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New Faculty Excited to Begin


Posted Date: 08/29/2020

New faculty L to R: Abby Happel, Abby Staebell, Sydney Anderson, Parker Majerus, Lea Van Es, Taylor Ronan, Nikki Bergmeier

While school started for Hudson on August 24, several of our new faculty got an early start, beginning here at Hudson back on August 12! Please take the opportunity to help these new members of our community feel welcomed when you see them around the district.

We are excited to welcome Sydney Anderson, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa to our ranks, as a 5th and 6th grade special educator. Licensed as a special education teacher with endorsements as an Instructional Strategist I and II, Mrs. Anderson previously taught at River Hills in Cedar Falls before landing here at Hudson. Originally from Charles City, Mrs. Anderson was married to her husband Nick shortly after graduating from UNI. In her free time, she enjoys a good movie, spending time with friends, shopping, and exploring new places. She is looking forward to the opportunity to teach and learn alongside the students at Hudson Schools!

Nikki Bergmeier is no stranger to Hudson, having previously worked in the high school as a special education para educator. All five of Nikki's children are proud Hudson Pirates, with the oldest two having graduated. After completing her teacher preparation program at Upper Iowa University, Mrs. Bergmeier spent a couple of years teaching at Dike-New Hartford before returning  home to Hudson. Holding endorsements in elementary education, K-8 Reading, middle school math and language arts, and 5-12 special education, you will be able to find Nikki in the high school where she will be teaching in the special education program. She is looking forward to creating long lasting relationships with her students and learning all about them. 

Joining our 6th grade teaching team this year is Abby Happel, who takes over for Mrs. Neff who recently transferred downstairs to 4th grade. Mrs. Happel was prepared at the University of Northern Iowa, earning degree in elementary/middle school education with an endorsement in literacy. After she finished student teaching this past December, Abby spent time substitute teaching at Hudson during the spring semester. Originally from Newton, a lot has changed for Abby as she was recently married over the summer. She loves being outside, drinking coffee and reading. She recognizes the historical significance of starting her career this year and is excited to make the year memorable with her students.

We are very excited to have Parker Majerus join our high school faculty this year as an English and Spanish teacher. Originally hailing from Sycamore, Illinois, this Central College graduate has endorsements in Spanish, English, and even ESL (English as a Second Language). Mr. Majerus wants everyone to know that he loves deep dish pizza and Chicago sports. When not teaching you can find him spending time with friends, fishing, or planning his next travel destination. He is looking forward to joining Hudson's wonderful team and community.

Very familiar with the Cedar Valley, Taylor Ronan grew up in Waterloo and currently lives in Cedar Falls with her husband Cody. They share their home with two labs and a three month old son Levi. An avid reader of historical fiction, she enjoys boating on the Mississippi and walks as a family. Prepared at the University of Northern Iowa, Mrs. Ronan holds certification in early childhood education and special education. She will be joining our staff as a preschool teacher and is looking forward to experiencing a smaller school district. After attending and teaching in Waterloo she is excited about the more close knit feel of a small district with big pride!

If this new fourth grade teacher looks familiar to you, she should. Abby Staebell has returned home to Hudson after finishing her teacher preparation program at Wartburg College. With a literacy endorsement in her arsenal, Miss Staebell is also licensed as an Instructional Strategist I. This 2016 graduate of Hudson High School is happy to be back in her hometown teaching where she grew up. We're happy too, Abby!

Joining the 5th grade teaching team this year is Leah Van Es who previously taught in Waterloo. Earning her degree from the University of Iowa, Mrs. Van Es also holds a reading endorsement. She and her husband Mitch have been married for three years and just recently purchased their first home. As a Hawkeye fan, it should come as no surprise that she likes the color yellow! She enjoys playing cards and board games and also counts reading, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends as her favorite pastimes.