Sacred Heart welcomes new, returning staff

     Sacred Heart Catholic School in Monticello welcomed three new/returning teachers for the 2022-23 school year.

Jennifer Geyer

   Geyer is a long-term substitute for the fifth-grade class.

   Her past teaching experiences include serving as a substitute teacher for the 2009-10 school year, as well as the 2021-22 school year.

   Geyer attended Buena Vista University, where she earned a degree in K-12 instrumental music education. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from South Dakota State University.

   Geyer and her husband, John, live in Monticello with their two kids: Liam, 8, and Kieran, 5. She is originally from Mapleton, Iowa.

   In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking, traveling, kayaking, and spending time with her family.

Matt Federspiel

   Federspiel is the new fourth-grade teacher.

   He attended Loras College and received a bachelor’s degree in education.

   His past teaching experiences include one year at Fulton Elementary in Dubuque, three years at St. Patrick School in Anamosa, and one year as a substitute teacher.

   Federspiel is originally from and still resides in Peosta. He will be getting married to Eva Larabee in December, formerly of Monticello.

   In his free time, Federspiel enjoys playing and watching basketball, collecting sports cards, playing video games, reading, and Star Wars.

James Zimmerman

   Zimmerman is the sixth-grade teacher.

   His past experience in education includes 36 years as an administrator, and five years teaching sixth grade.

   He attended the University of Dubuque where he earned a bachelor of arts degree. Zimmerman earned his master of arts from Clarke University. He received a degree in advanced studies from the University of Northern Iowa.

   Zimmerman and his wife, Marianne, reside in Monticello. They have four adult children: Kristine, Brian, Keri, and Tim. They also have nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

   Zimmerman has a passion for education, teaching, volunteering, and Sacred Heart. He volunteers much of his time at Camp Courageous. He also enjoys spending time with his family.