Our Teachers Help Teens Chart a Course to Success

High school teachers at the Minnesota Virtual Academy are assigned for each course and are experts in their respective subjects. They are students' partners in education, and are available every school day to help guide teens through their lessons in every subject. Here are a few of the fantastic teachers you'll get to know at the Minnesota Virtual Academy.

High School Teachers

Aneesa Adams has been teaching art and design courses since 2004. Before joining MNVA in 2010, she held a tenured position at Centennial High School in Circle Pines and taught for Minneapolis Public Schools. She holds a bachelor's degree in art education with a French minor, and a master's degree in media design and technology education. While earning her master's degree, Aneesa collaborated online with colleagues around the country, using emerging technology to create effective and enjoyable online learning environments. In addition to teaching at MNVA, she also hosts a nationwide K¹² Duct Tape Art online club.

Kathy Anderson has a bachelor's degree in literature and language arts, as well as a media certification for K–12. She has taught fifth through twelfth graders a variety of English and reading classes, including American and world literature, creative writing, grammar and composition, and journalism. She also served as a yearbook and school newspaper advisor. Prior to beginning a career in virtual education in 2005, Kathy taught in both private and public sectors and in traditional school settings. She enjoys the challenge of online teaching and loves being part of the new wave of virtual education.

Laura Belter joined the MNVA staff in the fall of 2008 and is currently the lead academic advisor for high school. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Winona State University. At MNVA, Laura enjoys working in conjunction with the teachers to help students with all their academic needs. She is dedicated to helping all students find success.

Brittney Blake graduated from Winona State University in December of 2009 with a double major in special education, specifically in developmental disabilities, and also in elementary education, with an emphasis in communication arts and literature in the middle school level. Brittney joined the MNVA team at the beginning of the 2011–2012 school year. She has worked in many different environments and at most grade levels, but her favorite is high school. Brittney looks forward to helping her students succeed in all aspects of life.

Gina Busch holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, with a Pre-K–12 certification. She has been with MNVA High School since the start of the 2008–2009 school year. She has taken multimedia and graphic design courses at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI, and has more than six years of teaching experience, which includes teaching elementary grades and high school. She spent the last four years teaching elementary art at a small charter school in Dakota, MN, as well as the last three teaching online with Houston Public Schools. She enjoys working with MNVA families and teaching art to her students, and believes that MNVA offers a wonderful program to its students.

Becky Carr graduated from the University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse with a degree in secondary education and social studies. Before teaching at MNVA, she taught in private, public, and charter schools, and says online teaching is her favorite! Becky has been an online teacher with Houston Public Schools since 2003. "I'm a pioneer in education. Just like the early pioneers settling America, I'm charting new territory in education." Becky is MNVA's U.S. History teacher.

Mark Dyar graduated from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a bachelor's degree and master's degree in education. He continued post-graduate studies in educational administration throughout his career at the University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin. Before joining MNVA in 2006, Mark served as a Director of Special Education and Pupil Services for school districts and regional agencies in Wisconsin. He holds Minnesota licensure as a Director of Special Education, Principal K–12, and Special Education Teacher K–12 in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavior Disabilities. Mark enjoys the challenge of thinking of new ways to help students become successful learners, and believes that online learning provides a unique opportunity for many students to succeed.

Deirdre Erb began teaching Latin for MNVA in the fall of 2008. She is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she earned a bachelor's degree in classical languages. She earned a master's degree in classical languages from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania and has taught Latin at both the middle and high school levels for over 12 years. She has enjoyed her venture into online teaching and looks forward to imparting her love of the Latin language to students in the program. She also began a Community Service Club at MNVA and hopes to see this group grow and spread their passion to serve others throughout Minnesota.

Darla Erickson has completed graduate work in K–12 special education: emotional/behavioral disabilities, and K–12 special education: learning disabilities, from Minnesota State University–Mankato. She also completed the licensure program in both areas there. She has a bachelor's degree in K–12 band and 5–12 classroom music from Gustavus Adolphus College. Before joining MNVA two years ago, she worked for BlueSky Online School for three years, Kingsland Public Schools for fifteen years, and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown for two years. Her teaching experience has encompassed both the special education and music world, with experience in all age groups. Darla enjoys working in the online learning environment and seeing each student grow.

Kelsy Flowers graduated from the University Wisconsin River Falls in the spring of 2009 with a double major in health and physical education. She joined MNVA-HS in the fall of 2009 as the health and physical education teacher. Kelsy has worked with students since she was in high school. Prior to joining MNVA, she worked on an elementary program with the Rochester school district. She chose to teach at MNVA-HS because she enjoys learning about and using technology. "Technology is what this generation grew up on and I am excited to be a part of a program that caters to this generation's needs and interests. I also enjoy working with high school-aged students, and I look forward to working with all of my students on an individual basis."

Linda Fruechte graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration, with an emphasis in marketing. She joined Minnesota Virtual Academy in August 2006 working in the K–8 office, and began working in the High School office as an academic advisor in July 2011. Linda's previous work experience includes working in office support, sales, marketing, and staffing.

Kelsey Glebke received a bachelor's degree from the University of La Crosse. She holds both a 6–12 social studies teaching degree and a degree in sociology, with minors in geography and psychology. She recently earned a master's degree in reading literacy from St. Mary's University in Winona, MN. Kelsey has taught with Houston School District for five years, both in the traditional high school classroom, and now with MNVA, and is excited to join the MNVA high school program.

Sara Horne started teaching English at MNVA during the fall of 2009. She completed her undergraduate degree at Macalester College in St. Paul in English, and did graduate work in Special Education at St. Cloud State University. She is licensed in 7–12 English and K–12 Special Education–EBD. Before working at MNVA, Sara taught in public and private schools, charter schools and community colleges.

Chris Johnson graduated from Bethel University in 2001 with a double major in history and secondary education: social studies. After substitute teaching in St. Paul for a year, he began a four-year teaching placement at Northwest Passage High School, a charter school that used expeditionary and project-based education. In 2007, Chris earned his master's of education from Bethel University and began working for MNVA. Chris enjoys working with the staff and students at MNVA, and is excited to see the high school grow.

Rebekah Jorgensen joined MNVA in the fall of 2008. She received a bachelor's degree in German, with a minor in mathematics at Concordia College, Moorhead, and is finishing her master's degree in teaching at Hamline University. Before joining MNVA, she served as a substitute teacher for many schools in the Twin Cities metro area, and then taught for a year at Augsburg Academy in downtown Minneapolis before beginning online teaching at the Minnesota Center of Online Learning and Minnesota Virtual Academy.

Elizabeth Kisner is a science teacher at MNVA. She graduated from Mankato State University and has taught a variety of science classes at different schools. She began working for Houston public schools in 2003, when the district's first online high school began. Elizabeth is licensed in Minnesota for all areas of science, but currently teaches earth science and honors earth science.

Peggy Knetter-Johnson (Mrs. KJ) joined MNVA in 2010 after nine years of teaching science for fifth through twelfth grades in brick-and-mortar schools in Wisconsin, Hawaii and Minnesota. Peggy earned her bachelor's degrees in biology and 6–12 education, with a minor in chemistry, from Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI. She earned a master's degree in K–8 science education from Walden University. Her favorite part of science is helping students explore their world.

Sarah Kueny has been an online teacher with Houston Public Schools since 2004. She graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, with a degree in business/computer education and a minor in coaching. Sarah has taught a variety of computer and business classes throughout her teaching career. Her favorite class to teach is career planning, as she enjoys exploring the many options for students after high school.

Tracy Lermon holds a bachelor's degree in special education, and is licensed in the area of Emotional Behavior Disorders and Learning Disabilities. She is a certified Autism Specialist, and has worked with students at both the elementary and high school grade levels. This is Tracy's second year with the Minnesota Virtual Academy High School, and she looks forward to working with her new and returning students this school year.

Janine Lohman joined the MNVA staff in 2007 and is a high school mathematics teacher. She previously taught middle and high school mathematics in the Mankato area. Her teaching experience includes teaching seventh through twelfth grade mathematics, as well as college algebra and trigonometry. She received her master's degree in teaching from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Janine enjoys teaching mathematics and welcomes the unique challenges and successes of educating in a virtual environment.

Ann Lopez joined MNVA in 2008. She earned her bachelor's degree in K–12 Spanish education and her K–8 degree in elementary education with a specialty in Spanish from Bethel University. Before joining MNVA, Ann worked as a high school Spanish teacher at a charter school in Anoka. She is passionate about Spanish and loves to share that passion with her students.

Rosine Macomber has an associate's degree in administrative assistance and has worked with MNVA since spring 2006. She is currently working as an academic advisor in the high school office, helping students and teachers reach academic success.

Jennifer Miller has been a teacher with Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2004. She received her bachelor's degree in secondary education (English), and is currently an English teacher with Minnesota Virtual Academy High School. She enjoys working with high school students, seeing the growth and satisfaction that those in this age group experience. Jennifer has a true passion to see her students succeed, and embraces the idea that not everyone fits into the traditional classroom mold. Her opinion on online education is that "...online education is an amazing vehicle for so many."

Michelle Nelson is a Special Education teacher. Having worked in the field of education for 21 years, Michelle graduated with a master's degree from Winona State University in 1989 and recently completed certification in the field of Special Education. She also holds a nationally recognized certification in Montessori Education from San Diego State University. Michelle has worked in many different environments and at most grade levels, including at a high school for at-risk students. Through experience with her own children, Michelle learned that the most important thing a student can do is recognize their strengths, weaknesses, and learning modalities. In addition to her traditional training, Michelle is a member of the Minnesota Tourette Syndrome Association. She believes that "students who learn to advocate for themselves can navigate in the world and be successful at whatever venue they decide to pursue. MNVA provides a structure for them to practice this process."

Kris Nitti joined MNVA as an English teacher. She is a dually-licensed teacher in English and social studies and has a master’s degree in education focusing on brain-based education strategies. Kris has worked in education for 16 years in both faculty and administrative capacities. Her teaching experience includes four years of computer training for faculty, staff, and students at the University of St. Thomas, five years teaching middle and high school students in various subjects, and one year teaching at Globe University. Kris’s academic interests include: literature, grammar, writing, world history, U.S. history, cultural anthropology, sociology, psychology, and philosophy.

Jacob Nylund received his science education degree from Saint Cloud State University in 2010. He specializes in meteorology, geology, and astronomy. Currently an instructor for environmental science and earth science, Jacob is interested in teaching students valuable skills and ideas they can use in all walks of life.

Jon Peterson graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in business education. He was in the banking industry before starting his career in teaching. He has taught at the post-secondary level for Rasmussen College in Fargo, ND, both online and in the traditional classroom. Jon has also taught online for Duluth Business College in Duluth, MN. His traditional classroom experience consists of teaching at the elementary school, middle school, and high school level for school districts in Wrenshall, MN and Duluth, MN. He also has experience as a football coach for a variety of schools in North Dakota and Minnesota, and currently on the Duluth Denfeld coaching staff.

Beth Robelia teaches physical science and biology at MNVA. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in zoology, and from Minnesota State University with a degree in experiential education. She has experience teaching both science and math in the metro area. Before entering the classroom, she was an instructor on canoe trips in the Boundary Waters, and a deckhand on educational tall ships.

Lori Schleif has been teaching mathematics for 20 years. She has taught students from sixth grade through college and from basic math to AP Calculus. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a degree in mathematics and education, and graduated from the University of MN with a master's degree in work, community and family education. Lori has been an online math teacher since 2004 and enjoys helping all students find success in learning mathematics.

Dean Sonsalla graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor's degree in health, physical education and developmentally adaptive physical education. Dean is in his eleventh year as an elementary physical education teacher in the Houston School District, and has been with the MNVA online high school program since its inception. He is also a graduate of Viterbo University in LaCrosse, WI, with a master's degree in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction.

Mary Beth Stromback joined the MNVA staff in August of 2008. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and a master's degree in education from Winona State University. She has 20 years of experience teaching several different science courses at Winona Senior High School, Winona, Minnesota. Her prior teaching experience also includes developing and implementing a high school science curriculum for at-risk students at the Winona Area Learning Center. She is excited about the K¹² science curriculum and hopes to share her enthusiasm with the wonderful students at MNVA.

Lan Tan was born and grew up in China. Before joining MNVA, she taught Chinese as a world language in colleges and high schools in China, Australia, and the United States. She is excited about joining MNVA, where she can use her teaching experience and her knowledge about the Chinese language and culture, as well as the technology that's present in online education. Lan received her first master's degree in applied linguistics from Nanjing University and another master's degree in computing from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Her Ph.D. thesis is about computer-assisted language learning.

Nicholas Truxal joined MNVA as an English teacher. He holds a bachelor's degree in English education (Language Arts/Communication), and has taught 9th – 12th grade English courses, including Advanced Placement and basic English courses. He created the curriculum for AP Literature used at some schools, worked with master's degree and PhD-level students at the University of Minnesota Rochester Writing Center, and has served as a technology coach for a group of teachers in Rochester. Nick is currently trying to find new and engaging ways to reach every one of his students.

Kathy Undeland graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a major in secondary education. Licensed to teach French and math, Kathy joined MNVA-HS in fall 2008 as MNVA's French teacher. She also has extensive experience teaching a variety of courses for grades 7–12: French I–IV, AP French, Math 7–8, Pre Algebra, Algebra I–II, Geometry, Algebra Topics, Geometry Topics, Advanced Algebra Topics, College Algebra and Trigonometry, to name just a few. She says, "I have always been interested in technology and everything it has to offer students and teachers—and in the field of education in general. I believe that technology is an extremely important method of communication between people, and that Minnesota Virtual Academy High School is a forward-looking school, making the future with technology a reality. I am so glad to be a part of this team!"