By Iesha Toft
S-N Contributor
Meet a Maverick: Mary Ann Jobst
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Mary Ann Jobst has been teaching at Clay Central/Everly for 33 years.
Mary Ann Jobst has been part of the Clay Central/Everly family for 33 years teaching Title 1 reading and math. Recently, she was asked by the district to go back to school to get her ESL endorsement so CC/E could serve a new population of students.
"I accepted the challenge and completed my Master's Degree at Morningside College," she said. "I have been the ESL instructor for the past five years at CC/E."
Jobst and her husband, retired CC/E science teacher Roger Jobst, moved to Royal after he filled the vacant high school science teacher position.
"When we arrived at Royal, the administration, Mr. Gustin and Mr. Eckard, and the teachers were great support for us," she said.
That support, paired with the couple's love for small town life and what small schools offer students, was the perfect fit for the Jobst family. The two raised their three children in the district, and all three are proud CC/E graduates.
Returning to school this year was reason for extra cheer due to the large break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jobst was excited for the children's return and to see her students face to face again.
"The students at CC/E are wonderful to work with," she said. "It was fun seeing the students' expressions when they saw our newly-updated halls and classrooms. It's been fun to watch them enjoying the Nature Learning Center as well. I have always loved our outdoor classroom and visits from the naturalist."
Jobst enjoys her position within CC/E's halls and classrooms.
"My work each year at CC/E is different and challenging," she said. "I like that this career continues to give me opportunities to learn. I love the relationships that you build with families and students in a small school."
Jobst has had several people impact her long career in education, and she was grateful for the way they've helped her grow.
"Diane Froelich, my cooperating teacher when I student taught; Mr. Gustin who gave me a chance to teach at CC/E; and Kathy Brenny, the AEA ESL consultant who encouraged me to get my ESL endorsement and to go on to get my Master's Degree are just a few of my mentors," she said. "In my 33 years I have observed and worked with great educators at Clay Central/Everly."
