As the new school year begins, new faces will be seen in hallways and classrooms at Litchfield Public Schools.
We got to know some new faculty members for this upcoming school year. Other new hires for the 2018-’19 school year include Amy Crusoe (high school special education), Hannah Barrick (Litchfield Early Learning Program and school readiness), Angie Wanningman (middle school counselor) and Jason Louwagie (high school science).
DYLAN KOLL — Fourth-grade teacher
Where are you from and where did you earn your degree? When did you graduate?
I am originally from Litchfield, and I earned my Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University. I graduated in 2017.
What was your main inspiration for choosing a career in education?
My main inspiration came from youth service when I had the opportunity to help in an elementary classroom. I realized then how rewarding the profession was and wanted that chance to help students grow through education and in life.
Is this your first time working in education or are you a seasoned professional?
This is my second year in the profession. I taught fourth grade in St. Cloud last year.
What stood out to you about Litchfield schools when applying for your position?
Well, I grew up here and Litchfield has such a supportive community, and I wanted to come back and have the chance to work alongside some of the teachers who shaped me into the person I am today. I love being involved, and at Litchfield, I knew what opportunities could come from teaching here.
Moving into the new school year, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am looking forward to another chance to connect with kids and see their growth from the start of the year to the end of the year. Some people think it is just about what the test scores say, but students are more than just a score, and I want to make students improve in their education and develop as a person.
KELSA PLOWMAN — First-grade teacher
Where are you from and where did you earn your degree? When did you graduate?
I am from Hutchinson, born and raised. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies from Mankato State University in December 2014. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Southwest Minnesota State University in December 2017.
What was your main inspiration for choosing a career in education?
Growing up, I loved school, and a big part of that had to do with the amazing teachers that I had along the way. I want to be like those teachers that I had when I was in elementary school.
Is this your first time working in education or are you a seasoned professional?
While I was working toward my teaching license, I also worked full-time as a toddler teacher at a daycare center in Hutchinson. After graduating in December, I began substitute teaching for various districts around the area. Then at the end of February, I began a long-term substitute teaching position in first grade here at Lake Ripley Elementary.
What stood out to you about Litchfield schools when applying for your position?
I had completed my student teaching here at Lake Ripley Elementary and began substitute teaching within the building as soon as I could after graduating. The district is very welcoming, and I had already built some really great relationships with staff and students during my time at Lake Ripley.
Moving into the new school year, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am looking forward to continue to build those relationships with staff and students.
KELLY TAYLOR — Middle school band/music teacher
Where are you from and where did you earn your degree? When did you graduate?
I am originally from Anoka. I earned my teaching degree from Augsburg in 2000; my Mortuary Science Degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2003; and my Master’s degree from Concordia College of Portland in 2016.
What was your main inspiration for choosing a career in education?
Sharing music with kids. Music is a truly personal thing. You don’t have to be the best performer to have a personal experience with music. Music is all around us! I like seeing the “Ah-HA!” moment when it clicks for kids.
Is this your first time working in education or are you a seasoned professional?
Seasoned professional with some not so traditional seasoning ... I’m that scary-named pepper that tastes really good on everything!
What stood out to you about Litchfield schools when applying for your position?
The fact that it was open! I was familiar with the deep history and standard of excellence that is established here. I hope to help add to it!
Moving into the new school year, what are you looking forward to the most?
Getting into teaching and watching students grow throughout the year. I like to see what they think is impossible in September and become a “no big thing” in June!
TASHA KOLL — High school English teacher
Where are you from and where did you earn your degree? When did you graduate?
I was born and raised in Litchfield and graduated from here in 2014. I earned my undergraduate degree in English secondary education from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University in May of 2018.
What was your main inspiration for choosing a career in education?
When I was in elementary school, I would come home, sit on the bottom stair in the basement and teach reading and math to an empty room. I have loved school since my first day of kindergarten, and always knew I would become a teacher someday. There were moments where I considered going into law or social work, but when my high school English teacher, Candace Boerema, told me I should consider becoming a teacher, that was all the affirmation I needed to know that teaching was the right path for me.
Is this your first time working in education or are you a seasoned professional?
This is my first year teaching!
What stood out to you about Litchfield schools when applying for your position?
Something I really like about Litchfield schools is that they are 1:1. Being 1:1 is about equity. For so long there has been a gap between economic classes that directly impacted students and their ability to learn and feel successful. Students who lacked resources now have the world at their fingertips every day in every class. It’s so powerful.
Moving into the new school year, what are you looking forward to the most?
Every student has a story but most don’t believe their story is worth sharing. I am looking forward to all the stories I will hear and relationships I will develop with my students throughout the year. I want to know the good, the bad and the ugly. I want to make a difference. I want to change lives.
KATIE WERLE — Early Childhood Special Education teacher
Where are you from and where did you earn your degree? When did you graduate?
I am from Winona, Minnesota. I graduated from the University of Minnesota — Duluth in 2012 and received early childhood and early childhood special education (ECSE) teaching licenses. In 2017, I received a Master’s degree in special education from Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
What was your main inspiration for choosing a career in education?
I have always gravitated toward caring for and teaching children and find a lot of joy in watching how much a child can change in a couple short years.
Is this your first time working in education or are you a seasoned professional?
This is my seventh year as an ECSE teacher, but I have found there’s plenty of new opportunities and situations to learn from each year!
What stood out to you about Litchfield schools when applying for your position?
I could tell that people are really proud to live and work in Litchfield and are passionate about creating positive learning experiences for all children.
Moving into the new school year, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am excited to blend the great things happening in the Litchfield program with some ideas of my own to see how much our youngest learners grow this year.
