Spotlight on Teaching Staff

“So often you find that the students you are trying to inspire are the ones that end up inspiring you.” - Sean Junkins.

 

Pamela Kaye Bagaason started teaching sixth grade in October of 1996 after Diane Moen took a leave of absence. Pam credits mentors like Sharon Johnson, Sherry Rettmann, and Theresa Porter for helping shape her into the teacher that she is today.

Pam was blessed to grow up in Mott, ND, a small town in the southwestern part of the state.  She attended Jamestown College, where she met her husband, Mark. Pam graduated with a teaching degree from Bemidji State University. She and Mark have two daughters: Cassandra and Kayla, a son-in-law Mark, and a granddaughter, Lyla. She is extremely appreciative for the opportunity to work with some amazing teachers and admirable staff members.  Pam has always been honored and proud to be part of the Clearbrook-Gonvick elementary staff.

Why did you choose to be a teacher? I think I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.  It runs in my family.  My dad was a Social Studies teacher in ND, and one of my inspirations.  My grandmother and great aunt were teachers and we always used to play school at home.  My third grade teacher left a lasting impression on me, as did my music teachers, both in elementary and High School.  To this day, my hometown friends STILL talk about our music programs and the infamous Cafe Concerts.  I’ve been going to school since I was five, and I still get excited for it to start every Fall.  I love learning, and I love building a connection with the students.  I want to make a difference.

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick?  Before coming to C-G, I was a teacher and long-term substitute in Fosston, MN and before that I taught Elementary Music and private piano lessons in Oklee, MN.  I grew up in a small town, Mott,  in southwestern North Dakota.  I have always been proud to be a “ND girl”.  My music and sports background took me to Jamestown College where I was privileged to sing in their choir and play women’s basketball, (and meet my future husband).

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick?   That’s an easy question.  The best part of my job is being surrounded by a “Land of 10,000 Great Kids” and some very “Minnesota Nice” people.  

What is the biggest challenge of your job?   I think one of the biggest challenges every teacher faces is TIME...or the lack thereof.  There are SO many things that teachers want to do, and do well, but are limited by time, myself included.  

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why? I’ve always said that the perfect job is a part-time job, especially if you are a parent.  The hardest job in the world is being a parent-a good one.  But, the most rewarding.  The perfect job…?  Hmm...I think I would like to be a professional organizer and help people de-stress their lives.  

 There is a rumor that you have a secret talent.  Are you willing to share it?  Ha!  I don’t think I have a secret talent, but I’ll list a few things you might not know about me.  I was a Bible Camp Counselor in Medora.  I love playing basketball and golf.  I can hold my own at ping-pong. I love watching movies.  I am an avid reader.  I love Pinterest. I am passionate about cursive handwriting.  I can drive a motorcycle, a stick shift (including three-on-the-tree), a John Deere combine, and am an expert at parallel parking.  Secretly talented? Not really. 

What do you do when you are not working at the school?  I love to try new things like crocheting, stitching, or cooking.  I enjoy golfing, being in a book club, and watching TV.  I love music.  I enjoy playing piano and ringing in the Good Shepherd Bell Choir. I also like to clean and organize.  (I know that’s weird.)  But, most of all, my husband and I LOVE to spend time with our daughters and granddaughter.  

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? I have met some amazing people in small town USA.  The “Minnesota Nice” phrase may actually have been coined here.  I am proud to be a rural Minnesotan. (...and I try to be “nice”.) I love it when people take pride in their community.   I’d also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every community member and parent that donates their time and talents to support the Clearbrook-Gonvick School.  YOU make a difference.

 

And now a few words from the students about Mrs. Bagaason...

Mrs. Bagaason is very musical. What song makes you think of Mrs. Bagaason? “Grammar Rock” “Happy” “Rumor Has It” “Watch Me” (Whip/Nae Nae) “Grammar Rock” “You are my Sunshine” “Noel” “Rumor Has It” 

Mrs. Bagaason enjoys reading books for fun.  What is a book or book series you think she enjoys to read? Why? “‘The Land of Stories’ because she reads it all the time.” “‘Schooled’ She reads it every year to her class.” “The Twits” “Slob” “Schooled by Gordon Korman because she said she likes it.” “Schooled” “‘The Land of Stories’ she is interested in the books.”

What is the best thing about Mrs. Bagaason? “She is always smiling.” “She is really fun.” “She is fun and active.” “She likes to play games in her class.” “She lets us play word games every Thursday.” “Math” “Very neat”

What do you think Mrs. Bagaason was like when she was in sixth grade? “Smart. Very smart.” “Teacher’s pet.” “I think she was shy and not very talkative.” “Tall and very good at school.” “Sweet.” 

Mrs. Bagaason has a secret talent.  What do you think it is? “Calligraphy” “Dancing” “Doodling” “Playing the French horn” “Eating chocolate very fast” “Text talking” “Perfect cursive” 

If you could send Mrs. Bagaason on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you send her?  Why would you send her there? “Hawaii because it is tropical.” “Orlando, Florida where it is hot all year.” “Duluth because she likes Minnesota history.” “To the Aztec temples in Mexico because she loves history.” Washington, DC or Seattle Washington.” “Egypt because I want to go there.” “Medora so she can golf at Bully Pulpit.”

What is one thing Mrs. Bagaason ALWAYS says? “Stuff and things” “Be quiet in the hallway” “Stuff” “‘POP’ but it is with her mouth not words” “Jabberwocky” “Five” “Stuff and things”