Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern
This 2021-2022 school year, the West Central School District is welcoming a total of 26 new staff members this year. The new staff this year includes:
Ashely Payne is a Special Education teacher in the High School.
Christopher Hernandez will be teaching 10th Grade History and 12th Grade Government.
Delaine Nelson will teach 11th Grade English, ACT Prep and Independent Studies.
Dylan Kor will be teaching Special Education in the Middle School.
Dylan Ljunggren is taking on CTE Business and Marketing classes.
Eddie Burch will serve as the High School’s Technology teacher.
Jeena Morris is working as an Educational Assistant in the Middle School.
Jill Michaelson comes to West Central as a Special Education teacher in the Humboldt Elementary.
Katie Peterson will be teaching 2nd Grade at the Hartford Elementary.
Keith Moe is taking on a new job as a 5th Grade teacher in the Humboldt Elementary.
Kyla Swier joins the High School as a Special Education teacher.
Mateya Schrader will also serve as a Special Education teacher in the High School.
Noah Schuldt begins his teaching career in 9th Grade English.
Rachael Hakl will spend her year teaching Kindergarten at the Hartford Elementary.
Samantha Voeltz is a new addition to the Hartford Elementary and will be working as an Educational Assistant.
The following new hires opted out of answering the survey questions:
Belinda Prostrollo – Educational Assistant
Austin Lopour – 6th Grade Science and Social Studies
Melanie Eichmann – Educational Assistant
Emily Badura – Humboldt 5th Grade
Crisse Meisenhelder – Humboldt Kindergarten
Makenna Macdonald – Humboldt Kindergarten
Rebecca Harr – Humboldt 4th Grade
Laura Meland – Educational Assistant
Jessica Luhman – Hartford Speech teacher
Libby Vadergrift – Food Service
Tiffany Oster – Hartford Speech teacher
Tammy Lund – Hartford Speech teacher
Let’s meet the new teachers!
Eddie Burch – Technology
Eddie Burch has come a long way to teach at West Central. Earning his Bachelor degree from the College of Mt. Saint Joseph in Cincinnati, Burch moved to Illinois to pursue a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from North Central College. After spending 17 years as an elementary physical education teacher in the Chicagoland area, he has taken up a new position as West Central High School’s Technology teacher. Eddie also enjoys bicycling and roller skating.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: During high school, teachers played a major role in my success as a student. When I went to college, I decided I wanted to return the favor to generations.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: West Central is a district that values the education of our future leaders, and I wanted to be a part of a school district that understands the importance of a quality education.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-2022 school year?
A: I am looking forward to getting to know the staff, students and community of West Central.
Rachael Hakl – Kindergarten in Hartford
Rachael Hakl is a graduate of both West Central and Dakota State University. After studying at Dakota State University, Hakl earned a degree in Elementary/Special Education. Hakl comes to West Central with six years of experience as an Elementary Special Education teacher in Tri-Valley. She will be teaching Kindergarten at the Hartford Elementary. Besides teaching, Rachael loves to spend time with her family and friends, play golf, doing DIY projects and coaching Community Education Dance.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I’ve always had a passion for working with children. My goal was to make a difference in lives and to share my love for learning new things. I also love having fun with the kids so this platform is perfect for reaching my goals!
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: This school and community is very special to me. I grew up in Hartford and attended West Central myself. I live here in Hartford with my husband and two young children. I am excited to be teaching the learners of this community and to raise my children here!
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: To install the love of learning into my students that they will carry on for years to come. I also strive to learn from the many amazing educators that I get to work with every day!
Christopher Hernandez – 10th Grade History and 12th Grade Government
Hailing from California, Christopher Hernandez has traveled far to teach at West Central. A graduate from Long Beach State University, Christopher earned a degree in Criminal Justice before enrolling at the University of Phoenix to earn his Master’s in Education. Before coming to South Dakota, Hernandez taught Economics/Government at a high school in Orange County, and served as the head football coach. He comes to West Central this year to be its new Head Football Coach and History and Government teacher. In his free time, Hernandez enjoys hiking with his sons, spending time with his wife and playing video games.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I started coaching right out of college at my alma mater, Diamond Bar High School in California. I enjoyed working with the players and wanted to be on campus so I started substitute teaching, and then working with a different population than athletes made me enjoy education even more. So I decided to pursue.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: My family and I moved from California to South Dakota. We wanted to live in Sioux Falls or the surrounding areas. West Central had an opening in Social Science because their Head Football coach took a job at Jefferson High School so I applied. As I researched West Central, I really appreciated their vision and the history of the district.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: My goal is to provide a great experience for my classes, get my seniors through and hopefully pass, and build relationships with all stakeholders at West Central.
Dylan Ljunggren – CTE Business and Marketing
This 2021-2022 school year, the West Central School District is welcoming their new CTE teacher, Dylan Ljunggren. Receiving his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Sioux Falls, Dylan spent the past three years teaching in the Dell Rapids School District as a Middle School Social Studies. Ljunggren also took time to coach football and golf. Now he’s come to West Central to teach CTE (Career and Technical Education) Business and Marketing courses. Outside of teaching, Dylan enjoys golfing, bowling, camping, watching sports and spending time with family and friends.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: Past teachers and coaches that impacted my life motivated me to become a teacher. I hope to do the same for the students that come through my classroom.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: The opportunity to teach High School Business Classes, the community and the West Central School District’s reputation. I believe in the school’s mission and the values that are displayed.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: To ensure all students learn the provided material in a safe and friendly environment.
Dylan Kor – Special Education
A Special Education teacher in Minnesota for five years, Dylan Kor is coming at West Central for his sixth year of teaching. Graduating from the University of South Dakota in 2016, Dylan will be teaching Special Education in the Middle School. His hobbies include enjoying the outdoors, playing sports and hanging out with his family and friends.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I was motivated to become a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in kids’ lives, especially those students where school sometimes doesn’t come easily for them.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: I previously taught in a small school district in Minnesota where the community supported the school and to me, I felt the same feeling when I was looking into teaching at West Central.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: My goal for this year is to build relationships with both my students and coworkers.
Jill Michaelson – Special Education
Originally a substitute teacher in the Sioux Falls School District, Jill Michaelson earned her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from the University of Poland and a Masters of Education in Special Education from Augustana University. Jill then became a paraprofessional at the Tea Area Middle and High School. This school year, she will be teaching Special Education at the Humboldt Elementary. Jill’s hobbies include spending time with her husband, Greg, whom she’s just celebrated 22 years with. She also loves spending time with her four children, ages 5, 7, 8 and 18. Together they often bike, hike and travel.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I enjoy working with students and love being around children. I like to help students learn and grow in their knowledge.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: I wanted to work in a smaller district, and the West Central School District has an excellent reputation for having a strong commitment to students and the community.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: My goal for this year is to build relationships with my students and the staff at Humboldt Elementary. Another goal is to improve my teaching and find new ways to help my students learn.
Keith Moe – 5th Grade
Having previously worked in Howard as a 4th grade teacher, this year Keith Moe begins his first year teaching 5th grade at the Humboldt Elementary. A graduate from South Dakota State University, Keith has spent three years in Howard but has joined the West Central School District in the 2021-2022 school year. Besides teaching, Keith loves playing board games with his bride and friends, as well as watching sports, traveling and reading.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I, like I think most teachers, had a really passionate teacher/coach in my life. He pushed me, helped motivate me, and most importantly, he believed in me.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: Growing up in a nearby small town, West Central always had a good reputation. I made several friends from West Central in high school. I was also very impressed with the school and staff during my interview.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-2022 school year?
A: Growth. For myself and my students. Wherever they are at when they come to school, the goal is growth. I know there is always something I can improve on as a teacher.
Jeena Morris – Educational Assistant
A graduate of Summit High School, Jeena Morris is both working as an Educational Assistant for the West Central School District and furthering her education online through the University of Arizona. After spending the previous school year as an Educational Assistant in the Summit Elementary, Jeena is working as an EA in the West Central Middle School. She also loves spending time with her son, Zaydin, and traveling to different hiking trails with her dog Rhodie and her fiancé John.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I am not a teacher (yet) but I am in school to become an elementary teacher. I decided this career choice since my first job at a daycare in 2017 and realized how much joy I get from watching little minds grow! I am excited to continue this journey and can’t wait to get my own classroom!
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: I started a summer job at West Central KARE at the Elementary School and decided to apply for the EA position in the fall.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-2022 school year?
A: My goals are to gather as much knowledge as I can before I become a teacher myself. I find it very helpful to be able to work with the educators here at West Central and gain some ideas for myself. Another goal of mine is to gain healthy relationships with the students and staff, as I believe it’s important to have the bond with those you work with to make your job a little bit easier in the long run. So far, I feel so welcomed here and don’t see myself going anywhere anytime soon.
Delaine Nelson – 11th Grade English
Having taught across Arizona and South Dakota, Delaine Nelson has taught many different grades over the course of his career. Graduating in 2014 from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Delaine moved to Arizona and taught in both the Phoenix and Parker areas. In Parker he taught both 9th and 11th Grade Language Arts, moving to 7th and 8th Grade Language Arts in Phoenix. After moving back to South Dakota, Nelson taught 10th and 12th Grade Language Arts and Drama in Watertown. In 2021, Delaine Nelson will be teaching 11th Grade English, ACT Prep and Independent Studies at West Central. In his free time, Delaine enjoys watching movies, hanging out with family, watching and playing tennis and acting.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I loved school and always wanted to be in this environment, but when I learned that I could make a difference in the lives of our youth, I was hooked.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: I did my student teaching here way back in 2014 and when I saw the chance to come “home” I jumped at the opportunity. I just really love the community that is created in the school and in the city.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: To inspire as many young minds as I possibly can.
Ashley Payne – Special Education
After working in the Hartford Middle School for six years, Ashley Payne is transitioning into her new position as a Special Education teacher in the High School. A graduate of Central High School in Rapid City, Ashley attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion for both her Bachelor and Master’s degree. Having spent the entirety of her seven years teaching in the West Central Hartford Elementary and Middle School, she is moving up to the High School. In her free time, Ashley enjoys reading and gardening in the late spring and summer.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: My mother became a paraprofessional when I was in elementary school. I was able to spend time in her special education classroom when I entered high school. I grew to love the idea of working with students and helping them be most successful. Seeing such a strong/caring individual working with students will forever be considered my motivation for becoming a teacher.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: While completing my Master’s degree I took a position at West Central in Hartford Elementary. I grew to love the district and the staff at West Central.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-2022 school year?
A: For the 2021-2022 school year I hope to grow in all areas of High School Special Education that are different than middle school. I am finding many areas to grow in and become familiar with.
Katie Peterson – 2nd Grade
This school year, the Hartford Elementary is gaining a new 2nd Grade teacher in the form of Katie Peterson. Graduating from Dakota State University, Katie has spent the majority of her career teaching in the Harrisburg School District. In the 2021-2022 school year, Katie will be bringing her 14 years of experience to the West Central District as a 2nd Grade teacher. Peterson is also a member of the Hartford United Methodist Church and works closely with the Sunday school program. Her other pastimes include going to her children’s activities, fishing and hunting and watching Netflix.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: Growing up, I had a teacher that took extra time to mold me into the student that she felt I deserved to be. She opened the door for me, I was motivated to do the same for others.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: I have lived with my family and have been an active member of the Hartford community for the past 11 years.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-2022 school year?
A: My goal for the 2021-2022 school year is to take my teaching style and ability and help bring excitement and energy for learning into my second graders.
Mateya Schrader – Special Education
A certified paraprofessional, Mateya Schrader is a new Special Education teacher at West Central. After working at the Canton High School the previous year, Schrader now works with students all across the West Central High School as a Special Education teacher. Mateya also pursues baking, yoga and reading. She also loves spending time with her family.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I enjoy working with children and I find the special education program to be especially rewarding.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: My family relocated to Hartford after my husband became the General Manager of Ace Hardware.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: I’m excited to get to know the students and staff. I hope I can positively impact all of the students I have the opportunity to work with.
Noah Schuldt – 9th Grade English
The West Central School District welcomes a new 9th Grade English teacher this school year, Noah Schuldt. Having finished student teaching in the Viborg-Hurley School District, Schuldt’s beginning his teaching career as a 9th Grade English teacher at West Central. He also enjoys fishing, reading and listening to and playing music.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I have always liked helping people, and I think that educating someone can help them the most in life. Also, I had great role models to show me how fun teaching could be.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: West Central’s academic/athletic success and standing amongst South Dakota schools pushed me to apply for the school.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-2022 school year?
A: To make reading enjoyable for this new batch of freshmen.
Kyla Swier – Special Education
Kyla Swier graduated from Dakota State University in December 2020 with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. This year, she moves into a new position as a Special Education teacher at West Central High School. The 2021-2022 school year will be her first year of teaching. In her free time, Kyla has been getting into yoga and is interested in collecting rocks.
Q: What motivated you to become a teacher?
A: I really want to form strong relationships with students. Teachers have such a big impact on everyone’s lives. You grow up and you think back on your childhood and I guarantee that you have at least one strong memory of a favorite teacher. I want to be that for someone. I want to make a positive impact on a child’s life.
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: Small town close to a big city. I love the small-town feel, it’s more laid back and easygoing. I live in Sioux Falls, so it’s a bit of a drive but so far, it’s been worth it.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: My goals this year are to learn more about the SPED world and do my best. I know this first year is going to have many ups and downs. I’m prepared for failure, that’s when learning happens.
Samantha Voeltz – Educational Assistant
A new addition to the Hartford Elementary this year is Educational Assistant Samantha Voeltz. A senior at Dakota State University, Samantha is pursuing a major in Elementary Education. With previous experience as both a daycare teacher and Educational Assistant in Sioux Falls, Samantha plans to graduate in the Spring of 2023 and hopes to become a kindergarten teacher. Aside from teaching, Samantha enjoys running, competing in races and hiking with friends.
Q: What motivate you to become a teacher?
A: I have always enjoyed working with kids and have a passion for helping others. I learned that I am happiest working with children and seeing them grow!
Q: What attracted you to West Central?
A: I currently live in Crooks, SD, and often come to Hartford to run on the trails. I have always envisioned myself teaching in a nice, small town. I have gained to really like the community and hope to eventually move/live here someday! I would love to also teach in the district.
Q: What are your goals for the 2021-22 school year?
A: I hope to gain connections within the school district and be able to connect with the students I help. I am excited and happy to work here!