Trudy (Probst) Evans

(Bio prepared by the Committee for 2017 TJ Hall of Fame Induction)

Trudy (Probst) Evans graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1966. As a child, Trudy knew she wanted to be a teacher.  She enjoyed “playing school” with children in the neighborhood and she always wanted to play the role of teacher. She focused on this goal, and after graduating as valedictorian of the Thomas Jefferson Class of 1966, she attended the University of Iowa and was the first member of her extended family to earn a college degree.

After numerous job offers she returned to her hometown to launch her teaching career at Edison Elementary.  She married fellow 1966 TJ graduate, Jim Evans. The couple moved to North Carolina, but returned a few years later.  Trudy then taught at Carter Lake Elementary for 15 years. She has held numerous positions in the Council Bluffs Schools, such as curriculum strategist (instructional strategist), TAG teacher, as well as principal of Pusey Elementary, Lewis & Clark Elementary, Washington Elementary, Tinley Early Childhood Center, Crescent Elementary and Rue Elementary.

Highlights of her teaching career include being named recipient of one of three statewide Elementary Excellence in Teaching Math Awards in 1989, Council Bluffs Teacher of the Year, and finalist for Iowa Teacher of the Year. She co-wrote a successful state grant which awarded more than $750,000 to increase voluntary 4-year-old preschool programming in Council Bluffs.

Trudy and Jim have been married 43 years and have two children, Kyle and Ashley. In June Trudy retired from the school district, and is currently enjoying a part time position supervising student teachers for Northwest Missouri State University.  She also volunteers for Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue Organization which recently participated in a Freedom Drive to transport and place over 60 dogs from a high kill shelter in Louisiana to Omaha.  She has been a Parent Coordinator for Children’s Theater in Council Bluffs, is a member of St. Peter’s Catholic church, taught religious education classes and served as coordinator for the Renew program.