Kindergarten Nicole Vortherms

My name is Nicole Vortherms.  I teach kindergarten at Ashland Ridge Elementary.  I have been teaching kindergarten in Ankeny since 2003.  Prior to teaching kindergarten, I taught first grade and second grade.  I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University in 1996 and a Master of Science degree in Teaching Effectiveness and Professional Development from Drake University in 2014.  I also have a Reading Endorsement and an English as a Second Language Endorsement from Drake University.  Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three daughters, going for walks or runs, baking, playing games, and cheering for the Cyclones (and sometimes the Hawkeyes).

I have a passion for teaching young children.  I will provide a safe, caring environment in which your child will grow, learn, and be free to take risks.  I will also create a community of learners who work together and respect each other in the classroom.  I love seeing the kindergarten children’s excitement for school and learning each year.  They grow in so many ways throughout the school year, and I am honored to be a part of that!