Waukee CSD Associates Discover Their Future in the Classroom
From selling cars to managing offices, their careers once followed different paths. Today, these dedicated Waukee CSD associates are not only supporting students — they’re working toward becoming licensed teachers.
Cody Saveraid – “I love that every day is an adventure.”
Cody is a special education associate at Prairieview School, Waukee CSD’s 9th-grade building. Before joining the District, he graduated with a journalism degree and worked as a car salesman, an activities director at long-term care facilities, and a sales account executive at a technology company. However, none of those careers ever felt just right.
“In early 2021, my wife, who also teaches in the Waukee District, encouraged me to get my substitute teaching authorization. I did, and found I absolutely loved working in Waukee Schools!” Cody says.
That experience inspired Cody to take the next step. He joined the Teach Waukee: Para-to-Teacher Program, which uses state grant funding in partnership with Western Governors University to help associates become licensed educators.
“It works perfectly for the place I am in life. It allows me to still attend to my other school responsibilities and continue being an involved father of two sons (ages 6 and 10) and husband,” he says.
Cody plans to begin his student teaching next fall and graduate from WGU in December.
“My favorite thing about being an associate is that no day goes exactly as I plan in my head. I love that every day is an adventure,” Cody says.
Brittney Henson – “It feels like everything is falling into place.”
Brittney Henson, a special education associate at Waukee High School, enjoyed her career as an administrative assistant, but as her kids grew older, she knew it was time for a change.
“I felt a strong pull toward education,” Brittney explains. “I wanted to be more involved in a setting that supported growth, learning, and connection for them and other students.”
Five years ago, Brittney joined Waukee CSD as a paraeducator. “It has been one of my most meaningful choices. The relationship I have built and the chance to positively impact daily have made this role feel like home,” she says.
Now, Brittney is taking the next step by pursuing her teaching license through Upper Iowa University. She plans to begin student teaching this fall.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher, even when I was younger. I used to play pretend school and imagine myself in front of a classroom, helping others learn. Life took me in a different direction for a while, but that dream never disappeared,” Brittney says. “Now that I am finally pursuing it, it feels like everything is falling into place — like I am right where I am meant to be. It’s exciting, scary, and incredibly fulfilling all at once.”
After completing her student teaching, Henson hopes to return to Waukee High School as a special education teacher.
“I have built strong relationships here; it is the right place to take this next step,” she says.
Britany Schoenrock – “I see how rewarding it is to become a teacher.”
Britany Schoenrock, a special education associate at Waukee Elementary, is also on the path to becoming a teacher. She is currently taking classes through Upper Iowa University.
“I see how rewarding it is to become a teacher from the colleagues I have here that love their jobs and love to see students grow throughout the year. I really enjoy that, too. So, I feel like being a teacher will get me one more step in that direction,” she explains.
Britany says she is constantly asked if she wants to be a teacher.
“The fact that so many people had been encouraging and asking, I thought, ‘Well, shoot, I might as well,’” she says.
Britany currently supports three students in special education and hopes to one day teach middle school math or elementary special education. She is planning to complete her student teaching in the fall of 2026.
Encouraging Others to Take the Next Step
These Waukee CSD associates encourage others considering a teaching career to take advantage of the opportunities available.
“I would tell other associates it is worth pursuing if they have ever considered becoming a teacher. It is a big commitment but incredibly rewarding — especially when you are already working with students every day and can see the difference you are making,” Brittney says.
“I legitimately wake up every day excited to go to work. I look forward to having my own classroom and all the responsibilities that come with being a special education teacher in the near future,” Cody says.
“It’s a lot of extra work, but I’d definitely encourage others to do it,” Britany adds.
These associates are already making a difference, and we can’t wait to see the amazing contributions they’ll bring to the classroom in the future.
