I’ve been at Meredith for 23 years, first as a language arts teacher and now as an ELL teacher. I enjoy being outside, listening to music, reading, and hanging out with my husband.
Justin Gutknecht
8th Grade Special Education - Language and Literature
Jessica Helton
6th Grade Special Education - ELA
Carrie Michaelson-Rogers
6th Grade Academic Intervention Reading
¡Hola! I’m Jorge Santiago, and I’m proud to be a Spanish teacher with over a decade of experience in education. When I’m not in the classroom, I’m a loving husband to my beautiful wife, and we’ve been happily married for 15 years. We are the proud parents of three wonderful children, who keep our home full of laughter and joy.
My teaching journey began 11 years ago, and it has been an incredible and fulfilling adventure. I am deeply passionate about teaching Spanish and sharing the rich and vibrant culture of the Spanish-speaking world with my students. Seeing my students embrace the language and develop a deep appreciation for the culture is truly a rewarding experience for me.
Beyond the classroom, I have a strong commitment to giving back to the community. I firmly believe that education extends beyond the walls of the school, and I actively engage in community projects and initiatives to make a positive impact. Whether it’s organizing language and culture workshops or volunteering for local organizations, I find great satisfaction in helping others and fostering a sense of unity within the community.
I am excited to be a part of your learning journey and help you discover the wonders of the Spanish language and culture. Together, we’ll embark on a memorable educational journey, expanding our horizons and fostering a deep appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.
Gracias for joining me on this exciting adventure, and I look forward to sharing the magic of Spanish with you!
My name is Betty Walker. I am currently a 6th grade Global Studies teacher at Meredith Middle School. I am passionate about Global Studies and English Language Arts and am licensed in both. I am originally from Oregon, where I also taught middle school. I enjoy making history relevant to our daily lives.
As a fellow resident of the north side of Des Moines, I am invested in our community as a parent, educator, and local artists.
Please reach out with any questions. Go HUSKIES!
I started teaching ELL (English Language Learners) at Meredith in 2001. During my time at Meredith, I have enjoyed watching students grow their English language abilities. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy time with my family and traveling. I’m an avid fan of the KC Chiefs and NASCAR.
Meet Ashley Wisgerhof, the artistic maestro with a paintbrush and a knack for making art class a blast. Armed with a BA in Art Education from Grand View University (with a painting flair) and a Masters in Education from Drake, she’s been jazzing up the art scene for ten years. When she’s not turning canvases into masterpieces, you’ll find her leading the art club, cracking jokes, and convincing students that even paint spills can be a form of avant-garde expression. Oh, and rumor has it, nature blushes in her presence – she loves it that much! ??
I have been a middle school science teacher with DMPS since 2014. My family, which includes my husband and son, lives in the Husky Community, so I am excited to be teaching at Meredith.