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Meet the Teacher: MPCSD welcomes new Panthers
Get to know a little about new teachers Alizabeth Yotter, Josh Roudabush, Amber Rose, and Alice Kenel
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — Each school year brings new faces, fresh ideas, and new energy into our classrooms. Through our Meet the Teacher series, The Southeast Iowa Union will introduce the educators who have recently joined Henry County schools.
Behind every great classroom is a teacher who makes a difference, and this series offers our community a chance to get to know the people inspiring and guiding students in Henry County. In each edition will share a glimpse into the backgrounds, passions of these newest editions to local education.
Mt. Pleasant Community School District welcomes a handful of new staff this year including Alizabeth Yotter, Josh Roudabush, Amber Rose, and Alice Kenel.
Alizabeth Yotter joins Lincoln Elementary as Instructional Strategist
Alizabeth Yotter just began her first year at Lincoln Elementary as an Instructional Strategist, and she’s excited to support students and help them grow.
A recent graduate of William Penn University, Yotter previously spent nearly five years working as a paraeducator at Mediapolis Community Schools.
“Special education is my passion, and I was excited to see this position so close to our home in Winfield” she said.
Yotter describes her teaching style as flexible and supportive. She hopes this approach will empower students to take ownership of their own learning.
“I am excited to watch my students grow this year,” she added.
Outside of school, Yotter’s greatest joy is spending time with her family. She and her husband Kolton have two daughters, Celia, a second-grader, and Ottilie, who turns three in December. They are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of a baby boy this October.
Josh Roudabush brings experience to Lincoln Elementary
Josh Roudabush joined Lincoln Elementary as an Instructional Strategist, with a focus on working with second-graders.
Roudabush brings more than a decade of experience to the role. For the past 12 years, he worked at Pekin Community Schools as an Instructional Strategist serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition to his classroom work, he was active in coaching track and field, baseball, basketball, and football.
Despite a rich history in Pekin, Roudabush couldn’t resist the call in Mt. Pleasant.
“I was inspired to work in Mt. Pleasant because of the high praise and regards of the School District and community,” he said.
He looks forward to being a part of all of it.
As he integrates into the district and community, Roudabush brings a teaching and leadership style he describes as relationship-focused and goal-driven. He hopes he can show students his passion, empathy and commitment to empowering their growth.
“It’s about building relationships and working together to accomplish goals and achievements,” he explained.
Outside of school, Roudabush enjoys fishing, sports, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and spending time with his family.
Additionally, Roudabush thinks he students would appreciate his skills in Mario Kart.
“I adapt well to challenges and am very competitive,” he said of this special skill set.
Amber Rose hopes to inspire MPCHS science students
Amber Rose started her first year at Mt. Pleasant High School as a physical science teacher, and she is eager to share her enthusiasm for both science and learning.
A graduate of St. Ambrose University, Rose earned her degree in chemistry and secondary education in December. She was drawn to Mt. Pleasant because of the district’s focus on helping students find the right path for their future.
“I hope students and the school community can see my love for science and for helping students grow as people,” she said.
Rose takes a varied approach in the classroom, switching things up so students don’t feel like every day is the same.
“Since students learn best in different ways, I try to provide instruction in a variety of forms to help them really grasp a topic,” she explained.
Outside of school, Rose enjoys spending time outdoors, often walking her dog. She is also an Eagle Scout, something many might not know about her.
Her teaching philosophy is simple: “The only way to fail is to not try.”
Rose might give Roudabush a run for his money with her own Mario Kart skills and competitive nature, if a challenger were ever made.
Alice Kenel returns to Mt. Pleasant to teach music
Alice Kenel is the new 3rd-5th grade music and choir teacher at Van Allen and music teacher at Salem, and she is thrilled to be back in Mt. Pleasant.
While Kenel has taught music in a variety of districts over the last 10 years, she says Mt. Pleasant has always held a special place in her heart.
“I student taught in Mt. Pleasant and have always wanted to come back to this district,” she said. “The timing worked perfectly for me to return to this excellent team and school district.”
Kenel hopes her students will enjoy their time in class and feel encouraged to be creative while celebrating music. She emphasizes fun, safety, and respect, following the district’s P.R.I.D.E. expectations.
“Music is an integral part of the universe, and I absolutely believe it is essential to students’ education,” she said.
When she’s not teaching, Kenel remains immersed in music, whether it is voice or piano lessons, participating in choir, or just singing while doing chores. She also enjoys family time, reading, walks, popcorn movie nights, and Nintendo matches with her family — though she admits her son has been beating her lately at Mario Kart.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
