Maquoketa Community School District is proud to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary work of two outstanding educators who are setting a high bar for gifted education across Iowa.
Beth Wold, who serves Talented and Gifted (TAG) students at Maquoketa Middle School and also teaches high school computer science, was recently honored as the Iowa ITAG Teacher of the Year at a statewide ceremony in Des Moines on October 14. Beth’s work has elevated gifted programming at MCSD through initiatives that challenge students, promote leadership, and foster creativity. From coordinating Lego League, Battle of the Bridges, and Mock Trial, to supporting students in project-based learning that builds real-world problem-solving skills, her impact is deep and wide.
In her expanding role, Beth now leads high school coding courses through a powerful partnership with Knight Moves—a rural empowerment initiative that connects students with technical college computer science programs, advanced tech training, and high-paying remote job opportunities after graduation. This innovative collaboration positions Maquoketa students for future success in a competitive, tech-driven world—while allowing them to live, learn, and work in the community they call home.
Meanwhile, at Cardinal and Briggs Elementary Schools, Jenna Spain is making a great impact with students at an earlier age. In addition to supporting elementary TAG students, Jenna also teaches Title I reading, providing essential support to young learners across the academic spectrum. Her work was recently recognized by the Belin-Blank Center and the University of Iowa, where she received a Belin-Blank Scholarship Award for her implementation of Beast Academy—a problem-solving-centered math program that enriches gifted learners without pulling them from their general education classrooms.
Jenna’s approach demonstrates the district’s commitment to inclusion, innovation, and instructional excellence. Through engaging math books, puzzles, and games, students are pushed to think deeply and solve problems creatively—right alongside their peers.
While many of the districts recognized alongside Maquoketa include large urban districts such as Ames, Des Moines, Waterloo, and West Des Moines, Maquoketa stands out as a rural district doing exceptional work. These honors are a testament to the district’s belief that every student deserves access to high-quality programming and MCSD teachers are offering this to kids.
"I’m incredibly proud of Beth and Jenna—not only for the statewide recognition they’ve earned, but for the daily dedication they show to our students. Their leadership, creativity, and passion push all of us to do better. They model what it means to believe in collective teacher efficacy—that together, we can solve any challenge our students face,” Tara Notz, Superintendent MCSD.
Both educators are also deeply engaged in the wider community, volunteering for local nonprofit organizations and investing in Maquoketa beyond the classroom. Their work is a powerful reminder that Maquoketa Community School District has great programs, great people, and a bright future now and will continue into the future.