When I am not teaching I spend most of my free time listening to, jamming, practicing and performing music with my friends, family and new acquaintances.

Although I like lots of types of instruments, whistling is my favorite way to make music. Apart from music I spend my time eating, sleeping and climbing trees.

I am looking forward to all of the opportunities that await during my eighth year of teaching at Madison!

My name is Kayla Bates, I grew up in the Des Moines public school system and I am excited to now be a teacher with Des Moines. I recently graduated from Grand View University with a degree in art education and studio art, along with a minor in photography. My love of teaching began at age 14 while coaching gymnastics and continued to grow over time.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, going to new places, and creating art works of my own.

I am thrilled to start my first year of teaching at Madison Elementary!

I graduated from Iowa State University.
I have been teaching Physical Education in the Des Moines Public Schools since 1992.

I grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Eastern Washington University, where I studied Music and German.  I teach orchestra -violin, viola, cello and bass – to 5^th grade at ten different schools on the north side and near Hoover.  This is my 23^rd year teaching in Des Moines and I have taught at many of the elementary schools on the north, east and south sides of Des Moines as well as a couple middle schools.  In my spare time I enjoy learning foreign languages, crafting, playing one of my instruments and spending time with my dogs.  My favorite part of teaching is seeing the amazing transformation in students from their first lesson to our concerts in the spring!