Back to School 2002
Milaca Public Schools welcome 13 new teachers
Posted 8/28/02

The following is a brief profile of the new teachers at Milaca Public Schools. Band director Michael Reed is featured on page 1.
Gregg Miller
Position: Assistant Principal, Milaca High School
Family: two boys ( 9 years and 3 years)
Hometown: Minneapolis
Education: Educational Administration Licensure - St. Maryís University; Masterís in Education - Winona State University; B.S. in Social Sciences - Winona State University.
Previous teaching experience: Two years as assistant principal in South Washington County School District 833 at Cottage Grove Junior High School and Woodbury/RedRock Elementary schools; 11 years as advanced social studies teacher and cultural geography teacher in same district.
Why did you become a teacher? While attending high school I had the opportunity to coach junior high football. During that time I found that I was able to make a positive impact on kids. As time went on, I found myself dedicating more and more time to helping kids find their way in the world. I have always enjoyed their energy and unique perspectives of the world. I hope to continue making a positive impact with the students of Milaca High School.
Teaching philosophy: I see the role of an educational administrator as being a servant leader to many stakeholders (students, staff, community). Each group of stakeholders may have different perspectives but all have a common goal - positive learning. My philosophy is to work diligently to create a positive atmosphere in which learning takes place. For positive learning to take place here in Milaca, I will strive to be fair and consistent. I look forward to meeting and building a relationship with the Milaca community.
Nicole Luxford
Position: Elementary Spanish (1-6)
Family: Two brothers, both married, one nephew (5), one niece (2), mom and dad.
Hometown: Minnetonka
Education: B.S. in Education and Spanish; studied abroad in Valladolid, Spain, five months.
Previous teaching experience: Reserve teacher in Minnetonka and Chaska, worked at Sylvan Learning Center.
Why did you become a teacher? Children have always been special to me so I decided to make teaching my lifeís work. I enjoy watching children discover what life has to offer.
Teaching philosophy: My job is to help create a classroom environment where all students can learn. Given this, students will take an active role in their education and become lifelong learners.
Kami Roensch
Position: Kindergarten
Family: Mother, father, two brothers and one nephew.
Hometown: Owatonna
Education: B.S. from Bemidji State University, major in elementary education with concentrations in reading, earth and planetary science, and early childhood. Licensed K-6.
Previous teaching experience: Substitute teacher in Walker, Minn.; EBD teacher in Biwabik, Minn.
Why did you become a teacher? I love working with kids and watching how their minds work. Kids are amazing, and I enjoy being a positive role model in their education.
Teaching philosophy: I believe that school should be a fun, positive, rewarding and safe experience for every student. Itís important to remember that each child is an individual and to understand that every child learns differently. Each child deserves the best education possible.
Stephanie Hutchens
Position: High school math
Family: Parents-Judy and Curtis, older sister Melissa, and older brother Brent, who is married with three children. All reside in Minnesota.
Hometown: St. Cloud
Education: B.S. in mathematics from St. Cloud State University, May 2002.
Previous teaching experience: Sartell High School - student teaching in spring 2002 and summer school in summer 2002.
Why did you become a teacher? I have dreamed of becoming a teacher and following in my fatherís footsteps ever since I was a little girl watching him correct papers.
Teaching philosophy: Every student can succeed.
Nathan Knoll
Position: Vocal music, 6-8
Family: My parents live in Pequot Lakes and I have three sisters who live in Minnesota.
Hometown: Pequot Lakes
Education: B.A. in music from Concordia College, Moorhead, B.A. in psychology from Wheaton College.
Previous teaching experience: Instrumental/vocal/general music, grades 5-12, in Las Animas, Colo.
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because my music teachers have had a strong positive impact on my life.
Teaching philosophy: J.S. Bach said that music done well, makes people better. My goal is to teach students the skills they need to be intelligent musicians; as well as the emotional and cognitive skills that facilitate a fulfilling life.
Sarah A. Roos
Position: Family Consumer Sciences Educator (FCS)
Family: My family lives in Sauk Rapids. My father is Arlen, my mother is Joyce, my sister is Amanda and my cat is Nipkins.
Hometown: Sauk Rapids
Education: I recently graduated from South Dakota State University last May. I majored in FCS Education and minored in psychology and human development and family studies.
Previous teaching experience: Last spring I did my student teaching in Emery, S.D. I worked in the FCS classroom with the 7-12 graders while advising FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America).
Why did you become a teacher? I have wanted to be a FCS teacher ever since I was a junior in high school for two reasons. 1) The opportunity to build a positive relationship and rapport with adolescents. 2) The passion and enthusiasm I have for the curriculum taught in FCS classes.
Teaching philosophy: First of all, I believe it is important for the parents, administration and teachers to stay actively involved and communicate effectively if the students are to achieve success. If you were to walk into my classroom you would see a student-centered environment where authentic assessment is being implemented. Lastly, it is my personal goal to make sure that each and every student feels comfortable and at ease while in my class.
Mary Latzke
Position: Teacher for ALC 16 and under
Family: Parents, one sister, three brothers and eight nieces and nephews
Hometown: Le Sueur
Education: Social work and social studies
Previous teaching experience: K-8 social worker in BOLD Public Schools
Why did you become a teacher? I enjoy watching the students learn and achieve new skills.
Teaching philosophy: Education and teaching are very important to me both personally and professionally. I strive to provide quality education and believe this is reflected through my teaching strategies and creativity in lesson planning. I am a strong believer that learning is a lifelong process. It is important for me to continue learning up-to-date teaching methods for both the subject area being taught and education in general.
Brian Helmstetter
Position: High school social studies
Family: Single. Parents - Don and Linda; one brother, Chad, married; sister, Kris, married.
Hometown: Blue Earth
Education: Four years, South Dakota State University. Student taught in London, England.
Previous teaching experience: Watertown, S.D., two years.
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher to encourage students to travel the world without leaving the classroom. My intent is to spark an interest in social studies while developing life skills as a positive role model.
Teaching philosophy: A smile can change a personís day. With a positive classroom, students will be in an atmosphere where they are comfortable and ready to learn. The classroom is not only a chance for students to learn a subject, but also a chance to develop everyday skills that will prepare them for future experiences.
Corey Greninger
Position: Fourth grade classroom teacher
Family: Wife of two years, Lisa.
Hometown: Albertville, Minn.
Education: I attended St. Cloud State University. I received my degree in Elementary Education in 1999.
Previous teaching experience: The past two years I was a fourth grade teacher in Monticello. The year previous to that I was a sub in the St. Cloud area.
Why did you become a teacher? The reason that I became a teacher is because I enjoy working with kids and want to see them develop into productive members of society.
Teaching philosophy: I believe students learn by working with others. Students who work together, learn together and learn how to discover the answer to any question.
Christa Meyer
Position: Physical education/DAPE/Health
Hometown: New Ulm.
Education: Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. B.S., K-12 licensure in physical ed & DAPE. Current student at St. Cloud State University, working on masterís in health education.
Previous teaching experience: eighth grade phy ed teacher at Hutchinson Middle School; K-3 and 10th grade phy ed teacher at New Ulm Public.
Why did you become a teacher? As far back as I can remember, Iíve always wanted to become a teacher. I enjoy helping others and working as a team to accomplish goals. Being a "big" sister, Iíve learned how to be a positive role model and a strong leader. Teaching is definitely a "lifestyle" - one that I have chosen to live and work hard at in order to be a positive influence on students.
Teaching philosophy: The importance of building self-esteem, confidence and character in students during physical education will help in productivity and effectiveness in our world. Students will learn interpersonal communication, social, and personal skills, thereby enhancing emotional, physical, mental and health components to improve their quality of life.
Ryan Barth
Position: Biology teacher
Family: Wife, Lauri Barth works at St. Cloud Childrenís Home.
Hometown: Elk River
Education: B.A. from University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, major in natural science and minor in environmental education; graduate certificate in environmental education from UMD.
Previous teaching experience: Teacher/naturalist at Wolf Ridge ELC, í00-í01; biology teacher at Sauk Centre, í01-í02.
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I wanted to share my love and enthusiasm for the natural world with young people.
Teaching philosophy: My teaching philosophy includes a classroom that allows students to explore the subject matter in a "hands on" lab based style. I believe students learn best by doing an activity that illustrates the subject.
Ryan Peterson
Position: 3rd Grade
Family: Wife, Monica
Hometown: Moorhead
Education: Concordia College
Previous teaching experience: Substituting in St. Cloud and Monticello.
Why did you become a teacher? Because I want to make a positive impact in childrensí lives.
Teaching philosophy: I like to bring excitement into the school by bringing students through the adventure of learning.