Adam Arthur has taught social studies in the Des Moines school district in Des Moines, Iowa for five years where he currently teaches senior level Economics, Government, and Advanced Placement Government and Politics at Abraham Lincoln High School. He earned a B.A. in Social Science Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 2010.

Adam was a leading contributor on the Caucus 101 curriculum which was posted on the website of the Iowa Secretary of State’s office for teachers statewide to use during the run-up to the 2016 Iowa caucuses. The curriculum utilized a rigorous student centered approach to engage students across the state in civic participation with an emphasis on the caucus process.

Adam has also worked as an instructional coach on the AP Government and Politics Knowledge in Action project which is a project of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Adam has utilized PBL in cooperation with the George Lucas Educational Foundation in attempts to allow equitable access and outcomes for all students in advanced placement coursework. He has specialized in developing and adapting curriculum for the Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics course which he has utilized in his class for the past five years.

Adam is also the 2016 recipient of the James Madison Fellowship for the state of Iowa. The fellowship, which is an award sponsored by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation recognizes individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level.

In his free time, Adam enjoys spending time with his wife, Rachel, and dog Aristotle. He also enjoys disc golf and being outside.

Graduated from LHS class of ’99 – GO RAILS!

Undergraduate work at the University of Iowa

Masters degree from Drake University

I have a bachelors degree in Meteorology from Penn State University, a Masters of Science in Atmospheric Science from the University of Wisconsin, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Simpson College. I teach Conceptual Physics and the AVID elective class. I love eating good food, watching movies, and spending time with my wife and two sons.

Hello! My name is Blake Bergstrom and I am happy to be here at Lincoln High School! This is my first official year of teaching, as I just finished up my degree from Simpson College, majoring in Physical Education and having endorsements in Health, Special Education, and Coaching. I was a collegiate athlete at Simpson, where I played football for four years. I am also a coach on staff here at Lincoln for the football team. I am looking forward to a great year!

I am an Iowa native who received my B.A. from UNI (go Panthers). The majority of my teaching career has been in Phoenix, Arizona where I also received my Master’s degree in Administration and Leadership from Arizona State University. This is my first year at Lincoln (go RAILS!), and I teach English 3 and Power English. In my spare time, I enjoy reading a suspenseful novel, shopping, going on walks, watching football, and spending time with my family and small Yorkshire/Shih Tzu dog, Nigel.

I am a graduate of Lincoln High School and Drake University. I have been teaching at Lincoln for 17 years. I teach AP US History, AVID, and Ambassadors. I live with my wife, 2 kids (ages 13 and 3), and dog in West Des Moines.

I grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln in 2003 (Go Rails!!!!). I went to Iowa State University and also have a Masters of Education from Full Sail University. I am in my 9th year of teaching at Des Moines Public schools and have also taught at North and East High School.

I love being involved here at Lincoln.

I am on the School Leadership Team and love being the faculty sponsor for our Gay Straight Alliance. This year I had the honor of being awarded the Iowa Safe Schools Educator of the Year. I am passionate about what I teach and preparing my students to be productive successful citizens. My door is always open to listen and give students an open minded and respectful adult to go to for advice.

When I am not at Lincoln working hard to make it the best high school in town, I spend time with my husband and daughter in our beautiful Historic home in the Drake Neighborhood.

graduate of LHS, married, 5 children, 10 grandchildren

My name is Aaron Carter and this is my 7th year with Des Moines Public Schools. I am from Des Moines and graduated from Hoover High School. I received my undergraduate degree in education and my graduate degree in school counseling from Drake University. I was a special education teacher for Des Moines Public Schools for five years before becoming a Title I Math and Reading teacher. Currently, I am the 9th grade school counselor. In my free time I enjoy following politics, singing, spending time with my daughter and granddaughter, and traveling whenever I can.

I have lived in Des Moines my whole life, except for a few years at University of Northern Iowa. I am an instructional strategist who focusses on science and math curriculum. I have been at Lincoln High School for 15 years.

Phil Chia is in his 10th year as the Activities Director at Lincoln and in his 20th overall at the school. Prior to taking over the position of AD he was a coach and a business teacher for 10 years with the Rails. Phil grew up on the south side of Des Moines, and like several of the staff at Lincoln, he is a Railsplitter alumni. Phil attended the University of Northern Iowa receiving his degree in Business Education and later received his Masters degree at Drake in Education Administration. Phil is married with four children.

Ms. Cobler teaches Forensic Science and Biology. She graduated from University of Iowa with a bachelors degree and also from Iowa State University with a masters degree.

I graduated from Lincoln High School (and bleed maroon and gold). I attended Simpson College where I majored in English. Currently, I teach English III and IV. Outside of school, I enjoy baseball, photography, and spending time with family. GO YANKEES! GO HAWKS! GO RAILS!

I am a 1982 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and am now working on my bachelors degree in History, with only three courses remaining! I am married with three daughters and two step sons. I love to vacation in Northern Minnesota as well as anywhere with a beach.

Aloha! I’m Mr. Dow. I was born in Des Moines and am a 3rd generation Lincoln high graduate (’88). As a young man, I earned a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Iowa (’93) and a master’s degree in education at Drake University (’97). Since then, it’s been my pleasure to teach at Lincoln for what has become 17 years now! I have a 24 year-old son named Alex and I spend my weekends rooting for the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes & of course, the Railsplitters!

I am originally from Chicago and have been a happy Iowa resident for 6 years! I have 3 degrees from Loyola University Chicago (2 B.A.s in history and English and a Masters in Secondary Education) have traveled to five countries and lived in Rome and Ireland. I love Lincoln and am excited to come to work every day!

This year is my 14th year as an educator. I am an alumni of DMACC, University of Northern Iowa, and Drake University. Throughout my career I have taught social studies and special education. I am an avid Hawkeye, Panther, and KC Chiefs fan. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and going to movies.

Graduated from “THE” University of Northern Iowa.

I Teach: power fundamentals, Graphics, Graphics 2

Exploring Technology, and 3-d Mechanical.

I am the 10th grade counselor and am excited to join the Rails team! I started college in Chicago, IL at North Park College, playing volleyball and softball there. Then transferred and graduated from Iowa State University! Started my teaching career in Sp. Ed. before going back to Bradley University and earning my Master’s degree in Human Development Counseling. I love to be active, doing kick-boxing, biking, and playing pickleball! I have 2 dogs, a springer-spaniel named Jazzy and a chocolate goldendoodle named Putter! They keep me very busy!

Sarah Fillius is a proud Lincoln alum and graduate of Drake University.  She taught field science and natural history in California, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan before returning to Des Moines’ south side to teach at Lincoln.  She enjoys gardening, cooking, running, and camping with her family.

Miss Guyer graduated from UNI with degrees in Math Education and Music Education. She is originally from Waverly in NE Iowa. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family

Mrs. Harmsen is a graduate of Drake University. She teaches English, Graphic Novels, and Modern Expression. She is an avid reader and loves watching fancy old movies. She spends most of her time with her husband and adorable toddler, Esme.

Instructor for Government and Sociology

This is my 1th year teaching here at Lincoln and 2nd year as part of the Flex Academy. Previously I taught Special Education for 10 years. I am also the Boys XC Head Coach, and an Assistant Coach for Boys Track & Field and Girls Basketball.

I am the Vice Principal who is responsible for the day to day operation at RAILS Academy. I graduated with my BSA from ISU in 1990. I received my Masters in Educational Administration in 1998. I have been with the district for 26 years: 9 as a teacher, 5 as a Dean of students and the last 12 as Vice Principal at Lincoln High School. 23 of those years were served at the High School Level and 3 at the Middle School. I have spent time in every High School in the district in some role. I am married and have four children. I have a boy who is 17 and a daughter who is 23. My wife’s daughter is 23 and her son is a special needs child of the age of 19. I love too many hobbies, but the favorites are to be outdoors whether it is kayaking, camping, hunting or photography.

My name is Qynne Kelly and I am an assistant principal at Lincoln Main. After graduating from Preston High School in 2005, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in German Education with a minor in TESOL. While attending UW-P, I had the opportunity to live and study in Berlin, Germany. Following my graduation, I moved to the Bronx, New York where I taught English Language Learners at Manhattan College through Language Studies International. When I returned to Iowa, I taught German and ELL for Waterloo Community School District while simultaneously completing my Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Northern Iowa. In 2015, I moved to Des Moines after having heard that Des Moines Public Schools was making a commitment to equity work. I was an ELL instructional coach for the district and was also finishing a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University. This is my first year as a school administrator and I could not be more excited to be at Lincoln! #SouthsidePride

Orchestra Director

niversity of Nebraska-Lincoln Alum

Part-time Lincoln, part-time Weeks

I am a graduate of “the” Oklahoma State University and Upper Iowa University. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force. I teach All Social Studies.

Lincoln Alumni -Class of 86

Grandview College- Class of 90

LHS GRAD 1999

I am in my 16th year at Lincoln. I currently teach Environmental Science and AVID. I graduated with a BA degree from Simpson College and a MA degree from Drake University. I enjoy watching sports, reading and spending time with my family.

I graduated with a B.S. degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and then got my MSW from the University of Iowa years later as I realized my passion for Social Work and empowering others to be the best they can be. I have been with Des Moines Public Schools for six years now and absolutely love it. In my free time I love being outdoors and spending time with my husband and two children (ages 11 and 15).

I enjoy all sports and the Iowa Hawkeyes! I work as the Behavior Interventionist and have 16 years experience working with students with Behaviors problems. I am married (Emily) and have two boys.(Conor and Owen)

I am a married mother of three. I have three grandchildren ages 9, 3, and 1. I have a MSN in nursing education. I have been a school nurse for 16 years and have always worked at Methodist Hospital for about 30 years. For the last 15 years, I have worked in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. I usually work every other Friday evening. We have a 1-year-old collie named Zeus. He is very lovable. I enjoy spending time with my family and going to nursing conferences to continue learning about my profession.

PE and CPR at RAILS ACADEMY

Masters: Graceland University

Bachelor’s: Simpson College

This is my 28th year of teaching. I am entering my 10th year at Lincoln and previously in MS for 11 years and Elementary for 7 years. I enjoy going to Chicago Cub and ICUB games, biking, golfing, and traveling to Florida, Arizona, and Colorado.

Lincoln Grad “81”

Head Bowling and Boys Track Coach

Drivers Ed Instructor

This will be my third year teaching English and Theatre at Rails Academy. I earned my undergraduate degree from Central College, in Vocal Performance and Theatre. Following undergrad, I moved to Chicago and enjoyed a career as a performer for nine years. Upon moving back to Des Moines, I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Drake University. I still love to dance, sing, and act, but my favorite thing to do is spend time with my four year old daughter, Daisey (who is already a little performer as well!).

Hello, my name is Julia Minnehan and I am the 12th grade counselor. I was born in Russia and moved to Des Moines when I was 4 years old. I attended DMACC, University of Northern Iowa, and East Carolina University and have my Bachelors Degree in Interpersonal Communication & Family Services and my Masters in Counseling. I live with my husband, our twin Pomeranians, and our twin children Vincent and Alexia. I am so excited to be here at Lincoln and to work with our amazing students!

Hi, my name is Kerrie Mohler. I have been teaching business and computer classes in Des Moines Public Schools since 2000. North High School was my first teaching experience for a year and a half, then Lincoln Main for 4 years and currently I have enjoyed my time at Lincoln RAILS 9th Grade Academy. I earned my high school diploma from Urbandale High School and my undergraduate degree in Secondary Business Education from Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa… where I continued to enjoy playing fast pitch softball through my college years. I earned my Master of Education degree from Viterbo University also. I enjoy spending my spare time with my husband Matt, our three children, and our dog Kinnick. I like to travel, play softball/volleyball, ski, and watch my kids play sports. I’m a Chicago Cubs and Hawkeye fan at heart! I consider myself a lifelong learner and look forward to new challenges in my life daily.

As an educator I have been fortunate enough to spend the last 13 years, of my 14, teaching at Lincoln. During this time I have been a special education math teacher, an instructional coach and now a grade level coordinator. While working at Lincoln I have enjoyed our students and the community we serve.

I teach Spanish I and Leadership at the RAILS building. I have a Masters degree from Drake and Bachelors degrees from the University of Iowa in Spanish and Journalism. I am in the process of working towards another degree in Educational Leadership. My hobbies are gardening and cooking and I love live music and hanging out with my Railsplitter teacher family 🙂

My current position at Lincoln is the Success Re-Engagement Case Manager. I am a Lincoln High School alumnus, class of 2002. I have an AA degree in Criminal Justice from DMACC and a BA degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Deviance from Simpson College. I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoying the great outdoors.

Graduated from Simpson College with Accounting degree in 1997. Returned to school and graduated with Masters in Teaching in 2011. Also part of the boy’s basketball staff.

I am here to chew bubblegum and teach Social Studies…and I’m all out of bubblegum. Educated here at Lincoln High School and at the University of Northern Iowa, where I’ve received my Master of Arts in Social Science. I love being here on the Southside where I was born and raised and plan to retire from Lincoln High School decades from now.

I graduated from Kirkwood Community College and William Penn University. I played softball at both schools. I received my masters from Morningside College. I teach Power English & History at the 9th Grade building. I am married and have two daughters. I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends.

I am originally from Marshalltown and graduated from UNI with my BA in 1996 and ISU with my MA in 2004. Lincoln has been my teaching home since 2001 where I have had the opportunity to teach special and general education English. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being in the outdoors, and watching sports.

Laurie Phillips graduated with a Art Education degree at Iowa State University. She received her Masters in Education at Viterbo University. Before her 25 year career in education she was an Art Gallery Director here in Des Moines and in Colorado Springs. Laurie has an Art Studio in Southern Iowa where she actively works on her own art which entails Stained Glass and Pastel Painting. Laurie has a husband of 33 years, 2 married sons, and a growing family of 2 beautiful grandchildren and 2 on the way.

I teach Algebra 1 and 2 and am the AVID coordinator. I am married with two girls and have two dogs. I like to travel, camping and spending time with my family.

I am originally from Des Moines, Iowa and a graduate of North High School. After high school I went on to college at Kirkwood Community College and the University of Northern Iowa, where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Math Education. I then attended Buena Vista University, where I received a master’s degree in Education. This is now my 7th year teaching math, all of which has been here at Lincoln High School.

Though I’m not a native of Iowa I’m glad to call Des Moines home. I graduate from Roosevelt High School and Grand View University. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in February of 2017. We both love to garden, own a zoo of animals, and enjoy backpacking in the mountains during the summer. I am also one of the two Poet Mentors for Movement 515, which is a slam poetry, break dancing, and graffiti program for students.

In May of 2015, I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a double major in Mathematics Education and Business Education. I currently teach Algebra I and Geometry at Lincoln RAILS Academy. Not only do I love mathematics, but I love working with the students who come into my classroom each day. Go Railsplitters!

I graduated from Central College with a B.A. in Mathematics and Spanish, then received my M.A. from the University of Iowa in Mathematics Education. I teach Algebra and Geometry, but also enjoy higher level mathematics and have taught almost every mathematics subject at one point. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, our 1 year old son, and our German Shepherd!

I grew up in Iowa, and went to Ankeny High School. In 2012, I graduated from Central College with a BA in Math Education and Spanish Education. I then attended the University of Iowa and received an MA in Math Education. I first taught in Eastern Iowa for a couple of years, and now teach Algebra 1 at Lincoln RAILS.

Proud Lincoln alum! 16 years teaching science. Master’s degree in Secondary Education at Drake University and veteran active duty instructor of the United States Air Force. Three children; Mike in grad school, Andy in the Air Force and Caitlin working at Wells Fargo. Love to walk, go to see movies and listen to my husband Bob sing at various locations around town!

I earned a AA/AS from DMACC, BS from Upper Iowa, and MAs in Teaching Social Studies and in Behavioral Sciences from UNI. I love teaching all social studies classes – all history in particular.

My wife and I have one son and two grandsons. We love to travel and we live on a farm. I have a passion for antiques. I like designing houses and flying planes when I get free time. The rest of my time I spend with our pets and watching our grandkids play sports.

Graduated from Iowa State University and studied abroad at the University of Valencia in Spain.

“Hello, my name is Jasmine Simpson.   This will be my fourth year at Lincoln and I will be teaching English II and AP Language and Composition. I graduated from The University of Iowa, with my B.A. in Secondary English Education, and I’m currently pursing a degree in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction through Drake University. In addition to teaching, I am a mentor for Lincoln’s chapter of Dream to Teach. “

I teach Spanish 1 and Heritage 1. I also teach Driver’s Ed at night. I have degrees from University of Texas-Arlington and Buena Vista. I have 4 wonderful adult children. My hobbies include bicycle riding (I live for RAGBRAI), boating and cooking.

I grew up on a farm in southeast Iowa. Graduated from UNI with a BS in Chemistry Education and a minor in Mathematics. I then graduated form ISU with a Masters in School Mathematics. I have taught for DMPS since 1985, since 1990 at LHS. I enjoy my 3 grown children, sewing and reading in my free time.

Graceland University undergrad & Masters

PE teacher 25 years for DMPS

I am an Iowa State University grad in my 29th year of teaching. I enjoy teaching family & consumer science classes as the information can increase the quality of life for students. I enjoy swimming, riding an exercise bike, reading, doing housework, attending sporting events, and spending time with family and friends.

This is my 19th year teaching science at Lincoln. I also coach the girls soccer team. I have a BS in Geology from Eastern Connecticut State University (’94) an M.A.T. from Drake University (’98) and am currently enrolled in UNI’s Principalship Master’s program. I’m married with three awesome kids and two cats. Currently I teach Astronomy and ELL Science 1 and 2 classes.

ISU grad

Physical Ed. Teacher

I am originally from South Florida where I earned my Bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Central Florida. I moved to Des Moines via Chicago where I was a real estate agent for 10 years. I received my Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Simpson College with endorsements in Business and Special Education. I am an avid cyclist, a Cubs fan, and I love to spend time with my son who started third grade this year. I am both honored and privileged to call Lincoln High School my home. Go Railsplitters!

Graduated from Drake University in 2004. Started coaching swimming at Lincoln in 2001, and currently the head coach of both girls and boys swim programs here at Lincoln High School. Became a GLC at Lincoln in 2014 and continue to enjoy working with students on a daily basis.

Mr. Christian White was born and raised in the Des Moines area before moving to Chicago to attend DePaul University School of Music where he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education. After Chicago, Mr. White moved back to Des Moines to teach at Lincoln High School; this is his fourth year teaching with the Railsplitters. Mr. White is in the process of completing his Master of Science in Education degree in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction at Drake University.

I am a graduate of Lincoln, 1974. I have an AA degree, BA in Pastoral Studies, BS in Secondary Education Social Sciences-all, from Drake and a MA-MFM, (master of arts in Marriage and Family) from Biola University in California.. I’ve worked with all kinds of students since 1978 in many capacities and still love the opportunity to help change lives. My greatest treasure is my 10 year old son who continues to impress me daily with his knowledge, manners and compassionate heart.

Hello! My name is Michael Williams and I am incredibly happy to teach at Lincoln! I am a proud UNI Panther alum! I am not new to the area as I grew up in Des Moines and am a product of the Des Moines Public Schools! I have been involved in theatre since middle school and love the creativity that it fosters! Go Rails!

I began my career in education back in 1997 as a high school instrumental music teacher after graduating from the University of Tulsa. After nine years of teaching in Tulsa, OK and Colorado Springs, CO, I entered the administration side of the profession after completing my Masters degree from Grand Canyon University. In 2011 I had the honor of becoming the Principal of Abraham Lincoln High School after serving four years as an Assistant Principal in Colorado Springs. My son Luke graduated from LHS in 2013; my wife and I have five children with the two youngest being 11 & 16 along with three wonderful grandchildren.

I am a graduate of University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Art Education. I teach Introduction to Art 2D-3D design and Draw Paint II. Hobbies include working out, biking, swimming, running and lifting. Enjoy being outside and making art!