Three new teachers
Is it a sign of the times?
Not so long ago teachers were moving around, taking new jobs and at the start of the school year, well, there were as many as 10 or more teachers to replace. Not so anymore.
Minneota has just three new teachers this year — two at the public school and one at St. Edward Catholic School. “They like it here,” one teacher said about the Minneota teaching staff — which has become stable in the past few years.
One vacancy was caused by a retiring teacher. Matt Buysse takes over the ag shop/FFA position from the retiring William Delaney.
Emily Citterman comes over from Ivanhoe to teach junior high math after Michael Bliss left. The new St. Edward teacher is Elizabeth Miller and she will teach third, fourth and fifth graders.
Buysse will be serving as the community expert for Shop/FFA while earning his Master’s Degree through Auburn University. He’s a Minneota graduate and said, “I’m excited to help shape the young minds of this community and make an impact on those students.”
Buysse graduated from Minneota High School, and when asked what excites you about returning as a teacher? What makes you nervous about returning as a teacher?
He added, “I will always have an open door to help and guide students with any situation or problem they may have. I want to have a fun learning environment and want the kids to challenge themselves with the unknown.”
He’s married to Kaley Buysse who also is a teacher in the Minneota Elementary School.
“We have two Labs (dogs), one yellow, one black. We are expecting our first child this November. We love coaching and being outdoors,” he added. Buysse also helps coach football and wrestling. He loves hunting and helping his father Tom on the family farm.
CITTERMAN has a reputation in the area for being an elite teacher, one who isn’t afraid of meeting high expectations. “I graduated high school from Benson and I earned my Bachelor’s degree at Concordia College Moorhead where I majored in Elementary Education with a 5-8 math endorsement,” she said.
This is her second tour of duty in Minneota Public Schools. “I’m very excited for my return to Minneota. It’s a great school that excels in academics and athletics, and there is a great atmosphere throughout the community.”
She said, “Being in the high school instead of elementary will be new to me, but I’m excited for this opportunity to teach math to seventh and eighth grade students.”
Her husband is Brock, and they just celebrated seven years of marriage. “We are proud parents of three amazing boys, Blake (5), Nolan (3) and AJ (1).” About the future she said, “I would like my future students to know that I like to teach in an engaging, hands-on style that will help them enjoy and better understand math.”
She enjoys playing cards, golfing, playing softball and pretty much anything outdoors.
MILLER is a New Ulm native who went to both Cathedral and New Ulm Public Schools. She graduated from Mary’s College in Bismark, ND and is beginning her teaching career at St. Edward Catholic School in Minneota.
“I’m excited to be here. The staff has been so kind,” Miller said. “I like a small town,” said the new third, fourth and fifth grade teacher.
Miller specializes in Early Childhood and Special Education and hopes to use her skills in her new position.
“I love working with kids with learning disabilities,” she added.