Meet our new Grygla Teachers
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 10:20am
admin
Andrew Sundberg
What is your new position at the Grygla School? I am teaching 6th grade as well as 7th/8th grade math.
What/where were you previously teaching? I had taught the last 14 years in Laporte, MN. Most of those years I taught 6th grade, but the past few years I have been teaching 5th-8th grade math.
Educational background? I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Math from Bemidji State University.
Where are you living? My family and I are living in Grygla.
Family? I am married to Amber, who is teaching 1st grade at Goodridge School. I have 3 children; Reece(12), Allie (10), and Emma(7).
What drew you to your new position in Grygla? The biggest draw was moving back home! I was also excited that I will be teaching the same age groups/subjects that I have had experience with.
Describe your teaching style? I expect all my students to show growth while they are in my classroom. It’s important that my students know that I care about them so I really try to create positive relationships with my students. I have high expectations but at the same time I like to have a good time with my classes.
What goals have you set for your first year? First, I have to get to know all my students and create meaningful relationships with them. I also want to fit into what I already know is a very talented and excellent staff at Grygla School.
Five adjectives that describe yourself? Positive, Easy going, Flexible, Busy, Dependable
What interests do you have outside of the classroom? I enjoy playing, coaching, and watching sports. I also like gardening and traveling.
If you could trade places with anybody for a week who would it be? A kid. I would love to have that much energy again.
Jana Nelson
What is your new position at the Grygla School? High School Business Teacher. I will be teaching 6th grade MN History, 2 Business Classes, 2 FACS Classes, and 2 Computer Classes.
What/where were you previously teaching? My first year of teaching was in Mt. Lake, Minnesota. I taught Kindergarten there. Then I moved to Roseau and taught Kindergarten at Wannaska Elementary for 4 years. Following that, I taught ECFE for the Roseau School District for 14 years. In the past 4 years I have been subbing at Grygla and Roseau Schools. I have been Roseau’s High School Speech Coach for the past 5 years.
Educational background? I’ve lived in the Skime area my whole life. I attended Wannaska Elementary School and graduated from Roseau High School in 1989. I attended Bethel University in St. Paul and graduated from there in Elementary Education in 1993.
Where are you living? I live near Hayes Lake State Park.
Family? I have been married to Randy Nelson, graduate of Clearbrook Gonvick Schools, for 25 years. My husband teaches 6th grade in Roseau and coaches Cross-Country, Basketball, and Track. We have been blessed with three sons and one daughter. Our oldest, Weston, is a senior at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. Scott is a junior at Concordia College in Moorhead. Ellie is a freshman at Bethel University in St. Paul. David is a 9th grader at the Roseau School.
What drew you to your new position in Grygla? I love being in the Grygla School and love the people! They drew me in! People here are very supportive and caring. I also love the small town feel which reminds me of the things I loved about Wannaska. I am very passionate about education and am excited to be here every day!
Describe your teaching style? I like hands-on, practical learning. I am a visual learner myself so I teach often with that as a priority. Relationships are crucial to me in education and life.
What goals have you set for your first year? My goals for this year are to get as familiar as I can with everything I need to know and teach. I want to give the students practical applications in their learning and teach them things that will benefit them in various ways.
Five adjectives that describe yourself? Enthusiastic, compassionate, flexible, genuine, and diligent
What interests do you have outside of the classroom? I enjoy sewing quilts, baking and lefse making, reading, and outdoor exercise.
If you could trade places with anybody for a week who would it be? I would trade places with a mother in a third world country. I know I would never be the same and would have a whole new appreciation and a new perspective on everything.