructional Coach at Delaware!

Son Josh is 11, Daughter Maddux is almost 2 and we have another on the way!

Serving in SEP has been a longstanding goal of mine and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Ram family!

Favorite Quote:
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” -Kobe Bryant

Today we're excited to introduce Emily Cochran. Welcome to SEP!School: Clay Subject: Special EducationCollege(s): San Fr...
08/17/2026

Today we're excited to introduce Emily Cochran. Welcome to SEP!

School: Clay

Subject: Special Education

College(s): San Francisco State & Drake University

Tell Us About Yourself:
"Hi! I’m Emily Cochran, and I’m excited to be joining Clay Elementary as the new Strat II Behavior teacher! I have been an educator for 19 years and am passionate about helping students grow both academically and socially.

My husband, Jon, and I have two children, Benjamin and Mackenzie, who also attend Southeast Polk. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening with native plants, and creating calm, welcoming classroom environments where every student feels valued.

I can’t wait to meet everyone and begin this exciting new adventure! 💛🖤🐏"

Favorite Quote:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi

Welcome to SEP, Echo Gates!School: Middle School Subject: 6th Grade MathCollege(s): Undergrad at ISU; Master's at DrakeT...
08/13/2026

Welcome to SEP, Echo Gates!

School: Middle School

Subject: 6th Grade Math

College(s): Undergrad at ISU; Master's at Drake

Tell Us About Yourself:
I will be starting my 10th year of teaching! I started my teaching career as a language arts teacher and have been teaching math for the last 5 years. I am a big fan of all things coffee and spending time with those I love! I am a former SEP student and I am excited to be coming back to the RAM family as a teacher.

Favorite Quote:
Your only one cup of coffee away from a good mood! . See less

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8031 NE University Avenue
Altoona, IA
50327

Telephone

+15159674294

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