Meet Hannah Pfantz, third grade teacher at Hoglan Elementary in the Marshalltown Community School District.

A 2011 graduate of West Marshall High School, she went on to graduate form Iowa State University with a degree in elementary education in 2015.

Now 27, Pfantz lives in rural Melbourne with her husband, Mark, son, Gabe, 3 and daughter, Lydia, almost 1.

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?

A: I was fortunate enough to have many wonderful teachers and mentors who led and encouraged me in my own education. When it became time to pick my own path I could not think of anything more rewarding than teaching others.

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

A: I work with wonderful people who give their everything for our kids and staff. Our Hoglan family is always there for one another be it smiles, a listening ear, or surprise coffee and donuts!

Q: What are the best aspects of your job?

A: The kids! Plain and simple, my kiddos are the reason I love my job. There is nothing quite like building relationships and guiding students to make their own discoveries.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face?

A: One of the biggest challenges for me is time. There never seems to be enough of it. It can be exhausting trying to reach every student and making sure they are always getting exactly what they need educationally or emotionally.

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

A: I want others to know that Hoglan is a warm and inviting place where we love our kids and work tirelessly to educate and inspire them.

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

A: I usually spend my spare time chasing around my two busy kids at home. We love being outside gardening, playing ball, or finding new parks to explore. I also enjoy crafting and creating.