Hi! My name is Katie Baker. I began teaching for Des Moines Public Schools in 2000. I taught 2nd grade for many years and currently teach Kindergarten. I’m married and we have two teenage daughters. I love gardening indoors and out, spending time with family, and have a passion for reading. Looking forward to another fantastic year at Samuelson.
Hi! My name is Marisa DeVito and this will be my 5th year teaching 2nd grade here at Samuelson. I graduated from Drake University in 2019 with a BSE in Elementary Education, a Reading endorsement, and a minor in Leadership Development. I am currently getting my Master’s in Culturally Relevant teaching through Drake University. I always love to find new ways to grow and educate myself alongside my students.
I believe in creating a space where students feel safe and supported and know that they are cared for every day. I want students to feel comfortable to take risks in learning, understand that mistakes are part of our educational journey, and believe in their ability to learn as much as I believe in them. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of learning ahead 🙂
Hello Sam Fam! I’m William Morris and I have had the pleasure of teaching at Samuelson for 4 years now. The staff and students here would make anyone proud to be a Husky Pup! When I ‘m not teaching, I am hanging out with my family. My wife Jana is a teacher for Des Moines as well. Together we have two middle schoolers, Erin and Ryan. When I’m not at Samuelson teaching, you can find me at my kid’s extracurricular activities, traveling, playing with Daisy our golden doodle, or catching a baseball game, GO RED SOX!
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