"Kingdom education cannot take place without teachers. Christian adults play a very important role in God's plan for educating future generations. Luke 6:40 states that when a child is fully trained, he will be just like his teacher(s). The most important factor in the development of a young person's worldview is the influence of his teachers." -Glen Schultz

Terri Jo, better known as Mrs. Hamburger in the classroom, was born and raised in Belle Plaine.
She graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a Teacher Associate degree in early childhood education in 1981. Terri Jo has furthered her education with online classes through the University of Northern Iowa. She received her Paraeducator/Sub Authorization certification.
Mrs. Hinschberger taught preschool in her home for 26 years along with teaching Sunday school and a Junior/Senior youth group leader at Christ United Methodist Church. She worked as an associate in the preschool room at the Belle Plaine Community School District for 18 years and currently helps as a teacher's assistant at Noah's Ark Preschool.
She attends Grace Community Church and helps with Backyard Bible Club in the summer. Her love for God and the passion to work with children and build a community of learners discipling for Christ in a fun and creative environment has been a lifelong blessing to her and the children she has worked with.
She enjoys enhancing children's creativity and helping them grow and develop through play. When the light bulb comes on in the eyes of her students and they have accomplished something they have been working on, she is beyond excited for them.
She was married to the love of her life, Kurt, for 39 years. Kurt and Terri Jo have three children, Shanna, Dustin, and Drew. Her children are happily married and have blessed her with nine beautiful grandchildren.
Mrs. Hinschberger enjoys time spent with her family and friends, Bible studies, puzzles, walking the beach, caping, fishing, kayaking, and many more.

Jeani Brandt was born and raised on an acreage south of Waterloo. After high school she worked at River Hills School with differently abled children. Working with special needs kids was a true passion, and she would often keep kids for the weekend to give their parents a break.
After her marriage to her soulmate John in 1988, she worked side by side with him on the farm. John and Jeani have been active members in the United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and many years directing VBS.
Jeani was truly blessed to stay home with their daughter Mallory for a couple of years until she accepted a part-time position at Benton Community Schools when they started the preschool developmental classroom. She worked there until their son Isaac entered the world almost seven years later.
She began working for hospice when Isaac was almost three and spent twelve years lovingly caring for people as they faced their final journey. It was truly a calling only God could have planned.
After retiring from hospice, she began subbing as an associate at Belle Plaine Schools where she continues to spend a lot of her time. Jeani’s boss at River Hills all those years ago lived by the mantra, “Twelve hugs a day for good mental health.” She tries to carry on his legacy and never turns down a hug if a child wants or needs one. Working with preschool age children affords her the chance to experience the excitement of the wonder and beauty of God’s love as seen through the eyes of a child.
Jeani’s hobbies are many. She and her husband love spending time enjoying God’s majesty in the great outdoors. They spend as much time as they can camping in their Vintage Airstream trailer. They love hiking, biking, kayaking, trout fishing, and spending time together. Jeani loves to crochet and do Bible studies. Her husband and children are her greatest pride! Above all she loves the Lord and giving Him the glory for the many blessings in her life.