Welcome, New Teachers!

We are excited to welcome these new teachers in the 2019–2020 school year: 

Senora Soledad “Sol” Wagner, Spanish
We are pleased to introduce Senora Soledad “Sol” Wagner as our new Spanish teacher. Her teaching experience spans preschool, elementary and middle school students. Additionally, Senora Wagner is revered for her enthusiasm and positive relationships with students and administrators alike. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from the National Pedagogical University in Mexico, as well as additional education courses towards a master’s degree. Senora brings a rich cultural experience to share with students. Senora Wagner’s interactive style and creativity is a wonderful addition to Saint John’s.
 
Amy Nelson, Music
Please welcome Amy Nelson as our new music teacher. Mrs. Nelson has a degree in music education from Bethel University. Her primary instrument is the clarinet, but she also plays the saxophone. Amy’s home parish is St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony. She is actively involved in their music ministry. She sings in the choir and plays clarinet at Mass. Mrs. Nelson has performed in local community theater musicals. Recently, she has been substitute-teaching after many years raising the six children she and her husband, Mark, have been blessed with. “Teaching at a Catholic school gives me the opportunity to share my faith along with my passion for music performance and music education,” she says.
 
Elijah Valder, Middle School Social Studies / Athletic Director
We are excited to introduce Elijah Valder as our new middle school teacher and athletic director. Mr. Valder earned his bachelor degree in social studies, and he has a minor in Biblical studies from North Central University. Mr. Valder completed student-teaching at Minnehaha Academy in a seventh- and eighth-grade social studies class, all while coaching baseball at Hopkins High School. We are excited to have Elijah join the Saint John’s community.  
 
Jen Boog, Preschool
Please welcome Jen Boog, who will be our new preschool teacher. Jen graduated with a bachelor of science from Iowa State University. She also received an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Saint Paul College. Mrs. Boog spent the past four years as a preschool teacher at Abiding Savior Preschool in Moundsview. “Both of my daughters have attended Saint John’s since they were in Preschool,” she says. “This school holds a very special place in my heart, and I see it as an honor to be teaching preschool at the school my family loves so much.”  
 
Katya Jaede, Reading and Media
Katya Jaede is joining us as both Title 1 (reading) and Title IV (media specialist). Ms. Jaede taught second grade in Moundsview Public Schools for four years. She has a master’s degree with a focus in literacy, and recently completed her coursework for her Library Media Specialist teaching license. Last year she stepped in as the Title I teacher here at Saint John’s and at St. Rose. Her daughter, Sydney, will be in first grade at Saint John’s, and her son, Cooper, will be in preschool. She also has a 2-year-old daughter, Tyrsa. “I am so happy to be a part of this community and working with our students, continuing my role as a Title I teacher and expanding my role into library, technology and information literacy,” she says.