Hello! I am Natalie Madsen. I am originally from Mount Prospect, Illinois (a northwest suburb of Chicago). I first came to Des Moines when I attended college at Drake University! Go Bulldogs! I have my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Reading. I also completed my Master’s degree in 2013 which focused on Curriculum and Instruction. I student taught at Pleasant Hill in spring of 2009 with Nancy Jennings in 3rd grade. I loved it so much, I had to come back and teach here!
I have been teaching at Pleasant Hill since 2010 and have been at second grade for the past seven years. I live in Ankeny with my husband Brian and our lab/boxer mix, Julius! When I’m not teaching, you can probably find me at a dog park, reading, or running!
Hello! It is hard to believe but Pleasant Hill Elementary has been my home for 23 years now! I live in Waukee, Iowa which leads to me always being asked, “Why do you make that drive every day?” and my reply is, “I love my school!” Pleasant Hill Elementary is an amazing school with an outstanding staff, wonderful students, and great families!
I grew up in the small town of Denison, Iowa where I was 1 of 12 children. My parents are Marlene and Gordon Wiebers. My mother passed away from cancer twelve years ago. I have four sisters and seven brothers. One of my greatest joys is being an aunt to my thirty nieces and nephews, as well as my almost 30 great nieces and nephews! It is always chaotic and loud when we are all together, but I love it and wouldn’t want it any other way.
After high school I attended AIB (American Institute of Business) in Des Moines were I earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Office Management. I worked for 7 years as an office manager for a small sales business in Des Moines. I then decided to go back to school at Upper Iowa University in Des Moines and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I also earned endorsements in Reading and Early Childhood.
I began teaching at Pleasant Hill Elementary in 1997. During my years at Pleasant Hill I have taught a first/second grade combination class for one year, a fourth/fifth grade combination class for one year, fourth grade for ten years, kindergarten for two years, intervention groups for one year, third grade for two years, fourth grade for two years, and this will be my fourth year teaching 2nd grade!
In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, shopping, and going to movies. I also enjoy watching or attending sporting events. I am a HUGE Denver Broncos fan, Iowa State Cyclones fan, as well as a Kansas City Royals fan! However, I am the biggest fan of my family, friends, and students!!!