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Let's talk about... Ankeny Community School District!
Superintendent, Dr. Erick Pruitt is your host as he talks about all things Ankeny Schools with staff, students and community members.
Exceptional educators, specialized expertise, a team committed to every student's success. When families choose a school, they're placing tremendous trust in the people who will teach, challenge, and care for their children. They want knowledgeable teachers, caring professionals, and a school community equipped to help their children thrive. At Ankeny Schools, that commitment extends far beyond the classroom. Great teaching requires more than a strong curriculum.
Dr. Erick Pruitt:It takes a deep understanding of how students learn, the ability to adapt instruction, and the experience to recognize what each child needs to succeed. Across Ankeny schools, 65% of teachers hold a master's degree or higher, and all educators bring innovation and a commitment to student success to their classrooms. That expertise makes a difference. At one elementary school, a teacher embraced a new reading curriculum and used targeted small group instruction to help students achieve significant academic growth. At the high school level, an educator helped revive a student newspaper, secured grants for professional equipment, and developed a project-based journalism course offering authentic, hands-on learning.
Dr. Erick Pruitt:These examples reflect the creativity, knowledge, and high expectations Ankeny educators bring to their work. One of the greatest strengths of the Ankeny experience is the depth of professional expertise available to students. Reading specialists help students strengthen foundational skills while sharing effective instructional strategies with classroom teachers. Special education professionals collaborate with educators to meet individual learning needs. Counselors, school nurses, and other specialists provide additional support that helps students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Dr. Erick Pruitt:I have the privilege of seeing these stories play out in our schools every day, and I want to highlight a few more. At one middle school, a support staff member is helping students navigate significant behavioral challenges with patience and effective strategies. At an elementary school, a nurse helped a student and family navigate a challenging return to school following a serious illness. Students don't rely on the expertise of just one person they benefit from an entire team working on their behalf. An exceptional school experience also depends on the professionals who make our schools welcoming, safe, and ready for learning.
Dr. Erick Pruitt:From nutrition services employees who greet students with kindness to administrative professionals who keep schools running smoothly, every role contributes to student success. Before and after school staff build relationships and create opportunities for students to grow beyond the classroom. Custodians, transportation professionals, and countless others help make each school day possible. Together, these employees create an environment where students feel supported, valued, and ready to learn. When a student needs additional academic support, Ankeny has professionals equipped to help.
Dr. Erick Pruitt:When a child faces a health or social-emotional challenge, caring specialists are available. And when students discover new interests or are ready for greater challenges, experienced educators help open the next door. When families choose Ankeny Schools, they're choosing more than great teachers. They're choosing an entire team of skilled, experienced, and caring professionals committed to helping their children succeed. That's the Ankeny experience.