Hi my name is Laurie Bennett. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with my bachelors in elementary education and completed my masters from Viterbo University. I have been teaching in the Des Moines School District for 21 years. I have taught kindergarten and fourth grade as well as been an instructional coach. I joined the Capitol View team in 2015 as a math and reading interventionist. Working with students who need a little extra help in reading and math is my passion. Seeing kids grow and learn is so rewarding! Outside of school of school I like spending time with my husband and two boys as well as friends and family.

I’m so happy to be part of Capitol View’s 3rd grade team!  I began teaching with DMPS in 1999 at Willard School, then Madison before finding my home here at Capitol View.  My own education trail was Willard, Hiatt, and then a proud alumni of East High School.  I attend Central College in Pella with a BA in Elementary Education.  I am a mom to three boys.  My older two are both in college, and my youngest is still in elementary school.  I love working with students and watching them grow and learn.  One interesting fact is that my current classroom looks out onto the street I grew up on!

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, I began my career as an Elementary Teacher. While teaching, I continued my education and earned a master’s degree in Education. As a professional, I have earned endorsements in Reading, Reading Specialist, Special Education and English as a Second Language. I have been a proud member of the Capitol View team since 2014.

“If you teach a child to read you have done your job. If you teach a child to love to read, you have changed their life forever.”

I just recently moved back to Iowa after a decade in Orlando, FL where I was a  middle school reading teacher for 3 years.  I attended The University of Central Florida and received my degree in Elementary Education with a reading endorsement back in 2012.  I am a proud geek who loves to read, travel, and watch anything that has to do with superheroes or magic!

Hello! My name is Ms. Samson and I’m thrilled to be teaching 3^rd grade at Capitol View! I’ve lived in the Des Moines area my entire life and I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Iowa. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a sociology degree and then a few years later I took evening classes at Upper Iowa University for my elementary education degree. Now, I’m working towards earning my master’s degree in education with an emphasis on ELL. Outside of school I keep myself busy with friends and family. I love the UNI Panthers, biking, warm weather, and traveling.