In preparation for the 2024-25 school year at Milaca Public Schools, the district has hired five new teachers and a new social worker to help encourage student success.
Milaca Elementary School is welcoming four new staff members, while Milaca High School has two new teachers all adding to the Milaca team.
The Union-Times asked each teacher a series of questions to help the community get to know each staff member better as they enter into the new school year and begin working with students.
- What is your position at Milaca School District?
- What is your hometown?
- Tell us about your family.
- What is your education background?
- What is some of your previous teaching experience?
- Why did you become a teacher?
Below are their responses listed in alphabetical order.
Mary Anderson
- The Milaca Elementary School social worker preschool through first grade.
- From Sartell.
- No family was listed.
- A master’s degree in social work.
- “I’ve worked in the field of mental health in a school based setting for 15 years, 10 of those years with Milaca Public Schools.”
- “I enjoy working with kids and getting to see them everyday where they spend a majority of their day. Helping to support students, coworkers, and the community has always been a nice fit.”
Makayla Balder
- Speech-language pathologist (SLP) for preschool through sixth grade.
- From Onamia.
- Her parents are Mike and Marica Balder, and she has a sister, Morgan.
- Bachelor’s of communication science and disorders through St. Cloud State University.
- “I was a paraprofessional at Milaca Elementary the past two years. This will be my first year as an SLP!”
- “I decided to become a speech-language pathologist because I am passionate about working closely with children, whether in small groups or one-on-one. I have always been drawn to educational settings. I believe everyone deserves a voice, and I’m excited to get started with the new school year!”
McKayla Bauerly
- Milaca Elementary School teachers for third grade.
- From Elk River.
- Married to her husband Paul with three children: Wyatt,7, Eli, 4, and Josie, 1.
- A communications degree from St. Cloud State University and kindergarten through sixth grade graduates teaching license from St. Scholastica — Duluth.
- “I am a newly licensed K-six teacher with teaching experience at Community Christian School in Pease (second grade) along with reading intervention/internal subbing at Milaca Public Schools.”
- “I truly enjoy being around kids and when it was time for a career change after seven years of corporate marketing, I went back to school for my teaching license. I love creating a classroom where students feel loved and (creating) lasting relationship with students and their families.”
Alex Blegen
- Milaca High School choir director grades seven through 12.
- From North Branch.
- “I have five siblings and a nephew, and I currently live with my aunt and uncle.”
- Bachelor of Arts in vocal music education with honors in conducting from Gustavus Adolphus College.
- Previously the middle school choir director in New Ulm.
- “I teach to give students the opportunity to make music at a high level and help them gain a new lifelong passion.”
Tesla Gontjes
- Milaca High School English teacher grades seven, 11 and 12.
- From Duluth.
- Has two older siblings.
- Bachelor’s in English education and German education from Minnesota State University — Mankato.
- “Student teaching in Faribault for eighth grade English and all grades for high school German. I also taught English in Austria to university students and grade schoolers.”
- “My teachers inspired me and showed me how rewarding and fun the job can be. I want to pay that kindness forward and help students survive a very tumultuous time in their lives.”
Roberta Kightinger
- Long-term substitute teacher for third grade.
- No hometown listed.
- A husband and two children.
- Graduated from Pennsylvania State University.
- “I have taught students in grade K-10 as an interventionist. I also taught second grade and kindergarten as a classroom teacher.”
- “I became a teacher to help kids learn to love learning. I love helping children find out how they learn best.”
Milaca Public School’s first day back to school with students is Tuesday, Sept. 3, the day after Labor day.
Reach Chloe Smith at chloe.smith@apgecm.com
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