Ipswich new teachers profiled

The Ipswich School year began today, August 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Ipswich has four new teachers this year - Doug Duncan, Nik Hansen, Carissa Stocklin and Taylor Brown.

The new teachers completed Tribune questionnaires. Their answers follow:

Doug Duncan

Teaching Position: First Grade teacher, middle school volleyball coach

Family and Background: Born in Warren, Michigan, raised mostly in S.D. Graduated from Groton H.S. Married Amy in 1994. Have five kids and five grandkids with one more on the way. Amy and I worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship from 1994-2001. I started teaching second grade at Northwestern in 2001.

Teaching Experience: 17 years in second grade, one year in first grade, two years as MS/HS music and band, one year as SPED/Elem. para, all in  Northwestern. Two years at Ipswich - one year as Title Math and one year as Technology Teacher.

This year I'm looking forward to: Being a Classroom Teacher again! Working with the Ipswich Staff.

In my spare time I like to: Do crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles while watching sports - Have campfires in the backyard. - Hang with my grandkids. - Work on my VAST LEGO collection. - Be wherever My Amy is.

Niklas Hansen

Teaching Position: Physical Education

Family and Background: My dad is from Stratford, SD, and my mom is from Horve, Denmark. I also have a brother that is three years younger than me. I grew up in Aberdeen, and then when it was time for school went to Warner.

Teaching Experience: This is my first year teaching at a school. I have done my student teaching experiences at OMT, and Simmons Middle school in Aberdeen. I have also worked at the YMCA as a School Age Coordinator for almost eight years.

This year I'm looking forward to: I am looking forward to working with a great group of staff, and students. I am excited to teach the importance of physical activity, whether it is in the gym, weight room, or the classroom.

In my spare time I like to: In my spare time I like to workout, golf, and spend time with friends and family.

Taylor Brown

Teaching Position: Colony Elementary

Family and Background: I was born and raised in Ohio until moving to South Dakota in 2022 to be closer to my boyfriend, Tyler Lacher. I have great parents, two brothers and sisters-in-law, three nieces and four nephews.

Teaching Experience: I have been an aide and substitute teacher for years before, and now fulfilling student teaching.

This year I'm looking forward to: Watching students grow and continue to gain confidence in their academics.

In my spare time I like to: Go shopping make arts and crafts, hunt, and spend time with my loved ones.

Carissa Stocklin

Teaching Position: 4th-8th Grade at Rosette

Family and Background: I grew up in Eagle Butte. I have an older sister (26) and younger sister (5). After high school I went to the University of South Dakota and majored in Elementary Education with certificate in Kindergarten education and coaching. I recently moved to Mina to be closer to my boyfriend and my family while pursuing a career in teaching at the colony.

Teaching Experience: I am still a student at USD finishing out my degree at Rosette. I have my advanced student teacher permit which allows me to do so. I have been in a first grade classroom, observed and helped in 7th and 8th grade rooms, along with working with kids for the last two years at the University daycare (kids infants to preschool).

This year I'm looking forward to: Getting to know the staff and students along with their families. It's going to be a fun new adventure.

In my spare time I like to: Spend time with my family and friends, be in the outdoors, and read books.