Staci Mueller - Rooted in Community, Dedicated to Students

Image caption: Long-time JA volunteer Staci Mueller

For nearly 15 years, Staci Mueller has been bringing energy, encouragement, and real-world learning into a first-grade classroom at Denver Elementary—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

A lifelong resident of Bremer County, Staci proudly calls Readlyn, Iowa (“Home of the Grump!”) her hometown. She and her husband, Tim, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and are the proud parents of two sons, Parker (22) and Peyton (19). Professionally, Staci serves as Scholarship Program Manager at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, helping students pursue their educational goals—an extension of her passion for supporting young people.

A Simple Invitation That Sparked 15 Years of Service

Staci’s Junior Achievement journey began with a simple nudge. While picking up her son from school one day, a teacher mentioned that JA volunteers were needed and encouraged her to get involved.

“I had a great experience that year and love the classroom environment,” Staci shares. “I saw a need and was in a position to help.”

That one conversation turned into nearly 15 years of volunteering in the same classroom—Ms. Fowler’s first-grade class—teaching JA Our Families®.

Image caption: Staci Mueller brings nearly 15 years of dedication, energy, and heart to Ms. Fowler’s first-grade classroom at Denver Elementary through JA Our Families®.

Energy, Curiosity, and “AHA” Moments

When Staci steps into the classroom, she knows exactly what to expect: energy and curiosity.

“I’m usually met with a lot of excitement,” she says. “The students are eager to find out what our topic is and are open to new activities.”

One of her favorite topics to teach is about jobs. First graders love sharing what their parents do for work—and what responsibilities they have at home. These conversations help students begin to understand how families work together and how jobs support a household.

But the most rewarding moments? They’re written all over the students’ faces.

“It’s most rewarding to me when I see the ‘AHA’ moment in a student’s eyes—when total understanding about the concept can be seen on their faces.”

And sometimes, the impact is even simpler and sweeter.

“Every time I get a hug from one of the students, I know I have done something to create a positive experience for them.”

Why Junior Achievement Matters

Through programs like JA Our Families, students are introduced to foundational financial literacy concepts in ways that are age-appropriate and meaningful. Staci sees firsthand how these early lessons begin to shape students’ understanding of work, responsibility, and money.

Volunteering has also given her a meaningful way to stay connected to younger families in her community now that her own children have graduated from high school.

Image caption: Thinking About Volunteering? “DO IT! It’s a positive interaction with students in the community and an experience you won’t regret.”

Thinking About Volunteering?

Staci’s advice is simple and enthusiastic:

“DO IT! It’s a positive interaction with students in the community and an experience you won’t regret.”

Nearly 15 years after saying “yes” to that first invitation, Staci continues to show up—bringing consistency, care, and connection to the next generation.

We are so grateful for volunteers like Staci who invest their time and heart into students across Eastern Iowa.