New teaching staff starting at WEM

A number of new teaching staff and school district employees had a chance to meet Waterville Chamber of Commerce members during the New Teacher’s Luncheon held at El Molino's in Waterville Thursday, Aug. 25.

The new staff were asked a few questions about themselves, their families, education, and why did they become a teacher. Here is some of the background information the new hires provided the LifeEnterprise Newspaper.

Emily Kratzer Title: K-4 Music Teacher Education and past teaching experience: BA from Gustavus in ’04, taught piano, guitar and voice lessons for 8 years, CVLHS choir director. Family: husband Andy—mental health social worker for Blue Earth County Carly 12; Corine 10; Cleighton 5; Cohen 3 Why did you become a teacher? Never wasn’t a teacher! I always gravitate toward teaching, from Sunday school and VBS as soon as I could, to playing school with my siblings. I love to share my passion of music with anyone. To explain some of the depth of music and open the eyes to the huge world of music really excites me. What are you most looking forward to in your new position? Working with the WEM school district kiddos!! There’s a reason my husband and I chose to send our children to this school. We love this area and the rural flavor of the area.

MaryAnn Eich Title: High School Family and Consumer Science (FACS) Education and past teaching experience: I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have taught in higher education in a technical college for 15 years. Family: my husband Paul and I have three children. Our oldest lives in Cedar Rapids with his wife and baby girl. We have two kids at home. Our son is 14 and entering 9th grade at WEM and our daughter is 12 and entering 7th grade In Morristown. Why did you become a teacher? I enjoy teaching and I love seeing and helping others succeed. What are you most looking forward to in your new position? Seeing my students succeed and have fun doing it.

Andi O'Neil Title: K-4 Media Teacher Education and past teaching experience: Bachelors in Studio Art at St. Olaf College. Masters of Elementary Education at Hamline University. This will be my 5th year teaching. I have taught all grades K-4. Family: I have been married to my husband AJ for the past three years. We have a one year old daughter named Adler. Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I love working with kids. I love building relationships with them and watching their light bulb moments. What are you most looking forward to in your new position? I am looking forward to meeting all the kids and working with all the grade levels. I am also looking forward to switching gears and being a Media Teacher.

To see more on this story pick up the September 1, 2022 print edition of the LifeEnterprise paper.