By Paul Downer

Community Editor

Last week, the Times introduced new staff members at Central High School and Central Middle School. This week, four new members of the Central Elementary School staff will be featured.

A total of nine new teachers have joined the district this year, and each took time before the first week of school to introduce themselves, share their initial impressions of the district and explain their goals as new instructors at Central Schools.

Alissa Friend

Third grade elementary teacher

Alissa Friend was a late addition to the year’s new hires, but has hit the ground running in her first weeks on the job.

After graduating from Eagan High School, Friend attended Gustavus Adolphus College, where she graduated last year with a degree in elementary education. Following her graduation she served as a student teacher in Belle Plaine, but the staff at Central Schools quickly won her over.

“I know [Belle Plaine and Central] are kind of rivals in sports, but the staff here has been amazing,” Friend said. “When I interviewed I fell in love with the people here.”

Friend is equally excited to take charge of a classroom full of energetic elementary school students.

“I think it’s a lot of fun to work with kids that age. They are starting to become independent thinkers and starting to do a lot of things on their own,” she said.

When not corralling a class of youngsters, Friend enjoys reading and traveling (she has visited all 50 states) and sports of any kind.

“I love sports,” she said. “Football, basketball baseball, anything.”

As for her personality, Friend said she is energetic and positive, but also possesses the patience to handle young children. In her work, she hopes to inspire students to find a passion.

“I want all my kids to find something that they know they are good at and that they love,” she said.

Tamara Hedeen

Elementary literacy coach and reading instructor

When Central staff received the improved results of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA-II) math and reading assessments this summer, they credited an increased focus on reading for raising the district’s scores in both subjects.

The district aims to continue that improvement by maintaining a strong reading focus this year, and Tamara Hedeen figures to be an important part of that effort. Hedeen has been brought in to serve as an elementary literacy coach and reading instructor.

Hedeen, originally from New Brighton, attended Irondale High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College. In 2000, she received her master’s degree in teaching from the University of St. Thomas.

At Central, Hedeen will work with small groups of students to improve their reading skills, and work with teachers in support of reading programs. In addition, she will be involved in data collection for reading assessments.

As for previous experience, Hedeen filled a similar role in the Robinsdale school district last year. Before that, she worked for the Reading First program administered by the University of Minnesota, a program in which Central Elementary School participated last year. Perhaps because of that connection, Hedeen has found the transition to Central Schools a positive experience so far.

“It seems like a warm and friendly staff that has the best interests of the children in mind and is really motivated to improve, raise test scores and be a competitive school,” Hedeen said.

When not passing on her love of reading to students, Hedeen enjoys running and outdoor activities such as camping and water sports. The mother of three also stays busy pursuing her love of photography and scrap booking.

Because of her position, Hedeen’s goals at work are clear-cut. She intends to continue strengthening the reading program, to build a guided reading library and to be a resource for district staff as well as students.

James Leonard

Elementary physical education

The elementary school staff was further bolstered this summer by the husband/wife team of James and Katie Leonard. James will take over a physical education role long filled by Darroel Damman, and Katie will provide K-5 special education services.

Both come from small town Cherokee, Iowa and attended the University of South Dakota at Vermillion. They graduated this spring, married this summer and began looking for a district in which they could both work together. However, the couple wasn’t able to find a district with two suitable openings until they attended a job fair in Souix Falls, South Dakota where they met up with Central staff.

“It was starting to look pretty grim for us to even find something even relatively close together, but then there was a teacher’s job fair up in Sioux Falls and Central was there. They offered us an interview, and this town is just like what we came from, about the same population and school size. That’s what we were looking for,” said James.

The couple’s initial impression of the town has been particularly favorable.

“It’s a great community. Everyone has been very nice. When you tell them you’re new teachers they are always interested in what you’re doing. We went to Stiftungsfest and it looks like everyone has a pretty good time there. And talking to [elementary school principal Bob Iverson], he said the elementary school is growing from the younger grades up, which means great things for the school system,” James said.

In his classes, James aims to impart to students an appreciation for a wide range of physical activities that will be useful for a lifetime. In addition to the usual fun and games, he hopes to incorporate less conventional activities such as biking, frisbee and golf.

“When I tell people I’m an elementary PE teacher they all think, ‘Oh, you’re just going to play dodgeball or tag.’ Well, I’d like to work in more lifetime activities,” James said. “With society’s obesity problem I think that’s pretty important.”

Outside of class, James enjoys hunting, fishing and playing sports — basketball and football in particular. As for the age group he is teaching, James said that the younger children can be the most fun.

“They are so young and excited, easy to please. They still enjoy coming to class and they keep you young as well,” he said.

Katie Leonard

K-5 special education

Like her husband, Katie Leonard enjoys working with younger students because of their excitement. She graduated this spring with degrees in elementary and special education, and was happy to find a home in Central.

“We met with the superintendent and Bob Iverson, the elementary school principal, and they were so nice and easy to talk to. They brought us up here for an interview and we enjoyed the district and everyone we met in it,” Katie said.

In her new position, Katie hopes to reach her students and make their learning experience an enjoyable one.

“I want to have an impact on the children. I want them to want to come to school. A lot of kids, especially in special education, don’t want to be at school or come to the room for extra help. I want to make it enjoyable to learn,” said Katie.

In her spare time, Katie said she loves doing anything outside, playing tennis or golf, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Her adjustment has been made easier by an open personality.

“I’m pretty outgoing, and I enjoy meeting new people,” she said.

In addition to the teachers mentioned above, Betsy Pysick of Cologne was added to district staff as an Early Childhood Family Education instructor.