2nd Grade
Alyssa Nygaard
2nd Grade Teacher
E: alyssa.nygaard@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! My name is Miss Nygaard and I am excited to be teaching 2nd grade here at Edmunds. This is my third year at Edmunds. I grew up overseas, in Kenya and South Africa, and then attended college at Iowa State University- go Cyclones! I love to travel, meet new people, and spend time with my family and friends. I believe that every child CAN learn and am passionate about seeing each of my students succeed and grow this year in unique ways!
Shelby Oelmann
2nd grade teacher
E: shelby.oelmann@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! My name is Miss Oelmann. I am so excited to be teaching 2nd grade! I grew up in Ankeny, IA and attended college at Iowa State University! I absolutely love to travel and experience different cultures! I can’t wait to learn with my students this year and see what each individual will bring into my classroom. In addition to traveling, I love spending time with family and friends! I am huge “foodie,” and love to try new foods as well as staying active and spending time outdoors!
My students are the reason why I love my job. I love learning about where my students come from, and what experiences, values, and perspectives they can bring into my classroom. I believe each and every one of my students’ young minds will help create a diverse, inviting, and unique classroom learning environment. I am excited to meet and work with your kiddos this year!
Nicole Russell
2nd Grade Teacher
E: nicole.russell@dmschools.org
Biography
Hi! My name is Mrs. Russell. I have been teaching at Edmunds Elementary since 2013. I graduated from Drake University with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Reading. I love to teach reading! It is amazing the growth students make and I believe all students can, want, and will learn.
I grew up on the south side of Des Moines and am a Des Moines Public School graduate myself! I currently live in Altoona with my husband Bobby, my daughter Summer, and my dog Sammie. Some of my favorite things are ice cream, warm days, swimming, baking, and learning about teaching. It is important to share my family life with my students and to learn about their culture and family as well. Building relationships with my students is very important to me in order to have a positive classroom community that encourages students to become learners.