CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Andrea Halbloom, special education teacher at West Marshall High School, has spent most of her teaching career in State Center.

Meet Andrea Halbloom, special education teacher at West Marshall High School in State Center.

She has filled the position since 2000. Halbloom graduated from Iowa State University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in English. In August 1990, she was hired as the special education teacher at West Marshall Middle School where she stayed until May 1993. That following August, Halbloom worked for the high school. Then, she obtained her master’s degree from Iowa State University in 1996 and was hired as a special education consultant for Area Education Agency 6 before returning to West Marshall in August 2000.

Halbloom, 52, lives in State Center with her husband, Marc. They have a daughter, Kelsiann, who is a teacher at North Polk, and a son, Alexander, who is a junior at Iowa State University.

Q: What is it like being a teacher at West Marshall High School?

A: I attended West Marshall K-12. When I started teaching, I was teaching with some of my former teachers. Some people may think that this would be awkward, but I felt honored to be working with them. Now I am old enough that I could be teaching with my daughter. Teachers at West Marshall have always been very supportive of each other and our students.

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?

A: I value education; it is a gift that can never ben taken away from an individual and it can change the world. I believe everyone can learn. It just may not happen at the same time as everyone else or in the same way. I believe where there is a will, there is a way. Anne Sullivan is my role model. If she could teach a deaf, blind and mute girl to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree, then I can find a way to help students learn. I love the challenge of trying to figure out how to help someone learn something. I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the world and I love helping others. Also, my aunt was an elementary reading teacher and my mom was a Sunday school teacher. Colleen Sehr, one of the first special education teachers in Iowa, was my mentor.

Q: What are the best aspects of your job?

A: I really enjoy the people I work with. They are some of my best friends. However the best aspect of my job is getting to work with high school students. I feel that high school is their last chance to learn as much as possible before they are on their own, and it is my job to make sure they learn as much as they can. Working with students for four years, I am able to develop meaningful relationships that last into adulthood. I have now experienced teaching children of former students.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face?

A: Although we have 45 minutes a day to plan, there is never enough planning time. I have always taken work home to do at night and on the weekend, and I still feel like there is always work that could be done. The demands of being a teacher make every day a juggling act.

Q: What do you want readers to know about your job, the school, the district, etc.?

A: I have enjoyed watching my children and nephews attend West Marshall High School. I hope that I have made an impact in the lives of students and will be remembered as a teacher who was dedicated and caring.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time:

A: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, bargain shopping, watching TV and crafting.