Vernon Middle School welcomed several new staff members to our building for the 2023-24 school year. In this two-part series, we'll get to know our newest teachers and associates. We are excited to get to know the newest members of our Marion wolf pack. In part one, read the interviews our new staff completed, to learn more about Vernon’s newest teachers!
LIZZIE EDENS
Position at Vernon: 8th Grade Literacy
Hometown: Iowa City
Education / Degrees: BA in English, 5-12 English/Language Arts Endorsement, and currently working on an MAT: Literacy Education
Previous Experience: I taught junior high and high school English for two years at Edgewood-Colesburg Jr/Sr High.
Why did you go into education? I went into education to make a positive difference in the lives of students.
What do you like most about Vernon? The community of students and staff members! It's a super positive learning environment.
Current Town/City: Marion
Family Members: Mom, dad, older sister, and younger brother.
Hobbies / Interests: Being outside, going for walks, golfing, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and spending time with family and friends.
Fun Fact: I lived in Dyersville for 2 years, but never visited the Field of Dreams!
STEPHANIE HOPPENWORTH
Position at Vernon: District Teacher Librarian
Hometown: Waterloo, IA
Education / Degrees: Teaching Degree from UNI; MA Learning and Technology from Western Governors University
Previous Experience: 3-5 Technology Teacher for 6 years in Adel, Iowa; 6th grade in Anamosa for one year
Why did you go into education? To share my love of learning with others.
What do you like most about Vernon? What I like about VMS and Marion as a whole is the sense of community. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.
Current Town/City: Marion
Family Members: No kids of my own yet, but two nieces: Adeline (2) and Eliana who was just born in August!
Hobbies / Interests: Reading (obviously), plants, crafting/sewing
Fun Fact: I have read every Harry Potter book at least 5 times.
PATRICK WOODS
Position at Vernon: 6-7 Social Studies Teacher
Hometown: Ryan, IA
Education / Degrees: West Delaware grad (2014). BA in History with minors in political science and secondary education from Coe College (2018)
Previous Experience: 6th year teaching. 2018-2020 Ellis Middle School in Austin, MN. 2020-2022 Stewartville Middle School in Stewartville, MN. I taught 7-8th grades in both districts.
Why did you go into education? Growing up, teachers and coaches had a major impact on my development as a student and person. I wanted to help students in a similar way and love the age group of middle school students because of the wide range of personalities, sense of humor, and willingness to learn in the classroom.
What do you like most about Vernon? The students and staff have been warm and welcoming. Everyone is eager to help my transition into the building!
Current Town/City: Cedar Rapids
Family Members: Maddie (Wife) and we have a set of 10 month year old twins named Millie and Anderson.
Fun Fact: I love to golf, coach wrestling, and be outdoors. I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
GINA YOUNG
Position at Vernon: 7th and 8th grade Science
Hometown: Cedar Rapids
Education / Degrees: BA from Mount Mercy and MA from Graceland
Previous Experience: 24 years at Franklin Middle School in Cedar Rapids teaching 6 - 8 at various points. Taught ELA all 24 and social studies for 10.
Why did you go into education? To make a difference in the life of kidsTo make a difference in the life of kids
What do you like most about Vernon? The positive, supportive energy of the staff and the genuine interactions with students.
Current Town/City: Cedar Rapids
Family Members: Fiance - Dustin, Daughter - Caitlin (30 years old & lives in Indianapolis), five dogs, 2 cats, and 4 aquariums of fish
Hobbies / Interests: Reading, spending time at our family cabin in Wisconsin, trying out new restaurants/cuisines, going to concerts
Fun Fact: My favorite movie is Disney's animated version of Beauty and the Beast.
SIDNEY ZAHN
Position at Vernon: School Counselor
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
Education / Degrees: University of Iowa / M.A. School Counseling ... University of California, Irvine / B.A. Psychology
Previous Experience: Internship at Liberty High, Practicum at Oak Ridge Middle, Special Education Paraeducator at Horn Elementary
Why did you go into education? I was a first generation college student who made a lot of mistakes throughout my educational career. I want to help students to not make the same mistakes I did! I also want to help set each student up for success, but I want students to know that being "successful" has many different meanings. You don't have to have straight A's, a bunch of money, the prestigious career, the big house, or nice car (or you can!). Being "successful" can simply mean living a happy, healthy, fulfilling life- whatever that might mean to you- which is what I hope for all of my students. :) I believe this can be taught from an early age and wish I had known this when I was younger! I will always be a champion for my students!
What do you like most about Vernon? I love the warm and welcoming community at Vernon!
Current Town/City: North Liberty
Family Members: My husband, Ethan / My newborn son, Hudson
Hobbies / Interests: I enjoy reading, walking, shopping at Target, drinking iced coffee, and rooting for the LA Chargers and Iowa Hawkeyes!
Fun Fact: I am ridiculously good at remembering birthdays!