New Faculty is Ready to Move Mountains!

L-R: Heather Vaughn, Grace Sullivan, Bridget Dolan 
Mitchell Stover, Sophie Rieken, Carla Ramsey,
Breanna Fisher, Hannah Miedema, Jordan Doland

The Hudson Community School District welcomed 9 new teachers to the faculty on Wednesday, August 11 for a week of induction and orientation. We are excited to welcome these new teachers to our team and have them work with our students. I know you will enjoy getting to know them as much as we have! 

Heather Vaughn Originally from Dysart, IA, this Union graduate was prepared at the University of Northern Iowa and is licensed to teach English/Language Arts in grades 5-12. This is her first teaching position as is excited to start her career at Hudson High School. She is most looking forward to getting to know her students and becoming part of the Hudson Community. Heather will be teaching high school English this year at Hudson

Grace Sullivan moved from Minnesota to Iowa when she attended Drake University for her formal preparation. During that time, she earned multiple credentials including elementary education, K-8 reading and math, an ESL certification, and even high school algebra! While this is her first full time teaching position, she does have experience as a nanny and working at a day camp. She enjoys sewing, reading, gardening and art! Miss Sullivan is looking forward to meeting all the students and connecting with the community. Grace will be teaching third grade at Hudson. 

Bridget Dolan grew up in Edgewood in a family with four sisters and a brother. She earned her degree from Upper Iowa University and holds credentials in K-8 reading, 5-8 math and science, and also has a coaching authorization. While at Upper Iowa, she was an athlete on the cross country and track team. Bridget began her career at Waukon, where she taught 4 years before moving to Cedar Falls with her fiancé, Isaac. In her free time she enjoys to run, play volleyball, travel and hike. She is looking forward to meeting her students and coaching 7th grade volleyball. Bridget will be teaching first grade. 

Mitchell Stover is very familiar with the Cedar Valley, growing up in Gilbertville and attending Don Bosco. Earning his K-12 music credential at Wartburg, he spent the first couple of years of his career teaching music in southwest Iowa at Riverside High School in Oakland. He enjoys working out, singing and playing the piano and spending time with his family. An avid outdoorsman, he also enjoys camping, rock climbing and kayaking. He is looking forward to experiencing a new school district while getting to know and build relationships with the amazing students in the music department. Mitchell will teach 7-12 vocal music. 

Sophie Rieken is very excited to begin her career as a third grade teacher at Hudson. Originally from Ackley this newlywed received here formal preparation at Iowa State University and holds endorsements in math and reading. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, likes to run, bake, golf, and spend time with her new puppy Scout. She feels lucky to have a job that is also her passion, because her work brings her joy every day! She is looking forward to growing and learning alongside her students. While this is her first year as a teacher although she does have experience as a reading and math tutor.

Carla Ramsey brings a wealth of experience to our instrumental music department, with stops in both AGWSR and Dunkerton. Earning both her BA and MA at the University of Northern Iowa in music education, Mrs. Ramsey lives in Cedar Falls with her family. In her limited free time she enjoys to crochet and cross stitch. After taking a few years off, she is very much looking forward to getting back into the classroom after a couple of years away and making beautiful music with amazing kids!

Breanna Fisher is a life long Iowa Falls resident who was prepared just up the road at the University of Northern Iowa after a completing her Associates Degree at Ellsworth. Securing a Strat 1 K-8 special education endorsement, Breanna will be a great fit in on our elementary special education team. She is looking forward to putting her degree to work and working alongside the students. She hopes to foster a safe and welcoming classroom environment. 

Hannah Miedema is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, earning her degree in music education. Prior to her arrival at Hudson, Hannah taught in Des Moines public. Originally from Johnston, she fell in love with the Cedar Valley during her college years and now lives in Waterloo with her cat Iggy. With a love for music, Hannah has always enjoyed performing and recalls a comment from her kindergarten teacher stating that 'Hannah needs to work on singing only when it is appropriate'! In addition to music, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and cooking. She is looking forward to getting to know her students and making music together with them.

Jordan Doland as a graduate of Hudson High School, Jordan is no stranger to our community. Earning her degree from Upper Iowa University with endorsements in reading and language arts, Jordan also worked as a paraeducator in the elementary while studying to become a teacher. Jordan and her husband have two children, and her oldest, Oliver will be a kindergartener right across the hall from his mom this year! In addition to spending time with her family, Jordan enjoys sporting events and getting coffee. This year she is looking forward to partnering with her incredible co-workers and helping students to be the best they can be!