Reade poised for teaching, coaching


MHS English teacher Darren Reade instructs a class on writing an argumentative paper. Reade has been with the MCSD since 2003. In that time, he’s also coached multiple grades and sports. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
Panther Professionals
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Panther Professionals is a weekly series highlighting educators, administrators, staff and aides who are dedicated to the future of the Monticello Community School District.

     Monticello High School English teacher Darren Reade has always wanted to be a teacher. In his 15th year teaching for the MCSD, Reade said he loves seeing the students develop, mature and transition from their sophomore year through graduation.

     Reade teaches English for grades 10th through 12th, meaning English II and III.

     He started with the MCSD in 2003 as a coach for freshmen basketball.

     “That got my foot in the door,” he said.

     Reade actually grew up attending the Midland School District, living in Center Junction.

     Over the years, he’s also held several coaching positions within the MCSD: 10 years with freshmen boys basketball, boys and girls track, assistant girls track, middle school football for five years, and middle school volleyball for two years.

     “I was involved in sports myself in high school and college with intramurals,” he said. “I still remain active.”

     Reade said he keeps up on his coaching authority to help out where he can.

     Reade attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned his teaching degree in English education. He was a substitute teacher for over a year in Cedar Rapids before landing his first teaching job with the MCSD.

     “I heard that Cindy Bagge was leaving the English department so I applied,” he said.

     Reade admitted he always wanted to teach middle school students, but after a student-teaching gig, his mindset changed a bit.

     “High school is the final step before these students go off and do whatever it is they see themselves doing,” he said. “I just found the high school setting to be more intriguing.”

     Working for the MCSD, Reade said he likes how he’s able to have a voice in the education of the young people here.

     “That’s important to me,” he said. “We need to feel we have that consistent voice and be heard.”

     Teaching, more specifically teaching English, runs in the family. Reade’s wife teaches English for the Lisbon School District. They live in Monticello with their two young children, ages 4 and 2.

     “It was neat to see my oldest start preschool here this fall,” Reade said of taking their son to his first day of school.

     In his spare time, Reade enjoys spending time with his family, and being outdoors golfing and biking.

Category:

Subscriber Login