Angie Shindelar, Past-President

My passion is supporting teachers and students in teaching and learning math in meaningful ways that build understanding and provide equitable opportunities for all students to be successful and enjoy their learning. As an NCTM and ICTM member for over 20 years, I find great value in the learning and sharing of ideas and support from both organizations. The digital age has provided even more opportunities to build the Math Community. I love learning from the many classroom teacher leaders around the country that share their work with the world. My teaching experience includes many years as a 7/8 math teacher with Nodaway Valley CSD and recently as a 6th math teacher with Des Moines Public Schools, an elementary/middle school instructional coach with the Des Moines Public Schools, and a K-8 math consultant with Green Hills AEA. I am also a certified facilitator for Illustrative Mathematics and enjoy working with math educators all over the country in my recent retirement from full-time employment. IM, ICTM and three small grandchildren keep me very busy!!

At-Large Representatives

Tamara Bane

I started teaching at the turn of the century and have had experiences teaching a variety of elementary students in Waukee and Winterset before moving into an instructional coaching role in 2014. I started that role at the high school level before moving into a specific math instructional coach role where I currently serve preschool-12th grade for Winterset Community Schools. I have also had the opportunity to serve as an adjunct professor at Simpson College for the educational department in the area of math.

My passion for mathematics came through my deep learning of how people think about math while becoming a trainer in Cognitively Guided Instruction. Since that time, I have devoted my educational career to spreading awareness that different people think differently about math and giving them the ability to express themselves through their own strategies. I have been a long-time member of NCTM, ICTM, NCSM and act as the state representative for IA-NCSM. I am also an active member of our local education association.

In my free time, you will find me hanging with my family consisting of my elementary sweetheart, Justin, and our three boys; Tage and his wife Emily, Jensen, and Ty. I love the outdoors, exploring new places, and trying new things. I look forward to serving you in my new role!

Marty Beck

While I started my teaching career as an 8th-grade language arts teacher, I found my passion when I shifted to teaching mathematics in 2003. After two decades as a nomad military family, my husband, dog and I have found our home in Bettendorf, Iowa where I currently teach Algebra 1 for part of the day and work with teachers as the MTSS Math Facilitator the other part. This PK-12 position has allowed me to dig into how students learn the foundational fluencies of mathematics, which has been very eye opening to me with my 5-12 certification. Working with teachers to explore how to develop young mathematicians with a positive math identity continues to be incredibly rewarding.

In the math ed community, I serve on the State Math Leadership Team and am a past president of the Iowa NCSM affiliate.

Outside of work, my hobbies include running a week long Girl Scout day camp in June, camping, biking, reading, doing puzzles, and traveling, especially to visit our three children who have left the nest.

Kimberly Conner

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Iowa, where I teach a variety of math content, methods, and technology courses for elementary and secondary preservice teachers. Before coming to UNI, I taught middle and high school math (7th grade – Algebra 2) and led a middle school math club. Two of my goals in the classroom are to help students make sense of mathematics using different models and technology tools and support preservice teachers in learning to explain mathematics by drawing on key concepts and definitions rather than relying solely on procedures. My research thus far has centered around the teaching and learning of proof in high school and teachers’ facilitation of number talks. I have been a longtime member of NCTM, presented twice at ICTM conferences, and look forward to becoming more involved with ICTM in the next few years. Outside of school, I enjoy dabbling in different artistic mediums (currently pottery and stained glass), going to see theatre, and traveling.

Amanda Freiberg

I currently teach 4th grade at Fisher Elementary in Marshalltown, the same grade and place where I started my career 18 years ago! I love learning new things that make me a better teacher and implementing them in my classroom. I feel blessed to have (had) some phenomenal mentors that encourage me and guide me along in my journey. 

I am an alum of the University of Iowa where I received my undergraduate degree in 2005. Go Hawkeyes! I received my master's degree in 2019 from Augustana University. I am a newer member of ICTM and look forward to learning from and working with other great math minds from across the state of Iowa! 

I have two teenagers, Gavin and Annika, that keep me busy as a sports and dance mom. Raising them is what I do in my free time, and I love every minute of it! :)

Joel Franzen

After this current year, I will be an educator for 25 years! Currently I serve as an 8th grade Math Teacher at Gilbert Middle School where I love seeing my students grow and show how they can be a mathematician. I am currently the Middle School math department leader where we are focusing on our MTSS work using the Numeracy Project. In the past, I have taught many levels of middle school and high school math and some computer/technology classes. I have always been a part of ICTM during my teaching career. I got started in ICTM back in college when I was the Student Director. I graduated from Upper Iowa University way back in 1999. Coaching also keeps me busy. I am an 8th grade football coach, MS wrestling coach and the head boy's track and field coach. Plus I work with my mathletes to be prepared in MathCounts.

Outside of my teaching and coaching, I enjoy spending time with my wife Denise. We have a daughter Kylie who is in her second year at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. She is majoring in psychology and playing golf. I enjoy spending time with family, going to sporting events, golfing and collecting sports memorabilia.

Sharon Jaeschke

I am currently a lecturer at Iowa State University, where I teach math content courses for elementary preservice teachers. Before coming to ISU, I spent 35 years teaching mathematics courses that ranged from 7th grade math to calculus. My career started with the Cedar Valley School District, which then merged to become Prairie Valley, and, since then, underwent another sharing agreement, becoming Southeast Valley High School. In 2001, I became a trained teacher mentor and working with pre-service and beginning teachers has become a passion for me. I love helping teachers find ways to make their lessons engaging and meaningful for students. Belonging to ICTM was extremely helpful to me over the course of my career, and I am excited to serve on the Board. I earned my bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Central College and a Masters of School Mathematics from Iowa State. I spend as much as possible with my four children and two grandsons. I am also passionate about fitness and sports, having coached most of them at some point in my career!

Catherine Leipold

I have been praised as an educator who embraces innovative classroom approaches and who strives to immerse students in the learning process, challenging them to use higher level thinking skills each day. With a passion for supporting and guiding new teachers, I encourage the forward thinking and flexibility needed to meet changes in education. I have served as a teacher mentor for over 15 years. My current assignment is teaching Geometry, ELL foundations and International Baccalaureate Mathematics at Waterloo West High School. I also serve on West High’s Technology Cadre, Partners in Education and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team, as well as the district level mathematics team and mentor cadre. I earned a B.A. in mathematics and an M.A. in administration from the University of Northern Iowa. I have been a member of ICTM for many years, am a past presenter, and appreciate this opportunity to serve as a member of the ICTM Board.

Nate Pardun

I have been an educator at the elementary level for 7 years now! Currently I serve as a 5th grade dual language teacher in the Denison Community School District. In the past, I have also taught kindergarten, third grade, and newcomer language learners. Although I am a fairly new member of ICTM, due to great mentors and role models in the early stages of my career I have become a strong believer in effective, equitable, and accessible math instruction for all students across our state. Working with students at the elementary level has truly opened my eyes to how young and vulnerable learners intake and perceive mathematical instruction. I am a firm believer, and advocate, that the way we approach the finer details of our instruction in the classroom can, and will, have a lasting impact on the development of our students. 

Outside of my professional life, my wife, Haley, and I have two Siberian huskies that keep us on our toes (Niya and Peach). We also enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, cooking, and record hunting for music of all genres.

Valerie Sitzmann

Hello! I have been an Iowa educator for 27 years (24 years in a middle school classroom and 3 years as a Math Consultant for NWAEA). In the classroom, I enjoyed the challenge of making all students feel like they were mathematicians as well as assisting all students to be successful with math. As an educational consultant, I now get to share my love of math with other educators and get the privilege to work with students of all ages.

I am a relatively new member of the ICTM Board, only serving 3 years, but I have been a longtime ICTM and NCTM member; I am also an Iowa Core Advocate and a member of the State Math Leadership Team. Getting to meet and work with other math educators from across the state and meet leaders in mathematics education has been the highlight of my time on the ICTM Board.

I live with my husband in an empty nest in Kingsley. We enjoy golfing, home improvement projects, spending time at the lake, and traveling to national parks.

Stephanie Steines

I started my career in 1998 teaching science at a small high school in southern Minnesota. Three short years later I started the job I have held since then teaching mathematics, my real passion, at Decorah High School. Over the years I have taught a variety of courses including Algebra, Algebra 2, FST (Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry), Precalculus, and AP Statistics. My goal in the classroom is to create an active learning environment in which my students are engaged in discourse with one another to develop mathematical understanding. I encourage a growth mindset and learning from mistakes to build a stronger understanding of the concepts involved. I have been a member of ICTM and NCTM for many years and have participated in the AP Statistics Reading every summer since 2014. Away from school I enjoy reading, singing, watching movies with my husband, and following my four children in their many and varied activities.

Appointed Positions

Deidra Baker, Marilyn Zweng Memorial Fund & Grants Committee Chair

I currently teach Statistics and Geometry at Mid-Prairie High School. This is my 30th year teaching in Iowa. I am married and live on an acreage in Southeast Iowa with my husband, our horses and dog. I have 2 children - my daughter is in Medical School and my son just graduated from UNI and is planning to teach industrial technology.

I enjoy teaching all levels of math and working with students. I have been the Great Prairie AEA rep for ICTM, as well as The Journal editor and previous ICTM president. I have presented at state and national math conferences. I love learning and strive to be a better teacher every day.

Aidan Johnson, Student Representative

Hello! I am currently a junior at Central College in Pella, IA. I am an elementary education major working towards endorsements in reading, math, and special education. I am passionate about my future in education and creating equitable, inclusive, and engaging environments for students across the elementary level.

I love learning as much as I can about teaching strategies and resources available for teachers in Iowa (such as the ICTM) so I may apply what I learn to my future classroom and share with other future educators. While I’m still new to the world of education, I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with math educators from around Iowa as I know I will learn a lot from this experience.

In my free time, I’m typically reading, baking, or crafting as I love being creative in any way I can. I also enjoy hanging out with my family and friends and playing board games. I’m excited to be a part of the ICTM this year. I can’t wait to see what I learn and what I can contribute to the group!

April Pforts, Social Media Coordinator

I have been a member of NCTM for about 15 years, and a member of ICTM for about 5 years. I have taught middle and high school mathematics in Iowa for 10 years before becoming the mathematics consultant at the DE. I love leading mathematics educators because I am able to impact students through their teachers, coaches, and administrators. I want students in Iowa to be the best problem solvers in the world. I want mathematics to never be the barrier for a student to go after their dreams. I love to binge watch Net-flicks, travel, and hang with my family. Representing and serving the state of Iowa at the national level is both rewarding and humbling.

Deb Tvrdik, Treasurer

I have been a member of ICTM for over 40 years and have served on the board in various positions. I began as a regional director in AEA 3. In addition to my present position, I have served as President, NCTM representative, and Journal Editor. Serving on the board has allowed me to meet many dedicated math educators from across the state. The interaction with others has always been a source of inspiration and has challenged me to keep current with the best practices in mathematics education.

I received my BA from the University of Northern Iowa and my MSM from Iowa State University. I began my teaching career in Algona at the middle school and then taught high school math at Paton Churdan. The majority of my career was as a high school math teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High. Presently, I am an online Statistics instructor for University of Upper Iowa and Iowa Central Community College. I still love seeing students have those “aha” moments.

My husband and I were both career educators and have 2 adult children who are both married. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 3 grandchildren! Being semi-retired has allowed me to travel and play duplicate bridge at the tournament level.

Jody Vanderloo, Iowa Department of Education Representative

Jody has been in the field of education for 32 years. She has served as a classroom teacher, Title teacher, instructional coach and elementary principal. She is currently the Elementary Mathematics Consultant at the Iowa Department of Education. Jody has a passion for helping every teacher in order to help every student achieve high levels of mathematical proficiency.

Wendy Weber, Secretary

I have been teaching STEM majors as well as future mathematics teachers at Central College for 25 years. All courses I teach are my favorites which include Calculus I and Geometry.  I especially enjoy teaching reading, writing, and speaking mathematics in our Mathematics Seminar. ICTM is a great organization to share new ways to teach mathematics -- I love going to the conference every year, learning new pedagogies and connecting with past students who are now colleagues. I also enjoy attending the Grading Conference which explores alternative grading systems (mostly for post-secondary teachers). I keep learning new things, refining them, and striving to Keep it Simple!

To satisfy my artistic side, I do counted cross-stitch.  I’m working on a geometric design that I can't wait to hang in my office at Central College.  Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son, Jonathan (16), and husband, Tom.