Carissa Hopkins-Hoel 
Nick Wells, paraeducator at Lincoln Elementary School, had no thoughts of working in education. His career was retail management. However, his wife (a teacher) noticed how well he interacted with his customers – particularly kids – and suggested that he switch careers to education. It’s a decision he’s never once regretted. “I’ve always been a … Read more
Advanced classes require some “out-of-the-box” learning and teaching. Three advanced language arts teachers: Kelli Mauer at Kennedy Community School, Courtney Schumacher at South Junior High School and Morgan Barrett at North Junior High School are the perfect example of how teaching in an unconventional way can spur intentional engagement. Three years ago, Mauer, Schumacher and … Read more
“Who you gonna call?” asks second grade teacher Stephen Browning to his class at Talahi Community School. “Ghostbusters!” they respond back to him. It’s one of Browning’s dress-up days for his class, and his call and response is themed to match it. He’s been dressing up in character and creating themed content to make learning … Read more
Guest Writer: Director of Career and College Pathways Leah Sams St. Cloud Area School District 742 is excited to launch Career and College Academies at our high schools! With the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Education’s career wheel, Career and College Academies are designed to introduce students to a wide selection of career fields. … Read more
St. Cloud Area School District‘s new Supervisor of Nutritional Services Sarah Motl’s love and passion for nutrition and curiosity about its impact on the body came from a very personal place. Her brother’s severe ulcerative colitis diagnosis, while he was in high school, prompted a comprehensive change to her family’s diet to accommodate his illness. … Read more