Winona Area Public Schools
The Winona Education Association held an “Aspiring Educators Signing Day” on Wednesday to honor the nine graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in education.
This is the second year the WEA has sponsored the event, which mimics the celebratory signing days usually reserved for college-bound athletes.
WEA Co-President Dheadra Wang introduced the future educators, and WEA Teacher of the Year Kirstin Schultz offered an inspirational message.
The future educators include:
- Brooke Calteaux, Agricultural Education, UW-River Falls
- Bryan Cassellius, Elementary Education, Winona State University
- Katrina Loos, Spanish or ELL Education, St. Olaf College
- Wyatt Manwell, Secondary History Education, Morningside College
- Marissa McNally, Elementary Education, Winona State University
- Dominic McQuinn, Science Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Morgan Starzecki, Elementary Education, University of Minnesota
- Kasey Templeton, Secondary Education, History, UW-Oshkosh
- Kate Thompson, Elementary Education, UW-Eau Claire
Calteaux always knew she wanted to be a teacher, but she decided on a path in agricultural education after taking a few ag classes and joining FFA. She has always been passionate about agriculture and the cattle industry, and wants to educate others in the future.
Cassellius’ parents and grandparents have been a motivating factor for him to enter the field of education. He is motivated by the way he sees them help students every day. His mom, Emily, is the principal at Goodview, and his dad, John, is a physical education teacher at the high school.
Loos has been impacted by all of her teachers. She says they are the reason she wants to go into education.
Manwell is a new student to WSHS this year. His favorite classes are history and politics, and his teaching role model is Mrs. O’Malley, who he had last year.
McNally said that working for Key Kids the past three years has solidified her decision to enter the field of education. Her favorite teachers are Mr. Gleason and Mr. Gilbertson.
McQuinn said his mother, Angela, a former school social worker in WAPS and now a principal in Houston Public Schools, has been the biggest influence in his decision to pursue education.
Starzecki said that working in the room of Washington-Kosciusko kindergarten teacher Kelly Allington and working with children at the YMCA have inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Templeton said he has always wanted to teach, and that this has been a calling for him. His favorite classes are history and physical education.
Thompson said that she loves learning and wants to be part of the process for others. Her favorite subject is math.