Brandon Valley welcomes 21 new teachers to seven schools

Twenty-one new educators join the staff of the No. 1 school district in South Dakota, Brandon Valley. Lindsey Fiegen, who will teach high school English, is not included. This week, the Journal introduces the new educators.

 

BRANDON ELEMENTARY

 

Annika Nachreiner

Early Childhood Special Education

Brandon native Jacob Nachreiner has brought his bride home to start their married life together here.

It’s also where the newly-named Annika Nachreiner will teach Early Childhood Special Education.

“As my then-fiancé and I were looking for a place to settle down after college, we thought his hometown of Brandon would be a great fit,” shares Nachreiner, who student-taught here and “truly fell in love with the community, the district, and all of the people here.”

The 2015 Brookings High School graduate gained her Early Childhood Education degree from South Dakota State University in 2019, and last year taught second grade at Dakota Prairie Elementary in Brookings.

Like many educators, Nachreiner acted on her passion for working with younger aged children.

“As I gained more experiences throughout the years, I truly fell in love with the classroom,” she said. “It brings me an incredible amount of joy to work with young children, and guide them as they learn, grow, and flourish in the early years, gaining foundational skills that they will carry with them through their lifetime. Being a small part of a child’s story is priceless to me.”

In addition to teaching, Nachreiner enjoys exercising, traveling, spending time outdoors, gathering with family and friends, and all things DIY.

 

Laryssa Osheim

Kindergarten

Laryssa Osheim is following in her mother’s footsteps. And it’s the path she’s long known that she planned to take.

“Growing up, I watched my mom positively impact so many lives as a teacher that I knew when I got older I wanted to impact lives just as she did,” Osheim shares. “I also love working with students and helping them reach their full potential.”

It was her personal connection to Brandon Valley that the 2010 BVHS graduate wanted to teach here.

“I had such a positive experience with my own schooling here that I wanted to be part of this amazing group of teachers, too,” she said.

From BVHS, Osheim went on to obtain her early childhood education degree at South Dakota State, graduating in 2015. The past five years, she taught junior kindergarten in Dell Rapids.

Osheim said she strives to make her classroom a positive and energetic place for students to have fun while learning.

In her free time, Osheim enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends, golfing, reading and spending time outdoors.

 

Hope Vander Maten

BE & RBE

Special education, district evaluator

Hope Vander Maten steps into her first-year of teaching at Brandon Valley, where her days will be filled with student interaction. Sharing her time as an elementary special education teacher at Brandon Elementary and Robert Bennis Elementary, and the remaining half as a district evaluator, Vander Maten is excited to watch her students learn and grow.

“I absolutely love working with kids … so teaching was the perfect fit,” she said.

The Edgerton, Minn., native graduated in 2016 from Southwest Christian and this year earned a B.A. in special education and a minor in reading from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Vander Maten had the opportunity to student-teach at Brandon Valley, which prompted her to pursue a position here.

“The staff was so welcoming and cared so deeply about their students. They really strive to create the best learning environments and experiences for their students, and I wanted to be part of that,” she said.

Vander Maten strives to make learning fun, and does so by incorporating games and competitions to make learning “more natural.”

“Most of all, I really enjoy building relationships with students and getting to see what makes them who they are,” she said.

She added “Mrs.” to her title a year ago, when she exchanged “I do’s” with her husband, Jace. In her free time, Vander Maten enjoys spending time outdoors, being at the lake, calligraphy, and spending time with family and friends.

 

 

FRED ASSAM ELEMENTARY

 

Hayley Schacht

Grade 3

Hayley Schacht can’t envision her life without the education system.

“I have always enjoyed attending school,” said the Luverne, Minn., native and 2012 LHS grad. “I love kids and their view of the world, interacting and making learning fun is what keeps me coming back.”

After graduating from Northern State University with an elementary education degree and a Masters in teaching and learning, she taught first and third grades at Redfield and preschool in Sioux Falls.

She said it was BVSD’s reputation throughout the state and the close proximity to Luverne that enticed her to seek a position here.

Her bucket list includes visiting all seven continents and all 50 of the United States before she is 50.

Her free time is consumed with reading, biking traveling, playing board games and hanging out with friends and family.

 

 

ROBERT BENNIS ELEMENTARY

 

Emily Harris

Jr. Kindergarten

Emily Harris has come home to teach.

“I am from the Brandon community and wanted to come home to teach,” says Harris, who is engaged to Angelo Barbaruolo. “I love this community and have always wanted to come back and teach for this community.”

The 2015 BVHS grad said she was drawn to the profession while helping out as a teen in local elementary school classrooms.

“I would help tutor younger students in reading and I absolutely fell in love with helping others grow and reach their goals,” Harris said.

From BVHS, Harris went on to earn a degree in early childhood education from South Dakota State, graduating in December 2019. Her student-teaching experience took place “at home”, too. Last fall, she student taught at Fred Assam Elementary, and then filled in as a long-term substitute for kindergarten at both FAE and RBE.

Her warm and bubbly personality is one of the positive traits Harris brings to the classroom.

“My outgoing personality and high energy will make my classroom a fun environment for students. Even on bad days, my students can count on a smile from me,” she said.

In her downtime, Harris competes in a church softball league, enjoys crafting, working out and playing with her puppy, Sonnie.

 

 

Jenessa Williams

K-2 Special Education

Many of Jenessa Williams’ former teachers at the Central Lyon School District are responsible for guiding her to a career in the classroom. The Rock Rapids, Iowa, native and 2016 high school grad said they cared enough to make learning fun for her.

“I have always wanted to create a safe, welcoming and fun space for students to come and learn,” she said. “I have always wanted to shape the minds of young students and help them see all of their potential.”

The first-year teacher graduated earlier this year from the University of Sioux Falls, double-majoring in elementary education and special education. Her student-teaching took place at Brookings, where she taught both kindergarten and K-3 special education students.

Brandon Valley was the school district of her choice because of its outstanding reputation for placing a high value on students and pushing them to become better every day and to be life-long learners. She’s also excited about a district that supports its staff and encourages new ideas and teamwork among them.

In the classroom, Williams said she will incorporate the interests of her students, which in turn helps to drive her instruction to ensure students stay engaged.

“I love to have fun and I am always trying to involve the students in their learning by incorporating their ideas into the instruction,” she shared.

She and her husband, Larenzo, have a Great Dane puppy, Bruce. She enjoys reading, going for walks and spending time with family.

 

 

VALLEY SPRINGS ELEMENTARY

 

Lindsey Abens

 Grade 3

Lindsey Abens was in the first grade when she clearly knew what she wanted to be when she grew up: A teacher.

“I had always told my parents that I was going to be a teacher,” says the 2015 Aberdeen Central High School graduate. “I love helping other people and being able to watch kids learn and grow.”

Although this is her first teaching assignment, Abens completed her student-teaching in Aberdeen and did a long-term sub assignment at Valley Springs Elementary this past spring.

Following that assignment, she knew Brandon Valley was the place for her to learn and grow as an educator.

“I am so excited to call the Brandon Valley School District my home,” she shares.

Abens gained her elementary education credentials from Northern State University, graduating in 2019.

She’s excited to roll up her sleeves and teach students how their lessons are applicable to real-life, and the importance of that. 

“I love to do things hands on. Integrating STEM into the class helps students understand how subjects matter inside and outside of the classroom,” she adds. 

She and her boyfriend, Noah, are enjoying moments with their 8-month-old puppy, Benny. In her spare time, she likes to golf, read, hang out at the lake, travel, watch football – she’s a Minnesota Vikings fan – and spend time with friends and family.

Her students may also be interested to know she taught herself a new trick over the summer: How to recite the alphabet backwards.

 

Megan Bertsch

Grade 2

Megan Bertsch’s love for working with children and seeing their excitement when they grasp onto something new are two elements that drew the Worthington, Minn., native to the profession.

She was also inspired by “awesome teachers growing up” who instilled in her a love for school and learning.

After graduating from high school in 2005, Bertsch enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she graduated with degrees in elementary and early child education in 2011.

Her previous teaching stints have included first grade at Prairie Elementary in Worthington and second grade at Hayward Elementary in Sioux Falls. Both positions lasted for four years.

She and her husband, Toby, recently made Brandon their home. “We love it here!” she says. “I have also heard such phenomenal things about the BVSD, and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Bertsch strives to create an atmosphere of fun in her classroom, and her students may be surprised by how often their teacher may break out into song.

Growing up on a farm south of Worthington, her family raised Belgian Draft horses, which they often trotted to various local events and gave hayrides.

In her spare time, Bertsch enjoys gardening, crafting, going for walks, especially with the couple’s Miniature Schnauzer, Leia.

 

 

BV INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

 

Sara Gills

Gifted Education, Grade 5 Educational Technology, Grades 7-12 Distance Learning

“As a Brandon Valley alumna myself, I know well the impact of a Brandon Valley education, and I’m honored to return to the hallways of BV, this time as a teacher,” Sara Gills shared in her new teacher Q&A.

After eight years in higher education, she parted ways with the classroom in 2019 to work in education advocacy, facilitating a STEM-based program for middle school students.

“I’m eager to return to classroom instruction and to offer rigorous, inventive curriculum to prepare some of the district’s most high-potential students to make an impact in our increasingly diverse and global society,” she said.

Gills, a 2005 BVHS grad, went on to earn a B.A. in English and journalism in 2009 from Augustana University, and followed up with an M.A. in English in 2013 from the University of South Dakota.

Besides being a student, her previous experience in the classroom includes a two-year stint as a graduate teaching assistant for composition and literature courses at USD, and an English and communications instructor for six years (2013-19) at Southeast Technical Institute.

While attending Augustana, Gills spent a semester of her senior year studying poverty and writing for social change in the Twin Cities.

“During this program, I witnessed firsthand the ability for education to provide opportunities for students to imagine and to achieve lives beyond the confines of poverty,” she said. “I knew then that a career in education tion would be a lifelong pursuit for me.”

At BV, Gills’ primary goal is “to demonstrate the power of storytelling in helping global citizens to make sense of the world around us,” she said. 

It is her intention that her gifted education students will benefit from experiencing a diverse curriculum that includes service learning, STEM, and a particularly compelling unit examining Hamilton, the powerful musical.

Her talents extend far beyond the classroom, however. She also operates her own business, What Sara Said, providing copywriting, content writing and social media strategy for solopreneurs and small businesses in the real estate space.

Gills is always eager to cheer on her hockey-playing sons and root for the Washington Capitals hockey team, along with playing with the family’s Golden doodle, Nellie, and decorating their home.

She and her husband, Jordan, a systems engineer at Avera Health, are parents to sons, Lionel, 8, a third grader, and Quincy, 5, a kindergartner, both who attend school in Harrisburg. 

 

Shalena Zeller

Grade 5 ELA, Social Studies

When Shalena Zeller and her family moved to Brandon to be closer to family, she and her husband Dan also wanted their children to attend South Dakota’s No. 1 school district.

And she wanted to teach here, too.

“I knew Brandon Valley had an amazing school district and that we wanted our kids to attend,” she said. “I was honored to get a teaching job here and I’m excited to get to know and work with everyone.”

Her love for working with kids and the impressions her former elementary teachers left on her is what drew Zeller to the profession. 

She grew up in Winner and graduated from high school there, and then obtained a B.S. degree in elementary education from the University of South Dakota. The past eight years she taught third-grade in Mobridge.

Zeller said her students will find that their teacher enjoys a classroom filled with active learning, collaboration and exploration.

“My teaching style consists of a student-centered approach where we will all learn and make discoveries together,” she said. “I love using a variety of visual learning tools and hands-on methods to help meet the diverse needs of all students.”

The Zellers are parents of two, Sayda and Daksten, whom she enjoys spending quality time with.

 

 

BV MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

Andrea Lahrs

English Language Arts

Andrea Lahrs knew that her love for learning and the joy that kids bring to the classroom was her calling to a career in education.

And BVSD’s reputation for being one of the best is what drew her here.

“It’s a great school with friendly staff and great students,” she said.

After wrapping up a Bachelor of Arts degree in English education at the University of South Dakota, Lahrs taught middle school ELA and current events for one year at Hamlin, and five years at Our Lady of the Lake, where she taught middle school ELA, speech and study skills.

The Lawton, Iowa, native said she’s been known to “add humor” to learning and “giving voice and choice” to what and how students learn.

She and her husband, Nelson, are parents to three: Addison, 4, Brooklyn, 3, and Landon, 1. In her free time, she enjoys reading, camping, swimming and family time.

 

Chad Schaeffer

 Smart Lab Facilitator

You could say that Chad Schaeffer lives in a “woman’s world.”

He and his wife, Rachel, are parents to three daughters: Olia, 10, and 8-year-old twins, Eliana and Sophia.

The 2002 Menno High School graduate went on to obtain a K-8 education degree in 2006 from Northern State University and capped that off with a masters in educational technology in 2015 from the University of Sioux Falls.

That education should bode him well, as he will serve as the Smart Lab facilitator at the middle school.

Schaeffer began his teaching career in Bridgewater, covering a wide variety of subjects in his one year there. “Each day I taught sixth-grade science, computer and math, elementary PE and health, and title,” he said. The last dozen years he taught in Sioux Falls, the first three years teaching third grade before making the leap to sixth grade science the past nine years.

His path to a career in teaching was spurred by his curiosity and love of learning.

“Teaching allows me to constantly keep learning and sharing my knowledge with others,” he said. “Throughout my life, I have had many individuals that have encouraged, shaped and guided me and I want to provide that to students along their educational journey.”

After hearing many accolades from friends and colleagues about the staff and students at Brandon Valley, he took aim at landing a teaching position here.

“The diverse opportunities provided by this district for students and staff made it a wonderful choice for continuing my career,” he said.

Schaeffer said he will keep kids excited about learning through actively creating and engaging in the materials they are learning. “Therefore, I like to utilize hands-on activities with technology to create an atmosphere of learning for my students,” he said.

His list of hobbies includes woodworking, playing music and camping with the family.

 

Lorinda Van Maanen Grade 8 ELA

After working with children and teenagers in the social work field for several years upon graduating from college, Lorinda Van Maanen came to the realization that she truly has a passion for working with kids.

So, she made a career switch to teaching.

“The thing I love the most about teaching is building relationships with my students and their families,” she said.

Van Maanen grew up in Hull, Iowa, graduating from Western Christian High School in 1992. She then ventured to Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, Calif., earning a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1996, followed by a Master of Arts in Education in 2004.

Her first teaching position was a 14-year stint at San Jose Charter Academy in West Covina, Calif., where she headed up an English Language Arts class for grades 6-8. She returned to the Midwest four years ago to teach eighth grade ELA at George McGovern Middle School in Sioux Falls and was lured to Brandon Valley “for its size as well as its stellar reputation.”

In her class, Van Maanen wants to hear from her students.

“My teaching style includes a lot of student input,” she said. “I love to hear the thoughts and ideas of as many brains in the room as possible.”

She’s also partial to using peer collaboration and feedback strategies where they help each other learn, Van Maanen said.

She is a mom of one son, Deion, 7, a second-grader at Sioux Falls Christian. She enjoys swimming with her son, as well as watching him play baseball and basketball and enjoys singing and volunteering at her church.

 

BV HIGH SCHOOL

 

Jared Ailts

Physical Science, Chemistry

When Jared Ailts was a student-athlete himself at Yankton High School, he knew then and there that he wanted to be part of the positivity here.

“I always had positive experiences in Brandon during high school sporting events and these experiences helped as I considered the overall school atmosphere I wanted to join,” says the 2009 YHS alum.

Ailts said his desire grew while substitute teaching at Brandon Valley for a spring semester after graduating with a B.S. degree in biology from South Dakota State in 2013. He extended his education at the University of South Dakota, gaining a Master of Science in basic biomedical sciences this year.

“I was immediately welcomed by the staff and by the end of the semester began to feel part of the team. I always had positive interactions with the students and was impressed by how well they embraced the culture of excellence.”

And with the positive impression BV left on him, in addition to “obvious community support for the school, I knew I would jump at a chance to teach here if a position became available,” he said.

The past four years, Ailts taught a variety of science-related courses at Lennox: biology, advanced biology, anatomy/physiology, applied health science and outdoor science.

Although Ailts has long had a love for learning, it was in high school and college that he found he enjoyed tutoring his peers, “especially trying to find unique ways to explain complicated concepts,” he said. “This interest was solidified through my student-teaching experiences.”

Ailts said he strives to make dull topics” interesting through his energetic lessons and ability to relate content to familiar, concrete examples and experiences.

“I really try hard to answer the ‘why do need to know this’ question for my students before they ask it,” he said.

He and his wife are parents to two, a 2-year-old son, and a 1-month-old daughter.

An interesting tidbit about Ailts is that he loves to read with a cup of coffee in his hand and go running on nature trails.

 

Taylor Blosmo

Special Education

Taylor Blosmo is just waiting for those “light bulb moments” to happen when a student learns something and it sticks.

And she’ll get that opportunity at BVHS this year as she steps into a special education position in what will be the second year of her career. Last year, she taught at an alternative elementary school in Sioux Falls.

Blosmo, a 2014 Washington High School graduate, earned her elementary and special education degrees from the University of Sioux Falls in 2019. She was drawn to seek a position at Brandon Valley because of the “close-knit community” atmosphere and “everyone is so welcoming,” she said.

Her teaching style is designed around building relationships with her students first, and then teaching them.

“I want to know my students and I want them to know me,” she said.

Blosmo isn’t one to shy away from challenges. In 2016, she ran a full marathon and also attended the University of Minnesota for two years.

Her hobbies include spending time outdoors, hiking, running, working out, spending time with loved ones, watching movies and trying new foods.

 

 

Molly Garrow

Freshman English

Molly Garrow loved school and learning so much so that the Sioux Falls Roosevelt 2016 graduate knew teaching high school English was the job for her.

The first-year educator obtained her English education degree earlier this year from South Dakota State University and did her student teaching at BVHS.

“I had a really great experience with the staff and students,” she said. “I also have some family in the building with me, which I knew would be fun.”

The family she notes are her in-laws, BVHS math teacher and head football coach Chad Garrow and BVSD nurse, Melissa Garrow. Molly is married to the Garrow’s son, A.J.

She believes her desire to get to know her students and engage them in her lessons will make her freshmen English classes a pleasure for all.

In her spare time, Garrow said she likes to read, workout and spend weekends at her parent’s lake cabin.

 

Keegan Hecht

American History & U.S. Government

You could say that Keegan Hecht is well-traveled.

Prior to signing on to teach at BVHS, the Sioux Falls Lincoln 2011 graduate taught social studies and English as a foreign language in international schools in Berlin, Germany and Taichung, Taiwan, the last four years.

Hecht received his degrees in secondary education, German and history in 2015 from Augustana University. 

His path to a career in the classroom stemmed from his enjoyment of being around creative, kind and brilliant people, he said.

“I got to see those traits in the students and colleagues every day,” he said. “If I can play a role in helping someone improve or find success, then that’s also a great reward for me as an educator.”

His interest to teach at Brandon Valley was piqued as a college student, where he heard many positive things from BV students, families and staff, which “showed me that this school district is a great place to be,” he said.

In his free time, Hecht enjoys playing volleyball, working out and running.

“Since arriving back in the U.S.A., I’m finally trying to learn to golf and play a bit more tennis,” he said.

He also has a yearn to travel and has a long list of national parks he plans to visit, along with some international trips that have been postponed. “But I’m hoping for a chance next summer to check some places off my list,” he said.

 

Alison Knutson

Ag & FFA Advisor

Just as a farmer grows his crop, Alison Knutson is excited to grow Brandon Valley High’s ag and FFA programs. 

Knutson grew up in Centerville and graduated in 2017 from Viborg-Hurley High School. She pared two of her passions into an agriculture education degree, which she obtained earlier this year from South Dakota State University.

“I have always really enjoyed school and thought that it bettered me in many ways,” she said. “I had a lot of great teachers over the years that provided me with opportunities to grow. I hope that I can now provide my students those opportunities in both the classroom and through FFA.”

She was attracted to teach at Brandon Valley for the district’s reputation.

“I think Brandon is a great town to live in and that Brandon Valley is one of the best schools to teach in,” she said. “I have felt very supported in my new position and am excited to see where I can build this program to.”

Knutson’s classes should appeal to her students, as she wants them to learn about things that they want to learn about.

“At the beginning of the year I will ask students what subjects they want to focus more on,” she said.

Her spare time consists of raising and showing sheep, reading and traveling.

 

Roxie Ohlson

Algebra 1, geometry, informal geometry

Roxie Oholson enjoyed her educational experience at Brandon Valley schools so much so that she was compelled to return so she could be more involved in the community where she was raised and where she has chosen to raise her own children.

“I am excited to contribute to a community that has given so much to me,” says the 2003 BVHS graduate.

Following high school, Ohlson went on to attend the University of Sioux Falls, where she earned a Bachelors of Science in 5-12 mathematics education endorsement. Four years later, she received a Masters in leadership in technology integration, also from USF.

The past 13 years, Ohlson taught all levels of geometry – accelerated geometry, geometry, geometry survey, Algebra 1 skills, Algebra 2, data analysis and online math – at Sioux Falls Washington.

Her road to a career in education was inspired by “some of the amazing teachers I had at BVHS,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed helping others learn, whether it was assisting friends with homework or teaching cheer routines.”

Her passion for all-things math will surely be visible in her lessons, which she strives to bring excitement and energy to each day.

“I love doing hands-on learning activities and discover activities in my classroom, she added.

She and her husband, Greg of seven years are parents to Knox, 4, and Autumn, 1. Among her favorite things in life are spending time with family and friends and being active, which extends to Zumba, trying new workouts and running.

 

Carson Pruett

Spanish I & II, spring musical accompanist

As a long-term substitute at BV, Carson Pruett had a test run at the classes he’s been assigned to teach at BVHS – Spanish I and II – this year. After a couple of long-term sub jobs and sub days at multiple schools, Pruett steps into his first full-time position this year.

“Having been a student at BV, I’ve seen firsthand what kind of school culture exists and how students are valued,” he said. “I taught to some capacity at a number of different school districts in the area, and while all of them were great schools, I still felt best about Brandon Valley.”

So, when a teaching position opened in his field here, Pruett said he simply could not let the opportunity pass him by.

“I feel as if I have gained skills and perspectives over the course of time that will bring something new to the table for my department,” he said.

A 2014 BVHS grad, Pruett ventured next to South Dakota State, where he received a degree in Spanish with endorsement to teach in 2019.

It was the education he received at BV that initially drew him to the profession.

“I’ve always seen education as a critically important part of society and felt that my education at BV led me to be able to achieve more than many at SDSU,” he said. “Now more than ever, I feel that strong educators are needed and I look forward to lending back my knowledge and abilities to set up students for success in life the way that I feel the BVSD did for me.”

He’s confident in the skills and perspectives he’s gained over the course of time, which allows him to “bring something new to the table for my department,” he said.

Like many of his colleagues, Pruett makes a point to make learning fun.

“Teaching a new language is only limited by your creativity, and I’ve found that student engagement/enjoyment is key to retaining a new language,” he said. “This year has presented new limitations/challenges, but I’m confident I can maintain an intriguing class that leaves students wanting to learn more.”

Pruett took four years of Spanish in high school and then another four years at SDSU, along with experiencing the culture by studying abroad in Valencia, Spain.

“Despite all of this, I learned the majority of my spoken Spanish through working as a server at Olive Garden,” he tells. Many of his co-workers in the restaurant’s kitchen and back of house primarily spoke Spanish, in addition to many customers.

“I’d ask every Spanish speaking table to speak solely Spanish with me as well as my co-workers. My education I pulled away from the restaurant was probably more valuable than any money I made over that three-year course of time,” he said. “From this, I found confidence in being an interpreter and translator for Journey Group Companies in Sioux Falls, a construction company that has provided me numerous opportunities to round out my education and professional background. It just goes to show you that practicality of the Spanish language/educational opportunities for it are found in tons of different spots.”

Pruett, who is single, fills his free time playing the piano and violin, listening to music, traveling, playing video games, kayaking, hanging out with friends, and watching – sometimes binging – Netflix and Hulu.