INTRODUCTORY

My name is Norma Neubauer and I am very fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to
work with high school students at Waterloo Expo Alternative High School, Waterloo, Iowa. I
am a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Art degree in Fashion
Merchandising, and a Bachelor of Art, Family Consumer Science degree. I have always felt
compelled to continue my education, to be successful and take classes to keep my teaching
certificate current. I have successfully completed class work at Drake University, University of
Northern Iowa, Upper Iowa and Viterbo for professional development. The time spent earning
non graduate and graduate credit has offered methods of helping the diverse group of young
students in my classroom prepare for life skill lessons.
While attending the University of Northern Iowa I met my husband to be, Carl Brian
Neubauer. We have been married for 37 years. Our oldest daughter and husband have one
daughter, they reside in Nixa, Missouri and our younger daughter resides south of Des Moines,
Iowa.
As a family we supported both daughters through their college education and decided it was
time for me to start a Master of Arts in Education degree. My journey here has had many
challenges with added responsibilities of becoming a family care giver, decision making in the
family business and keeping up with the daily duties of being a teacher. I have support of
family, friends and a co-worker who help to provide encouragement of continuing my education.
My husband and I enjoy bike riding on the well groomed bike trails we have in our
community. Our home is older and we hope to make improvements inside and out throughout
the next year. Within our home we have two very nice pets, a cat and a Chihuahua.

I have enjoyed the challenges and rewards of being a teacher. Earning a Master of Arts in
Education degree reconfirms my belief in the importance of educating students and to better my
practice of being a lifelong learner.