New to school

New middle school teachers have already made an impact on their students.

This year, new 2018-2019 middle school teachers include Chris Sampson, Destinee Stamer, and Lauren Jenson. We should thank these teachers and have a conversation with them. While also befriending them and thanking them for what they teach here.

Chris Sampson is the 6th-grade science teacher whose class encompasses physics, chemistry, and engineering. “I try to incorporate as much hands-on material in the lab setting,” said Sampson. Before he came to teach in Cannon Falls, he worked in the auto parts industry. He worked all through college and even some time after to support himself. He worked in auto parts during the school year as a commercial delivery driver and was also a foreman for a landscaping firm in South St. Paul where he managed a commercial lawn crew and plowed snow in the winter months. His favorite animal is a Labrador retriever and he loves the color blue.    

Understanding how to read, write, speak, and listen effectively are necessary skills, and I am lucky to be able to teach those skills

— Destinee Stamer

Destinee Stamer is the 7th-grade language arts teacher. “I teach English because it is a subject that has greatly impacted my life and I feel very passionate about it. Communication is important and it is something we do every single day. Understanding how to read, write, speak, and listen effectively are necessary skills, and I am lucky to be able to teach those skills.” Stamer said. She taught high school English here in Cannon Falls last year before she moved on to the greater challenge of middle school. Before that, she was a substitute teacher for Saint Paul’s Public Schools. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas in December 2016 with a Master’s Degree in English. She also did her undergraduate at St. Thomas. If a student isn’t paying attention in class, Ms. Stamer address the student by redirection. She has a small conference with the student in the hallway, and most of the time it does the trick.

As nerdy as it sounds, I love math for so many different reasons that I cannot even begin to express my thoughts and feelings

— Lauren Jenson

Lauren Jenson is the 7th-grade math teacher. “As nerdy as it sounds, I love math for so many different reasons that I cannot even begin to express my thoughts and feelings. It is one of those subjects that is difficult and time-consuming, but at the same time with practice and a little patience it becomes simplistic and quick.” Jenson said. Her favorite color is green and her favorite animal is the sloth. She enjoys watching hockey and she like the Boston Bruins. Before Lauren Jenson taught at Cannon Falls Middle school she taught high school and middle school at Nicollet Public Schools. Before that, she was a student at Minnesota State University – Mankato. These teachers have been working really hard. Next time when you pass them, talk to them and have a conversation.