Hi, my name is Matt Ballman. This will be my 8th year of teaching. I’ve taught at Willard for all eight of those years! I love Willard. I believe that we have the best teachers and students. I’ve taught 2nd and 3rd grade but I am currently a k-5 academic interventionist. I love my job as an interventionist because I am able to work with students from all grades and have the chance to make an impact on many students!
I graduated from Iowa State in 2015 with a degree in Elementary Education. I graduated from Drake University in 2020 with a Masters in Effective Teaching in Urban Education.
When I’m not at school I love spending time with my family. Last year, my wife and I welcomed our first child. We also have two dogs at home. I am a huge Iowa State fan and love to watch my Cyclones!
Hello! My name is Katie Clater and I am the Teaching and Learning Instructional Coach at Willard Elementary. I started my teaching career in 2003, working as a middle school special education teacher at Moulton Extended Learning Center with Des Moines Schools. After teaching special education for three years at Moulton, I left the district and went to work for Carlisle Community School District. While in Carlisle, I taught both special and general education, ranging from fourth through sixth grade. I returned to the Des Moines Public Schools in 2011 and taught fourth grade at Willard Elementary before transitioning to instructional coaching.
I love teaching at Willard because we have the BEST students and teachers in the Des Moines area!!! All students and teachers come to school with a passion to learn!
In my spare time, you will find me enjoying time with my husband and three children. My children keep me very busy with sporting activities and their love for the outdoors! I also love to travel, work in my flower gardens and read.
My first year in education was 2006, where I started at Willard as a first grade teacher. I have taught kindergarten, first and second grade here over the years. I am the Mathematics Instructional Coach. My passion for mathematics started in college where I graduated from with a mathematics endorsement and continued into my graduate studies work. I am overjoyed and blessed with the opportunity to share my love for math with teachers and students at Willard!
Hi! My name is Tina Fulton. I have been teaching for over 30 years – in the classroom as a Preschool and 2nd Grade Teacher, and out of the classroom as a Reading Recovery Teacher and Title I Interventionist. I received my BA Degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and my Masters Degree from Viterbo University. I also hold endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Reading and am trained in Reading Recovery. As you might guess, kids and reading are my passions!
When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking my 2 sweet dogs, traveling, cheering on my favorite sports teams and reading, of course!