Van Woerkom named Johnston’s Interim Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
JOHNSTON, Ia. (June 13, 2023) — Jill Van Woerkom has been named Interim Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the Johnston Community School District, pending June 26 approval by the school board.
Van Woerkom comes to Johnston from the Dallas Center-Grimes (DCG) School District, where she has been Associate Superintendent of School Improvement since 2019. She is scheduled to begin her work in Johnston on July 1. She will step into the position currently held by Dr. Nikki Roorda and will work alongside Roorda, who has been named Interim Superintendent for the 2023-24 school year.
“Jill Van Woerkom brings a vast amount of experience in instructional improvement, personnel development, board and community relations, and more,” Roorda said. “I am excited to partner with her in moving the Johnston Community School District forward.”
Prior to DCG, Van Woerkom served for 17 years as Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Knoxville. She’s also served as Director of Human Resources for the Knoxville and Pella school districts, an alternative high school principal in Knoxville, director of at-risk services in Knoxville, at-risk consortium instructor for Heartland AEA, and a third-grade teacher in Washington, Iowa.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve alongside educators and leaders at Johnston and support the work and commitment to create a culture of excellence where students come first,” Van Woerkom said.
Van Woerkom said she respects Johnston’s established reputation of preparing students for success whether that be through traditional classroom programming, Developmental Kindergarten, or the innovative and successful Drop-in School.
Van Woerkom received her specialist degree in educational leadership from Drake University in 2004, and her master’s degree in educational administration from Iowa State University in 2001. She’s certified as a preK-12 superintendent, AEA administrator, preK-12 principal, K-6 classroom and reading teacher, K-12 English/language arts teacher and coach.
Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning is responsible for leadership, oversight and implementation of curriculum design, special education and student services, academics and professional learning for certified staff. The position is also responsible for completing various Department of Education reports, facilitating several committees and community engagement.
As Interim Associate Superintendent, Van Woerkom will be one of four members of the JCSD Cabinet along with Roorda; Chris Billings, the Executive Director of School Leadership; and Ryan Eidahl, the district’s Chief Financial Officer. She will also be a member of the Admin Team.