2021-22 DMC Teachers of the Year

Congratulations to the 21-22 DMC Teachers of the Year

Des Moines Christian's teachers live out our mission as role models for students, as they work alongside one another and as they serve the DMC community. Teachers are invited to nominate a peer who is a dynamic classroom teacher, a passionate apprentice of Christ, a lifelong learner, an active partner with parents and committed to positively cultivating community.

The recipients of the fourth annual DMC Teacher of the Year awards are: 

• Cheryl Whitmore, Early Education Associate, Three-Year-Old Room
• Danielle Boley, Elementary Music Teacher
• Carolyn Jeshani, Middle School Bible and Spanish teacher, Middle School Houses Coordinator, Bratus House Leader 
• Julia Shields, High School English and Student Spiritual Life Team

Cheryl Whitmore

Mrs. Whitmore, or Ms Cheryl as she is called by her class, is an assistant teacher in the three-year-old yellow room in the Des Moines Christian School Early Education Department. In two year's time at DMC, Mrs. Whitmore has shown her ability to determine what a student needs, and then deliver instruction or training in a way that is customized for that student. She often helps students understand what it means to be kind and fair and loving to others, using Biblical truth. Because she believes young children do not need to wait until they are older to impact the world for Christ, and she has been instrumental in helping our students to serve others and tell the Good News of Jesus to others. As a servant hearted leader, Mrs. Whitmore demonstrates love and patience with the early education students. With her colleagues she problem solves and shares solutions, always willing to step up to help where needed. This summer Chery is moving to the role of Assistant Director of the Early Education department. 

Mrs. Whitmore joined the DMC Early Education team in 2020. She came to us with years of early childhood experience. She has worked in preschool classrooms for the last 15 years. She spent 13 of those 15 years working with children with special needs.

"Working at Des Moines Christian has been such a joy! I am so blessed every day to work in a place that is filled with the love of Christ. Early Education is my passion, I love teaching, playing and sharing God's love with these little lives. I love working side by side with Godly people who strive daily to teach, learn and grow right alongside their students. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing family of believers," Ms Cheryl said. 

Danielle Boley

For seven years Mrs. Boley Boley has served as the Elementary Music Teacher, sharing her talent as well as her love of the Lord and His children. Mrs. Boley demonstrates expertise and use of best practice while pursuing innovation. She uses a variety of musical instruments, movement activities and technology to reach all kids, and provides additional artistic experiences through coloring, scarves, and games. Mrs. Boley uses her talents to lead worship at Chapel each Thursday, prepares our children to worship the Lord in music class, shows students individualized care and support in the hallways, and leads the incredible Elementary Christmas Program. She loves to enhance classroom learning with fun experiences such as Folk Dance Night, Christmas caroling field trips, ukulele performances, the annual elementary music video, and Kindergarten celebration! A leader in the elementary school, Mrs. Boley also develops supportive and encouraging relationships with parents and her colleagues. Finally, Mrs. Boley is also the Middle School Destination Excellence Show Choir Director,  which allows her to continue the encouragement and connections with "graduated" elementary students. 

Mrs. Boley has a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. Throughout her career she has worked in both private and public education settings, teaching preschool through high school age children. 

Caroline Jeshani 

Mrs. Caroline Jeshani has spent the last two years in the DMC Middle School as the Bible and Spanish teacher. She is described as a joy to work with and a joy to all the students, developing relationships with that last well beyond middle school. In addition to the two subjects she teaches, Mrs. Jeshani took a major leadership role in designing the new Middle School House system, communicating with teachers, training up the 8th grade house leaders, and many more behind-the-scenes efforts. Through her dedication to the Houses program, Mrs. Jeshani positively affects the entire middle school culture. Mrs. Jeshani actively seeks professional development opportunities for herself and the department. She has incredible insight into current, data-driven strategies and shares useful assessment and teaching strategies. As a "rock solid" member of the Middle School team, Mrs. Jeshani models life-long learning, servant-hearted leadership and what it means to be a passionate apprentice of Christ.

Mrs. Jeshani is a graduate of Iowa State University and received her Middle School Endorsement from Viterbo University. She has more than 10 years of teaching experience in both public and faith based schools.

Julia Shields

Mrs. Shields has been a part of the High School faculty as an English teacher for the past ten years. In the classroom, Mrs. Shields cultivates critical and analytical thinking through a Biblical perspective. She nurtures hearts in her room by daily prayer and prayer requests and an attitude of humility and grace. In the last year,  she started a class that provides students the opportunity to lead spiritual life events at DMC. Under her leadership the Student Spiritual Life Team plans chapels, develops the worship team, plans Worldview Day and Spiritual Emphasis Week, and launched Worship Night. In these efforts, Mrs. Shields is actively training students in service-minded leadership while also helping the students influence their peers through the chapel experience. Students' opportunity to lead their peers from the platform in addition to the behind-the-scenes work with lights, sound, and event planning are invaluable skills and experiences. She lives out our mission statement on a daily basis. She loves Jesus, loves our students, and wants the students to have a deep relationship with Christ.

Mrs. Shields has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with an education certification and music minor from the University of Wisconsin--Green Bay. Mrs. Shields taught in both Wisconsin and Iowa before coming to DMC.