There are six new teachers this year. The new educators include Laura Ochsner, Kindergarten; Megan Hildebrandt, first grade; Bailey Cole, 4-8 grade at Pembrook Colony; Kathy Kulm, Pre-K through Fifth Grade Special Education; Jordan Malsom-Kjellsen, Fifth Grade; and Caleb Schentzel, MS Social Social Studies, and PE.
Each answered a Edmunds County Tribune questionnaire:
Megan Hildebrandt
Teaching position: First Grade
Family and Background: My husband, Jeremy, is a teacher at Simmons Middle School in Aberdeen. My daughter, Evelyn, is 18 months old. I am from Ipswich and attended Northern State University for my Bachelors and Masters degrees.
Teaching Experience: Six years teaching First Grade at Simmons Elementary in Aberdeen.
This year I’m looking forward to: Building relationships with my students.
In my spare time I like to: Chase around Evelyn, spend time with family, and help on the farm.
Bailey Cole
Teaching position: 4-8 Grade at Pembrook Colony
Family and Background: I grew up on my family farm with my two older brothers and my one older sister. We have had many different kinds of animals throughout my years at the farm, but as I have gotten older, we now only have horses and cattle. My family has always been very close and we try to get together as much as possible! When we were kids, we were all very active in 4-H rodeoing and showing animals. We were a very competitive family and always wanted to do better then the other sibling! My oldest brother was called home and gained his wings in 2016. My other siblings also with my parents still live at or around the farm still to this day. I am very blessed to have two wonderful nephews and one wonderful niece!
Teaching Experience: This will be my second year teaching. Last year I taught 4th Grade at Eureka. I completed my student teaching at Creekside Elementary in the 5th Grade at Spearfish.
This year I’m looking forward to: This year I look forward learning the new culture that I’ll be teaching in. I am also excited to meet new people within the Ipswich School District.
In my spare time I like to: In my spare time I enjoy meeting up with family and friends to go out for lunch and/or shopping. I also am still currently barrel racing, so you can find me out at the farm riding my horse most days. During the winter, when its too cold to be outside, I enjoy spending my free time reading a good book or crocheting.
Kathy Kulm
Teaching position: Special Education Teacher Pre-K-5th
Family and Background: I grew up in Mellette and graduated from Northwestern High School. I am married to Mike. He is currently retired. I have two children. Casey was killed in a hit and run accident. My daughter, Cassie, was married this past November to Dylan Jones. She will complete her Doctorate program in Physical Therapy degree in December.
Teaching Experience: I have taught 10 years in fifth grade general classroom at Roncalli Elementary. I have taught 19 years at Aberdeen Lincoln with Special Education of fourth and fifth graders.
This year I’m looking forward to: Starting a new teaching adventure and learning many new strategies along the way to work with the students. Also being part of a caring community and staff, a place to belong.
In my spare time I like to: Going for a walk, go fishing with my husband, snowmobiling, and just enjoying the outdoors.
Jordan Malsom-Kjellsen
Teaching position: Fifth Grade
Family and Background: HS - 2006 Groton Area. Bachelors - NSU (Elem. ed.) math minor psychology minor. Masters - NSU (Leadership and Administration) Married - Chris Malsom - Kjellsen. Two cats - Turks and Caico
Teaching Experience: 13th year teaching. Three years (5th grade) Hayward Elementary in Sioux Falls; nine years (middle school) at Groton Area
This year I’m looking forward to: Getting to know all of the great families in Ipswich. Having my students teach me new things.
In my spare time I like to: Spend time with my nieces and nephews, hang out at the lake, pontoon, concerts and sporting events, traveling to different countries.
Look for two more teachers next week
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