Mrs. Frederickson earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education and a Minor in Early Childhood from St. Cloud State University. She is licensed to teach Preschool through grade 6.  She is currently working on a Master's degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Education and Curriculum.

"I began my career teaching early childhood.  After three years, I took a job teaching at St. Rose School in Proctor.  A few years into teaching, I applied for the principal job.  I was principal for four years.  I came to St. John's School five years ago to teach first grade. After teaching one year, I was hired to take the principal position.  My experience in Catholic schools has strengthened my faith and my belief that this is truly a wonderful environment to educate children. "

"I enjoy working with children and seeing the gratification that comes with how much they progress.  I don't often get to teach in the classroom, but when the chance arises it is a nice change.  I want to assure that generations to follow have the opportunity to attend St. John's School.  The parents, faculty, and staff work hard to continue the tradition of providing a great education to children."     

Mrs. Knetsch earned a B.A.S. in Early Education from the University of Minnesota - Duluth.  She has been in education since 1978, she started at St. John's School in 1991.

"I really enjoy being with young children.  I love their energy and enthusiasm, their creativity, and their honesty.  The are very refreshing, and I love watching their faces light up with excitement over some activity we are doing or when they have figured some problem out.  They keep me young!"

"I knew I wanted to do something with children and teaching was the perfect choice.  I like the freedom and hands-on experiences preschool allows.  I've never regretted my choice!"

Mrs. Louwagie has a B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education earned from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD.  Her license ranges from Preschool through grade 6.  She began teaching at St. John's School in 2000.

"There is never a dull moment in teaching - and nothing as fascinating as the mind of a child.  I love watching the students learn new skills.  The expression on a student's face when he or she has mastered a new skill is very rewarding."

"I chose to teach because I have always been interested in child development.  I really enjoy watching a child grow and learn.  I like to provide experiences and opportunities that enhance a child's development.  Helping someone, especially a child, learn something new is very rewarding to me."

Miss Rachael Bass earned her B.A.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth.  Her license ranges from birth to grade three.  She began teaching at St. John's School in 2007.  

Miss Stephanie Jacobi earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Bemidji State University  Bemidji, MN.  She began her career in 2001 at St. John's School.

"I am very blessed because every day I get to do my dream job.  Teaching is rewarding for me because of the children.  I enjoy their enthusiasm for learning, their humor, and their caring hearts.  I enjoy being part of a community of individuals who care about each other's joys and sorrows.  Most of all I enjoy sharing the beauty and richness of our Catholic faith with children."

"I chose to teach at St. John's because I believe in the value of Catholic education.  I believe God chose me and formed me into a Catholic educator ever since my days in Catholic elementary school.  It was there that I found a sense of belonging, a love for God, and an eagerness for learning.  I hope to share these things with my students and encourage them as they embark on their own faith journey."

Mrs. Christensen's B.A. degree in Elementary Education and her Minor in Psychology was earned at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. She began her career in Education in 1972 and nine years later began teaching at St. John's School.

" I chose education as a career because of the positive influences that some very special teachers had in my early development. I hope that in some small way I have been and will continue to be a positive influence on the children that pass through my classroom."

"I am proud to say that twenty of the years I have taught have been spent here at St. John's School. As a teacher at St .John's I have been able to weave a thread of character traits and values throughout the classroom curriculum. I have been able to speak about my faith in God; who is the foundation of all character traits and values."

Mr. Goenner's  B.A.S. degree in Elementary Education was earned at the University of Minnesota in Duluth, Minnesota. He holds a Minor in Music, is the school's science specialist for grades four through six, and has received training in Computer Technology at IBM in Minneapolis.  He began teaching at St. John's School in 1988. He has been in education since 1980.

" I chose education as a career because I enjoy working with children. Seeing  students struggle as they try to learn a new concept makes my heart reach out to them. I know that I can teach them the skills that will help them succeed and I enjoy seeing the spark in their eyes when they have mastered a difficult concept. God has given us all the gift of knowledge. We are the bearers of knowledge to our children."

"I came to St. John's School because I believe in private Christian education. Both of my own children attended St. John's and received not only an excellent education, but also a faith in God that has seen them through their difficult High School years. In a society where almost anything goes, St. John's School gave my children a bulldog grip on morality and ethics. I am pleased to be part of this educational institution."

Mrs. Watters's  B.S. degree was earned at the University of Minnesota in Duluth. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and Social Science.  She is our social studies specialist for grades four through six.  She began teaching in 1971 and started at St. John's School in 1983.

"I chose education as a career because I love learning and teaching. Teaching gives me the opportunity to learn something new each and every day. I have always wanted to be a teacher and I love working with children. Incorporating my faith into the curriculum makes my career in teaching very fulfilling.  I get excited to start each new school year with all its challenges and rewards."

"I choose to teach at St. John's Elementary. I  taught in the public schools for several years and I had found that I had no input into what I taught. Also, parents were not very involved with their children. That has not been so at St. John's School. I am able to be part the curriculum selection process and the parents here are active and involved. St. John's Church has always been my parish and I am pleased to say that I am able to instill the Catholic values of the Church  into all areas of the curriculum. My own children attended  St. John's. They received great gains from the discipline and caring atmosphere of St. John's.  St. John's Elementary School has the atmosphere of a large Christian family."

Mrs. Marge Kaufer earned her B.S. in Elementary Education at the University of Wisconsin - Superior.  She also has a B.S. in Art which she earned at the University of Minnesota - Duluth.  She is the math specialist for grades four through six.  Her career began at St. John's School in 1993.

"Teaching energizes me.  Pre-adolescents are a joy to teach.  The rewards of watching students grow emotionally, spiritually, and academically are priceless.  Every day has its own challenges and satisfaction.  There's no other ministry like teaching at a Catholic school."

"I chose to teach because I can't imagine doing anything but teaching.  Seeing the progress the students make in academics, social skills, and spiritual development is most rewarding."

Mrs. Bremer graduated from the University of Minnesota - Duluth earning a B.A.S. in K-12 Physical Education and K-12 Health Education.  She began teaching in 2000 and started at St. John's School in 2002.  She also teaches a remedial and enrichment computer based program to students.

"I like to continue learning new things related to my area and then trying them in the class.  I enjoy passing on that enjoyment of learning.  There is always a student with a kind word or smile to enhance my day.  I hope that I am able to give them some tools to better themselves and the world around them."

"I chose to teach because I think having a healthy body promotes self-esteem and the ability to learn in other areas.  I enjoy being with the students and the teachers in an environment that values education as I do."

Mrs. Mary Jo Lapcinski                                                   Office Assistant