July 26, 2010

My name is Deb Ritter. I am a first grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary. My first year of teaching was in Grinnell, Ia. I taught at Davis Elementary, which was a 3-4^th grade only school. I began a program there for severe and profound special needs children. I really enjoyed it out there, but the commute was too long every day from Des Moines. I wanted a job closer to home. That’s how I came to be at Pleasant Hill. I taught special education K-5 at Pleasant Hill for 8 years. The 2008-09 school year will be my 2^nd year of teaching 1^st grade.

I currently live in Des Moines, close to Urbandale, where I grew up. I have been married to my husband for 9 years. He owns his own business, JRitter Contracting. He is a general contractor. It can be a very demanding job, but he enjoys it. In his spare time he enjoys being with his family, biking, Tae Kwon Do, and reading. His favorite author is Tom Clancy. We have a wonderful 9 year old son. His name is Jordan. He will be entering 4^th grade this school year. Jordan is about a year away from getting his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He also enjoys baseball, 2 square, playing on the computer, biking, and reading. His favorite author is Beverly Cleary. I enjoy watching my son and husband competing in Tae Kwon Do, working around the yard, biking, reading, and being active in our Church. My favorite authors are Gary Paulsen and Ronald Dahl.