New teachers joining staff at Granton School District
The new school year just got underway yesterday, Sept. 3, at the Granton Area School District. The TRG issued a questionnaire to the district’s new teachers as a get-to-know-you feature. The following are their responses.
Derek Blanchard
Hometown: Marshfield New position: High school English/middle school business education at the Granton Area School District Education: I have a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Minnesota. I’m currently enrolled in UW-Whitewater’s master’s in business education program, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025.
Experience: This is my first year teaching. I worked for 17 years in commercial and agricultural banking and own a number of businesses. Becoming a teacher has been my dream for the past 20 years and I’m finally taking the steps to make that dream a reality.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?
There is nothing more exciting than seeing students have success and learning skills that will stick with them for a lifetime. I look forward to bringing my real-world experience into business classrooms and passing on everything I’ve learned to the next generation.
Family: I’ve been married to my wife Nicole (definitely my better half) for almost 15 years. We have four sons: Dominick (13), Deacon (11), Dax (5) and Damon (1).
Hobbies/interests? Anything else you would like the community to know? I really enjoy golfing, watching my kids’ sporting events, coaching middle school track and spending time with my family. I’ve also really enjoyed graduate school. I’m a lifelong learner, so learning about teaching theory and practices has exercised the creative part of my brain in ways it hasn’t been for many years. I look forward to getting to know all of my students and being a positive influence in their lives as their teacher.
Valorie Brecht Hometown: Loyal New position: Middle and high school choir teacher (part-time) Education: I have a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in vocal pedagogy from Crown College, St. Bonifacius, Minn. I also have a bachelor’s degree in English.
Experience: This is my first year as a classroom teacher. I was a section leader in my college choir. I also have taught private piano and voice lessons on and off for the past several years. I’ve helped with Vacation Bible School at church, as well as taken care of younger children in the toddler room/nursery.
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?
Music was always one of my favorite classes growing up. I loved being in choir and band, and had some really good teachers. I like the idea of being that person for someone else and helping the next generation enjoy music too! Watching the students improve, grow and develop as musicians has the potential to be very rewarding. Not to mention how enriching music is for the the entire brain.
Family: My parents are Peter and Karyn and I have one older brother, Ben.
Hobbies/interests? Anything else you would like the community to know?
When I have free time, I enjoy walking, bike riding, playing board games and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy singing in the Central Chamber Chorale based in Marshfield. I am excited and grateful for this opportunity!
Ashley Dean
Hometown: Granton
New position: Kindergarten teacher Education (What degree(s) and licensure(s) do you possess and from which institutions? I graduated from UW-Stevens Point this last May with my degree in early childhood education!
Experience: I worked at Bright Horizons with children ages 2-3 for about two years while I was in school. This will be my first year teaching as a kindergarten teacher! I am very excited to be teaching in the classroom that I was taught in!
What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world? I love to watch the children learn and try new things! I enjoy the sense of family when you walk into the school doors!
Family: My parents are Sara and Andy Dean and I have a twin sister, Holly.
Hobbies/interests? Anything else you would like the community to know? I really enjoy doing things with my family; we play board games, have cookouts and just spend time with each other! I am very excited to be starting my first year of teaching at such a great school!
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
