For the past eight years, DeAnn Scearce has worked for the Mount Vernon Community Schools. She is currently both a teacher and Extended Learning Program (Gifted Education) Coordinator for the district and works with students in fourth through eighth grade. She earned her degree in Psychology and Mathematics from the University of Iowa, where she also completed her Teaching Certification in 7-12 Mathematics and 7-12 Psychology. In addition, she also holds an endorsement in K-12 talented and gifted education.

Dr. Lach Ross
Iowa City

Dr. Lach Ross says of himself, "Education must be in my blood. Both my father and my mother are former teachers. My oldest sister was a teacher, my other sister and my brother are both teachers married to teachers. Family dinners are like educational seminars." Dr. Ross attended The University of Iowa, where he first earned a B.B.A. in Marketing and Advertising. Later, he earned his teaching certification and joined the rest of his family as an educator. He returned to school and earned an M.A. in 1981 and a Ph.D. in 2003. He has been teaching at Coolidge Elementary School in Cedar Rapids for the last thirty-five years. Dr. Ross first joined the Belin-Blank staff in November of 2004 when he taught a WINGS class. He has taught several classes in the Belin-Blank Center’s summer CHESS program. Dr. Ross has two grown children, a lovely wife, and a pleasant empty nest. He and his wife enjoy hiking, biking, and good food.