By Penny Leuthard, Staff Writer
Not only was this week the start of a new school year for students at Clearview Elementary, it was also the start of a new career for a number of teachers at the school.
Gary Gohmann
Kindergarten teacher Gary Gohmann graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in K-6 elementary education. He student taught at Sauk Rapids.
“My goal is to build relationships with my students,” he said. “Making an impact on them and getting them accustomed to the routine of school.”
Although this is his first year teaching, this isn’t Gohmann’s first year at Clearview. He was a custodian at the school for two and a half years and has been very active as a Clearview Forest committee volunteer.
Valerie Rios Dominguez
First grade teacher Valerie Rios Dominguez attended Tech High School and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in K-12 Spanish and K-12 ESL (English as a second language). She studied at the University of Chili in Concepción City for a semester.
This is her first teaching job; her goal is to become an effective teacher.
Sandra Hercules Rosales
Second grade teacher Sandra Hercules Rosales is from El Salvador and was an amity intern at Clearview three years ago.
“I loved the amity experience and loved Clearview,” she said. “It’s a really wonderful school.”
Her goal for the year is to learn as much as possible and make her grade awesome. She is currently living with the same host family she had as an amity intern.
Enrique Monge del Dujo
Second grade teacher Enrique Monge del Dujo is from Spain and was an amity intern at Rosedale last year.
“This is a very good opportunity,” he said. “It’s very difficult to be a teacher in Spain. I can learn more things in other cultures and other ways to educate. Teaching here is perfect for me.”
Monge del Dujo’s goal for the year is to be an effective teacher and continue to grow and learn.
Patty Montes
Third grade teacher Laura “Patty” Montes is from Mexico City and comes to Clearview with 22 years of experience teaching at international school in Mexico.
“My goal is to encourage and support my students, and to help them to become the best versions of themselves,” she said.
With her oldest daughter attending college in London, Montes felt the move to Clearview was a good transition to help her sophomore-aged daughter not miss her sister so much.
Danna Gohman-Hard
This is third grade teacher Danna Gohman-Hard’s twentieth year teaching; she spent three in the Little Falls school district and fifteen in St. Cloud District 742. Gohman-Hard has an undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University and a master's from St. Mary’s.
“My goal this year is to make connections with my students and challenge their learning to enhance academic growth,” she said. “I’m also teaching a new grade level and am excited to dive into the new curriculum.”
Gohman-Hard’s son graduated sixth grade from Clearview, and she, herself, attended the school as an elementary student.
Jason Badger
Fourth grade teacher Jason Badger attended Minnesota State University Mankato and St. Cloud State University. He has been teaching for six years and has taught in five different countries.
“My goals for the school year are to help the students continue improving their Spanish, challenge them in the subject areas and have a fun year,” he said.
Badger learned Spanish from studying in school and from living in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. He and his wife have an eleven-week-old daughter named Kaylee.
Anna Barton
Art teacher Anna Barton graduated from St. Ben’s with a degree in K-12 art education. She was a student teacher for now-retired art teacher Kathy Gerdts-Senger last winter.
“My goal is to introduce students to a variety of art mediums,” she said.
Diane Jones
Music teacher Diane Jones comes to Clearview with 21 years of teaching experience; nine in music and 14 in the classroom. She has a master's degree in education and two teaching degrees, one in K-5 elementary education and the other in K-12 vocal and instrumental education.
“My main goal [at Clearview] is to connect with students and foster their move of music,” said Jones. “Karen Ingeman left a wonderful legacy, and I hope that I can follow in her footsteps adequately.”
Jones began her teaching career in Togiak, Alaska, a wonderful experience she encourages others to consider. This is her third year in St. Cloud District 742.
Other new employees
Other new employees joining the Clearview community this fall include developmental disabilities teacher Stacy Schraut, ADSIS teacher Kate Hancock, behavior support specialist Tania Boe, nurse Meghan Taylor and door greeter Donna Mae Heaton.
