T-R photo by Lana Bradstream Dee Coulter, the talented and gifted teacher at St. Francis School in Marshalltown is a part-time instructor at the private school after spending 33 years in the public school system.

Meet Dee Coulter, talented and gifted teacher at St. Francis School in Marshalltown.

Coulter taught special education for 33 years in the public school system so moving to a private institution was a change. She retired from the public system in 2018 and then began teaching part-time at St. Francis.

Coulter grew up on a farm north of Conrad with nine brothers and sisters. She is the ninth child. Coulter attended kindergarten in Liscomb, went to first grade in Conrad, Beaman for grades second to sixth and then back to Conrad for grades seventh through twelfth.

She started college at Iowa Central Community College for carpentry and she and her classmates built a house in Ft. Dodge. Coulter then transferred to Marshalltown Community College for elementary education and finally to the University of Iowa for elementary education with a focus on special education. She earned a master’s degree in special education from UNI.

Coulter lives on a farm east of Beaman with her husband. They have three sons and one grandson.

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?

A: My mom was a preschool teacher and I loved to help her at her preschool. I wanted to be a preschool teacher, but back then, preschool teachers were not a part of public schools so Mom told me I couldn’t make a living that way. After playing with carpentry my first year, I realized I wanted to teach. I spent one summer as a helper at Camp Sunnyside and loved it. That’s when I knew I wanted to teach special education.

Q: What is it like being a teacher at your school?

A: It is a joy! My principal is fantastic, letting his teachers be professionals. My coworkers are so compassionate toward each other and the students. I was floored last year when students would leave my room and say “Thank you, Mrs. Coulter.” Wow!

Q: What are the best aspects of your job?

A: The kids of course. I’m loving the challenge of challenging kids who are gifted or talented. I enjoy not giving them answers or much guidance.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face?

A: Honestly, just learning to challenge this group of kids. It’s also a challenge to get schedules worked out.

Q: What do you want readers to know about your job or your school?

A: St. Francis is a loving and caring environment for students and staff. When there are issues in the community we drop everything and gather to pray. We pray for each other and for the students.

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

A: In my spare time, my husband and I like to hike, ride bikes, kayak and camp. We have been tent campers but have just purchased a little teardrop camper for our future camping out east and south where two of our sons live wih their wives. I also truly enjoy sipping cappuccino on my porch in the morning reading the Bible. And in the afternoon, evening — anytime — listening to the birds, reading a book or watching the world go by.