Making learning fun

This isn’t the first time PCM Middle School science teacher Ashley Van Wyngarden has taught in the district. Van Wyngarden dipped her toes in teaching at PCM as an associate while it college before taking a full time position five years into her career.

“I worked here as an associate and also subbed in most of the buildings, so PCM has felt familiar for quite some time,” Van Wyngarden said. “I’ve been at PCM for one year as a middle school science teacher.”

Van Wyngarden started in large schools including Southeast Polk and Ankeny high schools out of college. Five years later she decided to switch to PCM.

“Coming back to PCM as a full-time teacher after working here initially as an associate was a pretty special moment,” Van Wyngarden said. “It felt like things had come full circle.”

Teaching middle schoolers is its own challenge. Working with kids who are finding themselves, testing the limits and transitioning from little kid to young adult is not for the weak.

“Moving from high school to middle school has definitely been an adjustment,” Van Wyngarden said. “The energy is way different. It’s louder and more chaotic (in a fun way). But honestly, it’s been a good challenge. The staff have been super supportive, and the students keep me on my toes in the best way.”

Van Wyngarden also works to build relationships with the kids to let them know teaching them is important to her.

“My favorite part of teaching is the lasting relationships I’ve built with students,” Van Wyngarden said. “Many of them have stayed in touch even after graduation — we grab coffee or lunch, they update me on their lives, and they reach out to see how things are going for me as well. Those connections mean so much to me and remind me of the impact we can have as teachers.”

Challenges look different for all teacher. Those faced by a kindergarten teacher may not be the same as a high school social studies teacher. One way Van Wyngarden works through them is to remember what motivates her to teach each day.

“When things get difficult, I remind myself why I got into teaching in the first place,” Van Wyngarden said. “I’m here to make a difference. Not just in how kids learn science, but in helping them build real-life skills they can carry with them long after they leave the classroom.”

All of the work outside of face time with kids can be a grind. Van Wyngarden works hard to make each lesson not only educational but fun for the kids, too, even if it means putting in a few more hours outside of the classroom.

“Honestly, the amount of time it takes to prep everything (is a challenge),” Van Wyngarden said. “Creating meaningful lessons and assessments takes a lot of time, and sometimes that means late nights and missed time with family just to make sure the next day runs smoothly.”

The end results make it worth it for Van Wyngarden. As the school year comes to an end, seeing the growth in her students helps propel her in what is coming for the next year.

year.

“Even on the hard days, I know this work matters,” Van Wyngarden said. “I love seeing students grow, figure things out, and realize what they’re capable of.”