Meet the Graduate Teaching Fellows

Annie Cuddie is currently teaching visual arts at Mankato Area Public Schools while pursuing a graduate degree in Educational leadership.

As a new teacher, Annie was surprised at how fast the school year goes. As a student, she couldn't wait for a break, but as a teacher, she sometimes wishes things would slow down.

Annie was drawn to the teaching field because she loves seeing students become engaged with the art they are making. "When they are truly engaged and excited for what they are making, whether it is just an experimental process or the final artwork, my heart feels so happy!"

When asked about her advice for undergraduate students who are considering a career in teaching, Annie recommended they find both personal and professional support. "Teaching is such a rewarding career, sometimes you just need a helping hand to get you there."

When asked about the graduate teaching fellowship program Annie shared, "If you are considering this opportunity, stop and just do it. This is the best way I could have taken on my first year as a teacher! Without the support from my mentor and professor, I wouldn't have been able to do it. It made my ‘first-year fears’ less scary and helped me feel supported from every angle."

One of Annie’s favorite quotes is by Andy Warhol. "Art is what you can get away with." Another is from Pablo Picasso. “Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not."

Outside of teaching, Annie loves to create art, cook, hike, and hang out with her partner and her dogs.

Meet All our Teaching Fellows! 

Madi Larson is currently teaching second grade at Waseca Public Schools while earning her graduate degree in Elementary Education.

When asked what drew her to the teaching field, Madi stated that during high school she wanted to become a teacher after her school counselor recommended this career path. Madi enjoys teaching second grade because her students are hardworking. “I haven’t worked with younger groups before, and I’m amazed by how hard they work, how caring they are, and how smart they are! I love working with this age group!”

For individuals who are considering a career in teaching, Madi believes that hard work pays off.  “As long as you work hard and stay focused, it is one of the most rewarding jobs you could ever have.”

One of Madi’s favorite quotes is, “It’s okay to be where you are, but not to stay there.”

Outside of teaching, as a hobby, Madi enjoys driving race cars. She also enjoys big family get-togethers and spending time with friends.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Macy Pederson is currently teaching first grade at Le Sueur-Henderson Public Schools while pursuing a graduate degree in Reading.

Macy enjoys teaching first grade because her students are very creative. "Students are very creative and use their imaginations all the time. There are a lot of foundations that are taught in first grade and a lot of ‘ah-ha’ moments are created."

When asked what drew her to the teaching field Macy responded, “it allows you to have a lifelong impact on children's lives. I want to make learning fun, create a space where every child feels like they belong, and teach students skills that will help them inside and outside the classroom.”

As for advice to undergraduate students considering applying for the graduate teaching fellowship, Macy’s experience showcases it: the program has allowed her to make connections with a mentor teacher, professors, and other students who want to support her and help her to succeed.

For individuals who are considering a career in teaching, Macy advises to develop your ‘why’ and stick to it. Doing so, Macy says, will "help you through the lows and highs, stressors and successes, and give you grace when you are doubting yourself. Teaching is a hard, but very rewarding job. Kids need love and support and if you give that to them every day, you are making an impact." Along with this, two of Macy’s favorite quotes are “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” And “A great teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.”

Outside of teaching, Macy enjoys being outdoors, attending sporting events and concerts, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Kelsey Ross is currently teaching fourth grade at Tri-City United Public Schools while pursuing a graduate degree in Reading.

Kelsey enjoys teaching fourth grade because it is the year in many children’s lives that is considered a transition year. "One of the great things about being their teacher is I get to guide them through these challenging times. I have the opportunity to teach them the many life skills they need as they begin their middle school years. They are learning to be independent, have more responsibility, and build strong friendships."

As a new teacher, the most important thing Kelsey has learned is to take things one day at a time and have grace with yourself. Her advice is that when there are days where it feels like nothing went right, remember your ‘why’ and what led you to this position.

For individuals who are considering a career in teaching, Kelsey recommends that they get themselves in a classroom to see if it is the right career for them. "There are many hard parts of teaching, but the positives teaching brings you will always outweigh everything! Your students are always going to be your biggest cheerleaders!" Along with this Kelsey’s favorite quote comes from Rita Pierson. “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

Outside of teaching, Kelsey enjoys spending time at her family's cabin, baking, shopping, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Kylie Sheldahl is currently teaching eighth grade algebra at Owatonna School District while pursuing a graduate degree in Mathematics Teaching.

When asked what drew her to the teaching field, Kylie stated that she wanted to be a part of her students ‘ah-ha’ moments and being part of their support system. 

As for advice to undergraduate students considering applying for a graduate teaching fellowship, Kylie shared the fellowship provides so much support and opportunities to succeed. “I have a really good support system through the fellowship and through the district itself."

Her favorite inspirational quote is, "In a world where you can be anything, be you."

For those who are considering a career in teaching, Kylie shared that it is important having a good support system. “You might have days that you think you failed or that you weren't the best that you could be. That's okay, and you're not alone. A good support system makes the hard days easier and helps you move on to the next day to do better."

Outside of teaching, Kylie enjoys reading and working on DIY projects.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Amanda Sickler is currently teaching kindergarten at Faribault Public Schools while pursuing her graduate degree in Elementary Education.

When asked what drew her to the teaching field Amanda said she wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl. She enjoys teaching because she gets to help her students learn and grow.

As for advice to undergraduate students considering applying for a graduate teaching fellowship, Amanda explains how important it is to find time for yourself. “Make sure you manage your time, but most importantly find time for you! Don’t put yourself on the back burner!”

For Amanda, the graduate teaching fellowship has been a great way for her to connect with other new teachers and learn new ideas that she can use in her classroom.

For individuals who are considering a career in teaching, Amanda shared that teaching is a rewarding job. “Teaching is a job that requires prepping, researching, organizing, but most importantly love. I absolutely love what I do. I love my students and I love having the opportunity to learn with them every day. It will be hard but the good makes up for all the hard things.”

Outside of teaching, Amanda enjoys the outdoors, reading, boating, traveling, going to concerts, and taking her puppy for a walk.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Brittany Teachoutis currently teaching third grade at Tri-City United School District while pursuing a graduate degree in Elementary Education.

When asked what drew her to the teaching field, Brittany said she was inspired by her fourth-grade teacher who was a big advocate for her education. Now that she is a teacher, Brittany wants to do the same for her students.

As a new teacher in the field, Brittany has learned time management. “I have learned to give myself grace through this process. There are educators around me for support and I don’t need to put it all on myself.”

As for advice to undergraduate students considering applying for the graduate teaching fellowship, Brittany recommends that they reach out for support from their TOSA or mentor teacher. "Know that you are not alone in this journey. Take time for yourself so you are ready to give your students a successful education." Along with this, Brittany’s favorite quote is, “Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.”

Outside of teaching, Brittany enjoys relaxing by spending time with friends, reading, and taking walks around her neighborhood.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Jacqueline Tomas is currently teaching third grade at Centennial School District while pursuing a graduate degree in Elementary Education.

Jacqueline enjoys teaching third grade because she can grow as an educator and watch her students grow as well. "Third graders are right in the sweet spot between being lower and upper elementary. They always have creative ideas and are still curious about what their experience in school is going to be."

As a new teacher in the field, Jacqueline has learned to give herself credit for her successes and that there is always something to be grateful for. Her best advice for undergraduate students considering teaching as a career is to be ready to grow. "Consider your ‘why’ to becoming a teacher and trust yourself. It's going to have challenging moments, but so many rewards." Along with this, Jacqueline’s favorite quote is, “I always remind myself to be for the underdog.”

Outside of teaching, Jacqueline enjoys playing board games, hanging out with friends, and helping on her parent's backyard hobby farm.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Kyle Tomlinson is currently teaching eighth grade social studies at Waseca public schools while pursuing a graduate degree in Teaching and Learning.

When asked what drew him to the teaching field, Kyle said he enjoys spending his days talking about his passions and inspiring others. As a social studies teacher, he also gets to teach about almost anything in the world!

Kyle’s advice for undergraduate students who are considering a career in teaching, includes that students should practice good time management by planning ahead for each week. He also noted that students need to be aware of what they can take on and be careful not to push themselves too hard.

Kyle encourages individuals to stay motivated. “As a teacher, you have the capacity to change the world for hundreds of people every year.”

Kyle’s favorite quote comes from the movie Forest Gump. “Run, Forest, run!” He resonates with this quote because it relates to teaching. “As a new teacher, you’ve got to keep going!”

Outside of teaching, Kyle enjoys spending time with his daughter along with coaching and watching soccer.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Shakira Warta is currently teaching fourth grade at Faribault Public Schools while pursuing her graduate degree in Educational Technology.

When asked what drew her to the teaching field, Shakira shared that she wanted to create a safe space for her students where they feel comfortable to have fun and be themselves. She enjoys that each day is a different adventure.

As a new teacher in the field, Shakira realized that she is constantly learning new things. “It’s okay to not have all the answers. Students need to see that teachers are still learning and growing.”

As for advice to undergraduate students considering applying for a graduate teaching fellowship, Shakira shared that she has a support system. “The support I’ve had throughout the fellowship has been amazing. It provides a space for reflection, realization, and improvement. After meeting with my fellowship, I feel more energized and motivated to continue growing as an educator.”

Shakira’s favorite quote comes from Maya Angelou. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Outside of teaching, Shakira enjoys disc golfing, bowling, and spending time with her family.

Meet All our teaching fellows!

Matthew Weets is currently teaching senior studies social and world history at St. Peter Public Schools while pursuing a graduate degree in History.

When asked what drew him to the teaching field, Matthew stated that he has always enjoyed social studies and comes from a family of teachers. Matthew was drawn to the teaching field because he enjoys that he gets to teach content that is important for the next generation of leaders.

For undergraduate students considering a career in teaching, Matthew advises to be flexible, keeping in mind that your best-laid plans often go awry. As long as you are patient, Matthew believes that teaching is one of the most personally rewarding fields out there.

When asked about the graduate teaching fellowship program, Matthew shared, “the amount of work you’ll have can be pretty daunting, but you will have access to a great support network and come out of it with a major advantage for your career.”

Outside of teaching, Matthew enjoys reading and biking.

Meet all our teaching fellows!

Andrea Nett is currently teaching Spanish at Mankato Area Public Schools while pursuing a graduate degree in Spanish.

As a new teacher, Andrea has learned that it is important to reach out for help, ask questions, and advocate for your needs. She has found there are great coworkers who are always there to support her.

Andrea was drawn to the teaching field in high school, when a Spanish teacher made a big impact on her life by being enthusiastic, supportive, and making a connection with every student within a matter of days. She hopes to inspire the same love of learning a new language that her teacher inspired in her.

Outside of teaching, Andrea enjoys reading, going for walks with her dog, drawing, and learning new Latin Dances.