ACEA series introduces new educators for 2022-2023 school year

The Allamakee Community School District added 13 new educators to its staff at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Throughout a timeframe of several weeks, the Allamakee Community Education Association, in cooperation with The Standard newspaper, is introducing these new school district additions to the public through an article series in this newspaper. This week’s installment in the series will feature West Elementary School Transitional Kindergarten teacher Dacia Sommer, and Julie Lenth, who teaches Spanish and Talented and Gifted (TAG) students at Waukon High School and Waukon Middle School.

- Julie Lenth -
Originally from Luana, Julie Lenth came to Waukon to teach Spanish as well as be the talented and gifted (TAG) teacher for grades 6-12 in the Allamakee Community School District. “I have absolutely loved my time at Waukon,” she said. “I get along really well with the other teachers and feel supported.” Lenth likes the Waukon community as well. “Everyone I have met in the community has also been amazing and supportive,” she confided. “I love working with my students daily; we have a lot of fun while learning.” She teaches eighth grade exploratory Spanish as well as Spanish 2. Further, she works with TAG students in the middle and high school. Currently, Lenth is taking classes at Morningside University to obtain her TAG endorsement. When she is not teaching or studying, she enjoys walking and riding horses with friends and family. “I’m looking forward to having a great school year at Waukon,” she said.

- Dacia Sommer -
Dacia Sommer joined West Elementary teaching transitional kindergarten. After nine years at St. Patrick Catholic School, where she taught grades five and six, she is adjusting to the younger students. “I’m still learning,” she reflected. “It’s been great, though. They make me belly laugh daily.” Sommer grew up in Lansing and moved to Waukon when she married. She graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2013 “...as a non-traditional student,” she said. She is driven to help young people with their education. “I truly want kids to feel loved, valued and safe,” she said. “Without those three elements, learning is impossible.” “It’s a huge change from what I’ve taught the past nine years,” Sommer continued. “I absolutely love it.”