Interview by: Brock Winter

Where are you from? Goodwin, SD

Where did you graduate from? Clear Lake High School 2011, Dakota State University 2015, Masters Degree Dakota State University 2020

What degrees do you have?
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Master of Science in Educational Technology

How many years have you taught at Deuel School? This is my 8th year

What is one of your favorite classroom activities?
Anything science related; I love teaching science.

What academic standards do you use, and what should we know about them?
I use the common core standards for math and reading. I use the South Dakota science standards and some Next Generation science standards for science. Common core standards show kids multiple ways of thinking about a problem. It tries to create ideas and ways for students to solve a problem more mentally. The South Dakota science standards tell me what topics that should be covered in 4th grade. The Next Generation science standards help students gain more independence and allow deeper thinking to happen about the world around them.

How will you respond if or when one of your children struggles in class?
When a learner is struggling in class over a topic, I try to pull them one on one or create a small group of students that are also struggling on that skill.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The relationships that I create with my students! We really become a big family and I really enjoy getting to know the kids.

What do you wish people understood about teaching?
Teachers wear many hats! It takes a special kind of person to accept that not only are you teaching lessons but sometimes you are a nurse, friend, mentor, and counselor.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Take a few vacations and then save the rest for my kids' college education.

If you could add an extracurricular activity, what would it be?
It would be great to have some kind of paid organized program for the elementary students to learn the basics of basketball before they go into middle school.

What makes you a good fit to the school?
I always try to bring my best self to work every day! The kids deserve it.

What is your teaching philosophy?
The kids are only little once, I try to make it a memorable year for them! My goal is to have the kids excited to come to school, eager to try new things, and learn from their mistakes along the way.

Updated Feb 2023

What is your favorite classroom activity you usually teach?
Every Monday morning I take a few minutes and have my students share about their weekend.

Where did you graduate from college?
I graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen. My master's degree was from the University of Sioux Falls.

What was your degree in college?
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education Master's degree in Educational Leadership.

Where are you from?
I am originally from Webster.

What is your position at school? 4^th Grade Classroom Teacher

How big is your family?
I am married to Brian and we have one daughter, Briley.

Where do you live? I live a few miles south of Kranzburg.

What was your first car? Pontiac Grand Am

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love to cook and bake. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite board game? I enjoy playing Candy Land with Briley

How many years have you been teaching? This year will be my 23rd year teaching.

How far do you have to drive to work every day to work?  About 20 miles. 

What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of?
Having past students find me and share their success stories.

If you could go back to any time in history, where would you go?
After teaching all about South Dakota this year, I think it would be very interesting to go back in time and learn about my ancestors that first moved here.