Anne Houk

In a quiet classroom at McKinley School, Anne Houk has been teaching second graders with the same passion and energy for 34 years. But her journey to becoming a beloved teacher has been anything but quiet. From her early days as a last-minute hire to her current role, Anne’s career has been marked by memorable moments, challenges, and an unwavering commitment to her students.

Anne’s career began with what she calls a “baptism by fire.” Hired just three days before the school year started, she found herself teaching kindergarten at Central School, figuring things out as she went. “I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare,” she recalls with a smile. “But you jump in and figure it out.” That first year taught her valuable lessons—flexibility, resilience, and keeping students at the center of everything.

After a year at Central, Anne moved to McKinley, where she’s been ever since. She taught kindergarten for nine years before finding her true calling in second grade. “Second grade is a huge year,” Anne explains. “It’s when kids transition from foundational skills to becoming independent learners.” Anne’s passion for teaching shines through as she talks about helping students build reading and writing skills. “Seeing those ‘aha’ moments when it clicks for them is the best part.”

One of her favorite projects is when her students create presentations based on the Magic Tree House series book Tonight on the Titanic. “They research and create projects from their own interpretations,” she says. “It’s about more than just the basics—it’s about getting them to think critically and creatively.”

Like all teachers, Anne has navigated plenty of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought remote learning to the forefront, something she never thought she’d experience. “Never in a million years did I think I’d be teaching via video,” she laughs. “But we adjusted, and we made it through.” Her adaptability over the years—from changes in technology to shifting classroom needs—has been a hallmark of her career.

Anne’s approach to teaching goes beyond academics. She focuses on helping her students develop independence and problem-solving skills. “When their pencil breaks, I ask, ‘How can you solve that?’” she says. “Second grade is about gaining confidence, so when they move to third grade, they feel capable.”

Over the years, Anne has watched former students grow up, and some have even returned to the district with their own children. “It’s special when they come back and want me to be their child’s teacher too,” she beams. “It means I’ve left an impression.”

For Anne, teaching is not just a job—it’s in her blood. Her husband, also a former teacher in the district, played a key role in her journey. Early in their careers, they were “forced” to teach a computer class together, which eventually blossomed into a lasting relationship. “We joke that it was the start of everything,” she says with a laugh. Teaching runs in their family, with several relatives also in education.

Though retirement is on the horizon, Anne’s not quite ready to hang up her hat. “My husband says retirement is about doing what you want, not what you have to,” she jokes. “But I still see myself working with kids in some way— probably as a sub.” Her passion for education doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon.

Anne is also a proud mom. Her son, Zander, a product of the Ottawa Elementary system, overcame hearing loss in one ear and went on to study architecture at Iowa State University. “He’s done so well, and I couldn’t be prouder,” she says.

Looking back on her career, Anne is grateful for the students, colleagues, and families she’s worked with. “At the end of the day, if I’ve helped my students grow in some way—whether it’s academically or personally—then I’ve done what I set out to do.”

For Anne Houk, it’s always been about the kids. And even as she looks toward retirement, her legacy as a dedicated, compassionate educator will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of the many students she’s inspired.