Staff & Jobs

CERTIFIED STAFF

I believe that students and families need choices in their education and that one size does not fit all. That is why I have spent my career as an educator teaching and working in Non-traditional school settings. From 1990 to 2003, I was on staff at the Mounds View Area Learning Center in the metro area as a Business Education teacher and Program Coordinator and from 2004-2008 taught at the Lumberjack High School in ISD 31.

I grew up in the area and graduated from Blackduck High School. I went to college at the University of Minnesota – Crookston, Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. My family and I lived in the Twin Cities for 17 years prior to moving back to the area 6 years ago. My husband (Lee) and I have two children and live in the Tenstrike/Turtle River area.

Paul has over 12 years of experience in teaching high school mathematics. Paul loves math and works hard to bring that enthusiasm into the classroom. Paul is proud of the advancements made by his students and encourages them to be more independent in their learning. He uses a variety of teaching techniques including class discussion, group work, lecture, field trips, and realistic application.

Paul teaches Algebra, Algebra II, Advanced math, Geometry, Statistics, Accounting, and Marketing/Sales.

Troy, comes to Voyageurs with four previous years of teaching experience. He has worked in the Red Lake District, Laporte and the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School. Troy grew up in Virginia, MN, and earned his Bachelors in Elementary Education through Bemidji State, he is currently working on his Masters in Special Education. Troy enjoys all the opportunities to work one on one with the students here at Voyageurs. Troy enjoys spending time with his family, and likes to be outside as well as reading books.

Kathy has vast experiences working with students throughout the community.  She has previously worked at Evergreen, Stellher Human Services and the Bemidji School District.  She comes to us with a background in Criminal Justice and Chemical Health.  She will be providing support to students not only academically, but also with other issues that may be interfering with student success.

Bio coming soon...

Discovering grand ideas through reading, writing, and performing with students brings great joy to Cindy Nelson's teaching career. Her zest for exploring the natural world blend well with her academic goals and preparing young people for the many paths they will take in life. Cindy's appreciation of the global community led her to earn her Master's in English; her thesis being the importance of multicultural representation of literature in the nation's public schools. In Cindy's eight years at Voyageurs Expeditionary High School, she has led students on three international trips to Belize, Italy, France, and England. Previous to these trips, she led students to Russia. As well as traveling with students and teaching English at Voyageurs, she has also directed one-act plays and coached students in Poetry Out Loud Competitions. Cindy believes her goal in working with young people is to provide opportunities for them to discover their talents.

Becky has been the science advisor at Voyageurs Expeditionary High School for the past two years. Becky has a passion for helping students learn about the natural world and the importance of scientific literacy in their lives. She has a strong background in environmental education and is pursuing a masters in MaEd: Environmental Education. She strives to bring sustainable practices opportunities to our students and their community.

She has several years of experience teaching in a non-traditional educational setting and believes that the project based model of Voyageurs Expeditionary High School opens more learning opportunities to our students. Becky has taken students on in-state, overnight trips and looks forward to taking more learning trips with students. Trips to The Audubon Center of the North Woods, our authorizer, allow Becky to work with students in an environmental setting that furthers the mission of our school.

Check out Becky's website at: https://sites.google.com/site/beckyvehs2/

Ruth has been a substitute teacher in area schools the past couple of years.  She is joining us as a paraprofessional and will be helping students in Math and those who need extra support in their coursework.

SUPPORT STAFF

Administrative Assistant Jean Fjelsta better known as the Director of First Impressions (DOFI), brings her wit, charm and uncanny ability to multi-task to the office of VEHS. Jean has all kinds of experience working with young people and parents in educational settings. Students, staff, and parents know and trust Jean and are inspired by her dedication.

Helping VEHS make good financial decisions along with accurate budgeting is Business Manager Rita Poulton. Rita brings several years of experience working with charter school finance along with a background in accounting to the forefront for Voyageurs. Rita's skills have been recognized around the state giving the board and VEHS supporters confidence that VEHS is sound economically!

Cheryl Shough has worked for VEHS since August of 2007. Her own three kids graduated from VEHS. She is the maintenance person, food service person, and office worker. Cheryl was born in Newfoundland Canada and raised in Solway MN. She is married to Paul Shough the I.T. guy, has one dog named Prince and a Cat named Pouncer. Cheryl enjoys reading novels, working with stained glass and spending time with her family.