Making an Impact in Marshalltown, IA

A teacher returns to her hometown to inspire a new generation of students.

By Andrew Potter on August 14, 2023

Miracle Recreation

It wasn’t that long ago that Deshonna Garth was roaming the hallways as a young Marshalltown student, wondering what her future might hold. 

Today, that same person is inspiring the next generation in her hometown as a kindergarten teacher at Hoglan Elementary School.

Garth says she sees her former self in many of the students, which helps her relate to them and provides some inspiring moments together.

“It’s emotional knowing that – for some of them – I’m their first teacher and I can have an impact on them for years to come,” Garth says. 

After graduating from Marshalltown High School and Marshalltown Community College, Garth went on to earn her teaching degree from Iowa State University. 

“I appreciate all of the opportunities that Marshalltown has provided my family,” she says.

She loves Marshalltown’s diversity and the people who look out for each other. It’s no wonder her teaching career brought her back home.

“It’s a calm place to live and a welcoming environment,” she says. “The people here are amazing.”