Dana Pierson
I have lived in Ottumwa all my life. I attended Fairview Elementary, Washington Junior High, and graduated from OHS in 1982. Then I attended Buena Vista College where I received my BA with a double major in Elementary education, special education in behavior disorders, and my Reading Endorsement. After that, I attended Morningside College and received my MA in Elementary Education.
I started with Ottumwa in 1987 at Evans in 7th-8th grade special Ed. Then I moved to James Elementary for 12 years where I taught first grade and then a couple years in a first/second grade split class and then back to first. Then I transferred to Wildwood for 13 years, 3rd grade one year, and the rest in 1st. First has always been my favorite grade. When Wildwood closed I moved to Douma. I taught 1st grade there for 2 years. My second year I team taught with Allison Greiner so I could be trained in Reading Recovery. After that, I ended up at Horace Mann for the past 5 years as a Reading Recovery teacher and then Title Reading. I have loved every building I’ve worked at. I’ve made great friends and learned a lot from all my colleagues. I’m currently teaching 1st grade summer school which makes me happy to end with the grade that will always have my heart. Thank you Ottumwa Schools!