Joe and Carmel VandenBerg
Starting this week, the district will highlight staff members who are passionate about being part of Bulldog Nation. Some have been here for decades, others are just starting. They all have a passion for the red and white. Watch for these stories each week!
Ottumwa Schools offer better academic opportunities and diverse experiences, according to Joe and Carmel VandenBerg. That is why they work here, moved here, and are raising their three children here. The VandenBergs both grew up in small, southern Iowa towns and attended Indian Hills Community College, where they met. Joe completed his student teaching at Wildwood and Evans, Carmel worked for a few years, then went back and finished her teaching degree. Commuting every day, they made the choice to move to Ottumwa before their children started school. Today, they both teach at Eisenhower elementary and coach. Ottumwa Schools was their choice for work and for their family.