Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1514146
February 2024 isea.org • ISEA Communiqué 2 GET TO KNOW ME GET TO KNOW ME Anita Ringgenberg Position title and school/ district: I have been in the Marshalltown School District as a special education teacher for 15 years. I also co-teach English Language Arts with my general education ELA teacher. Tell us a little about yourself: I have been married to Seth Ringgenberg for the last 15 years. I have two adult sons, Brady and Ian. My family makes me want to be better every day. I grew up and attended schools in Marshalltown. I graduated as a Bobcat in 1990. I worked a variety of jobs from packing house to EMT to paraprofessional. It was while a para that I met a woman who would change my life forever. She was the principal of the school where I worked. There was a grant the state was oering for paraeducators to apply in their school district to help pay for some of their education to become a teacher. I applied, and I got it. I went to school and graduated with honors. This was such an accomplishment for me because I never thought I could get a college education. How are you involved with the union? I am currently serving as the Marshalltown Education Association union president. I have been a part of the executive board of MEA for the past seven years in some fashion or another. I actually joined as a student teacher. What's one skill you think everyone should have? One skill all teachers must have is to prioritize themselves and their families each day. I know it sounds cliché to say to any one of the hard- working teachers in Iowa prioritize their students above their own needs, but we cannot give the best of ourselves with a cup that is only half-full. Take time every day to nd one thing for yourself and make that a priority. If you could have dinner with any historical gure, who would it be and what would you ask them? I would like to meet Edgar Allen Poe. I would have him explain what happened the day he died. Who would you most like to swap places with for a day? I would like to swap places with Gov. Kim Reynolds and undo all the education policies that have negatively aected our sta, schools, and students. A hefty order but doable! What's the most memorable concert or live event you've attended? I fullled my concert bucket list this year. I saw Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel in Minnesota. It was a gift from one of my sons, who called me in the middle of the night, which, as those of you know, is not a good sign. Nevertheless, I did not answer because I enjoy what us older generations called eight hours of sleep. The next morning, he called me at 6 am to tell me when he was watching Tik Tok, he saw Stevie Nicks was in concert, and said "Isn't she like 70 years-old?" I could not believe we were having this conversation so early in the morning, but here we were. He ended by saying I know you want to go; I would love to do that for you. I could not believe I had birthed and raised that man. I will always remember that gesture of kindness. I had the best time with my friend Lisa, who also loves Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. What's the coolest thing you're working on now? I am not sure if it is a cool thing that I am working on, but it is the cool people I work with who make me laugh, smile, and ght to be better. That sometimes is a full-time process. It is my family which makes me proud and happy to be the person I am. The coolest things are the relationships and friendships I am building. Anita Ringgenberg A tip of the cap Congratulations to the winners of the Horace Mann dues giveaway for 2023. Every year Horace Mann covers state dues for ve randomly selected ISEA members. This year's winners are: Aubree Eckhart, Lewis Central TA; Gloria Adeleke, Ames EA; Carl Collins, North Scott EA; Cheryl Larson, Roland-Story EA; and Steve Larson, Decorah EA. ISEA organizer Bee Weinberg (left) stands with Cheryl Larson of Roland-Story EA as UniServ Director Rick Moore passes her a check to cover her state dues. SUBMITTED PHOTO ISEA UniServ Director Rick Moore (left) congratulates Ames EA member Gloria Adeleke on winning a dues check from Horace Mann. SUBMITTED PHOTO Decorah EA's Steve Larson holds up a dues check he received for in the Horace Mann dues giveaway. SUMBITTED PHOTO ISEA UniServ Director Sara Dressel (left) hands a dues check to Aubree Eckhart of Lewis Central TA. SUBMITTED PHOTO