Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
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Meet the teachers of the Fairfield Community School District
Andy Hallman
Aug. 2, 2023 8:59 am
The Fairfield Community School District will welcome students back to class on Aug. 28, 2023.
When the students walk through the front door of their classroom, they might notice a new face looking back at them. To get to know them better, here is a list of the new teachers in the district, and the teachers who are taking on a new role this school year.
Elizabeth Essig
Fairfield Middle School 7th grade Math teacher
Hi my name is Lizzie Essig, I am the new 7th grade math teacher at Fairfield Middle School. I graduated from Ball State University in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana and just recently moved to Fairfield, Iowa with my cat Thomas to be closer to my fiancé and his family. In my spare time, I enjoy playing softball and reading.
Claire Christensen
Washington Special Education Teacher
My name is Claire Christensen. I was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa and moved to Fairfield when I was in Second grade. My mom was born and grew up in Fairfield so we returned back home to be closer to family when I was in elementary school. I attended Fairfield Community School District and graduated in 2018.
I attended Hawkeye Community College where I received my AA degree. I then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where I pursued my Elementary Education degree with an emphasis in Special Education: Strategies II and a minor in Social Emotional Learning. After graduating I moved back to Libertyville, Iowa with my boyfriend to be close to family and pursue a job in Fairfield.
I am so happy to be back in the Fairfield District working with families and teachers that I have gotten to know over the years!
Beth Guise
Fairfield Middle School/Pence Elementary Nurse
I graduated from Pekin in 1997 and Indian Hills Nursing School in 2000.
I have worked at Keokuk County Health Center and then Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where I met my husband, Matt. After many years in Chicago, we chose to move back home to Iowa, to raise our family. I took some time away from nursing and have worked in my family’s insurance business as a licensed agent and office manager. I also serve on the Packwood First Responders team.
Matt and I have four children who attend Pekin. Ben will be a senior, Abby a sophomore, Harper and Liam will be in eighth grade. Matt is an Art teacher at Pekin.
I am extremely excited to be back in the nursing field full time, which is where my heart has always been. I am looking forward to becoming a member of the Pence and FMS family.
Jen Rebling
Pence Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
I’m Jen Rebling and I will be teaching 3rd grade math and science. I have a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Literacy Education. This will be my ninth year teaching. My husband and I have two sons, a toddler and a newborn. In my spare time, I like to make candles and walk or run the Fairfield Loop. I’m excited to get to know the students and families I will be serving!
Jennifer Osborn
Pence Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Jennifer was born and raised in Fairfield and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jen, along with her husband and twins, recently moved to Fairfield after living in Jacksonville, Florida, for over 20 years.
While in Jacksonville, Jen taught grades K-3. In her free time, Jen enjoys reading, walking the trails and spending time with her family. Jen is excited to be back in her hometown and to be part of the Pence family.
Nicole Headington
Fairfield Middle School ELA Teacher
My name is Nicole Headington, and I am proud to be part of Fairfield Middle School! I am from Texas, received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the Texas A&M University, and I am certified to teach Language Arts. This will be my fourth year as an educator and my first year teaching in Iowa.
I have a true passion for working with our middle school learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development is a role that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!
Tyler Nunziato
Fairfield High School Band Teacher
Tyler Nunziato is a music educator from Lake Worth, Florida. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education degree from Florida Atlantic University, and is currently studying for his Master’s in Music Education degree at the University of Florida. Tyler is a classically and jazz trained musician. Prior to his new appointment as the Director of Bands at Fairfield High School, Tyler served four years as the Director of Bands at Santaluces High School in Lantana, Florida.
Angela Winter
Fairfield High School English Teacher
Dr. Angela Winter has been working as an educator and researcher in the field of education for 10 years. Most recently, she has taught high school English Language Arts and high school special education.
She studied for her B.A. in English as well as her M.A.T. at the University of Iowa. She went on to obtain her doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University, where she specialized in brain science and teaching. She enjoys reading and exploring the outdoors by hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Ashlynn Lingle
Fairfield High School Vocational Agriculture Teacher
Ashlynn Lingle will start her fourth year of teaching as an Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at Fairfield High School. She spent her first years of teaching reestablishing the Danville Community School Ag and FFA Program and chartering a new urban agricultural and FFA program at Ottumwa Community Schools.
Miss Lingle is a 2022 graduate from the University of Missouri where she completed her Master of Science in Agricultural Leadership, Communications, and Leadership. Her undergraduate background includes a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from Northwest Missouri State University in 2019 and an Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness from DMACC in 2018.
Miss Lingle enjoys traveling, being outdoors, working with cattle, and spending time with family.
Tasha Stacy
Fairfield High School Special Education Teacher
Tasha Stacy graduated from FHS, and obtained a BA in Education from William Penn University. She taught previously for the Washington Community School District and lives in the Brighton area.
Andrew Carbajal
Fairfield High School Associate Principal
Andrew graduated from Camanche, Iowa, High School. He graduated from Ashford University with his BA in Secondary Education and Western Kentucky University with a Masters in administration. He has been teaching in Special Education for 10 years.
Carly Marten
Fairfield Middle School Principal
Carly graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Education, and from UNI with a Master’s in Education Administration. She moved here from Charles City with her husband and son.
Alex Rebling
Middle School Associate Principal
Alex is returning to Fairfield from Pekin CSD, where he was Dean of Students/Activities Director. He has previously taught at Fairfield Middle School as the 7th grade ELA teacher.
He graduated from FHS, and obtained his BA and MA in Education from the University of Northern Iowa.
Norman Brooks
Fairfield Middle School Band Instructor
Norman comes to us from Mid-Prairie CSD where he instructed 5th grade band and home-school Instrumental for 24 years. He is originally from Alabama, where he earned a BME and MSE from Troy University.
He currently resides in Crawfordsville with his wife Beth, who is a FMS Special Education Teacher.
Nicole Freeman
Fairfield Middle School Special Education Teacher
Nicole graduated from Fairfield High School and from UNI, where she got her BA in Elementary Education. She lives in Lockridge with her husband and two daughters.
Vannen Crabtree
Fairfield High School Industrial Tech Teacher
Vannen is originally from Ohio. He comes to the Industrial Tech Teaching position with 28 years experience in the Industrial Technology field. He currently lives in the Richland area.
Maria Jimenez-Garcia
Washington 1st grade Teacher
Maria has been with the Fairfield Community School District since 2013. She has worked as an interpreter and an associate before getting her degree in education.
William Glenn
Fairfield High School Business Teacher
William was a 1987 graduate of FHS. He has worked with At-Risk students for 21 years and taught High School Business classes the past four years. He attended the University of Iowa, graduating from the University of Nebraska with a BA in Business.
He earned his BS in 7-12 Education from Buena Vista University. He comes to FCSD from the New Hampton Community School District.
Sarah Poole
Fairfield High School Special Education Teacher
Sarah is returning to FCSD as an FHS Special Education Teacher with 14 years of experience as a special-education teacher. She lives in Stockport with her daughter.