New staff members welcomed at Loyal School District
The Loyal School District has welcomed several new staff members this year. As the school year gets underway — Tuesday was the first day of school — the TRG wanted to provide readers a chance to get to know these individuals and their education journey. The following are their answers.
Austin Albanito
Hometown: Marshfield New position: Math teacher Education: Bachelor’s of science degree in physics, with minors in astronomy and mathematics, from UW-Stevens Point; master’s degree in education (secondary) from Western Governors University.
Experience: I’ve been teaching formally for two years, but have been informally teaching for around four years. I started by working at the planetarium and telescope at UWSP as a lecturer, teaching students about astronomy and the stars. I long-term subbed and was a general substitute teacher for the Marshfield School District for a year, then student-taught at the Pittsville School District. I worked as a full-time math teacher at Black River Falls High School last year, and now here I am at Loyal.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I’m a learner; I love learning new things about the content areas I teach, my students and coworkers, etc. I am very passionate about content, math and science, and I show that passion by talking about it to others. So, I was kind of a shoo-in for a teacher!
Tell us a little about yourself. I have a huge, tight-knit family in Marshfield. The Lang family is the name. I love PC and console gaming, tabletop games and collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering. I love cats and have two of my own: a doof of an orange cat named Castiel, and a regal calico named Lillie.
Anything else you would like the community to know: I am a published author! If you want to know anything else, just ask! I’m an open book.
Jason Belter
Hometown: Willard New position: Science teacher Education: Bachelor of science degree in biochemistry from UW-Madison, master of arts in teaching from Hamline University — licenses in general science 5-8, biology 9-12 and chemistry 9-12 Experience: I have18 years of experience teaching, most of that in Minnesota. I have taught middle school classes for many years, along with biology, chemistry, AP chemistry, genetics and anatomy and physiology.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I have always enjoyed the thrill of discovering the universe, whether that was in math, history and, of course, science. Teaching gives me the chance to share those discoveries and how cool the universe is, as well as show others how to discover for themselves.
Tell us a little about yourself. My wife is a nurse, my son is a math teacher and second-degree black belt in karate, and my daughter is studying equine science and creative writing. I enjoy Brewers, Packers and Badgers sports, as well as martial arts. I also play tabletop role-playing games.
Kira Kalepp
Hometown: Abbotsford New position: Second grade teacher Education: I have an associate’s degree in early childhood from Northcentral Technical College (2013) and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UW-Superior (2020).
Experience: I spent seven years as a teacher’s assistant and middle school volleyball coach in Abbotsford. I taught computer skills and assisted with 4K. I also spent four years teaching fourth grade at Athens Elementary.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I enjoy the family that is built among staff (the school community). I entered the education world to care for, be a positive role model for and support students in all areas while educating them.
Tell us a little about yourself. I enjoy going for walks with my dog, Emmy; traveling; and spending time with my fiancé, family and friends.
Sara Koller
Hometown: Neillsville New position: Middle/high school science Education: Bachelor of science degree from UW-Eau Claire. I have eight licensures, so I am able to teach math and any science course.
Experience: This is my 20th year teaching. I’ve taught middle and high school level math and sciences.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? My favorite parts of teaching are watching students grow and when I get to see the exact moment when something clicks for them.
Tell us a little about yourself. I have two children, two dogs and several cats. My house is crowded! I like to chill with my family (human and other species), garden and hang out on the shore of Lake Superior. Maiya McSorley Hometown: Strum New position: K-12 school counselor
Education: Bachelor of science degree is psychology from UW-River Falls, master of science degree in education and school counseling from UW-River Falls, school counselor license from the Department of Public Instruction.
Experience: First year! I was a long-term sub in the fall of 2023 in Durand while I was in grad school. I just graduated in May of this year, so this is my first role as a school counselor! I am so excited to be in Loyal!
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I enjoy working with kids and helping them reach their goals. I am passionate about mental health and wanted to work in schools to be able to work with all students.
Tell us a little about yourself. I am the oldest daughter of four. I have twin younger brothers and a little sister who is a senior in high school this year! In my free time, I enjoy being surrounded by friends and family, reading, tending my house plants and working out. Doddie Rahm Hometown: Loyal New position: Interventionist professional Education: Graduate, Loyal High School
Experience: In the past, I was a lead childcare teacher. I have 15-plus years’ experience working with birth to 12-year-old children.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I enjoy helping and teaching children, and watching them thrive while learning.
Tell us a little about yourself. I have four adult children, three grandchildren and one grandchild on the way. My husband and I enjoy riding motorcycle and pulling mini-rods.
Anything else you would like the community to know?
Glad to be back in my hometown working.
Alexius Simon
Hometown: Thorp New position: First grade teacher
Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a minor in special education from UW-Stout.
Experience: I have worked at a daycare for the past two years and have experience working with children from birth through fifth grade. I’ve been around children and have babysat since I was in elementary school. This is my first teaching job and I’m very excited to start in first grade.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I have been around children my whole life, and after starting college, originally going for the medical field, I realized that teaching was more for me.
Tell us a little about yourself. I live in Thorp with my boyfriend and our cat JoJo. I enjoy spending time outside going for walks, biking and watching sports. I love crafting and spending time with my family and friends. Randi Rondorf Hometown: Abbotsford New position: Elementary special education teacher
Education: I have my 1-6 elementary and K-12 special education degree (cross-categorical) from UW-Stevens Point.
Experience: I have been teaching for 24 years. I have taught K-12 special education in all areas and fifth grade general education.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I enjoy working with young people and others (staff) that have the same feeling for teaching. I want to be a person that people can trust and are comfortable with.
Tell us a little about yourself. I have three grown daughters and three grandchildren. I enjoy being with family and friends, camping, going to sporting events, movies, kayaking, etc. Justin Stoegbauer Hometown: Fond du Lac Newposition: 4K-12 assistant principal/athletic director
Education: Bachelor of science degree in physical education, health and adapted physical education from UW-Stevens Point; master’s in educational leadership from Marian University Experience: I spent 12 years teaching middle/high school physical education. This is my first year as a principal/athletic director.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? Working as a team to have a positive impact in our students’ lives, during their educational journey.
Tell us a little about yourself. My wife, Kelsey, is a special education teacher. We enjoy golf together and I enjoy hunting and fishing.
Anything else you would like the community to know? I am super excited for the opportunity to serve the Loyal community and I look forward to meeting many of you at sporting events or around town.
VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO
