Dallas Ruud
Hometown: I am originally from the lakes area, but grew up in St. Louis Park in the cities.
Past Teaching Experience/Education: The past 10 years I have had a variety of teaching experiences. My experience includes teaching preschool through eighth grade. My Pine River-Backus journey started last spring when I was given the opportunity to teach fifth grade. This fall I am excited to continue my journey as a third grade teacher.
What grade will you teach? third grade
Interest/Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities with my family. Also, as often as possible I like getting lost in a good book.
What are you most looking forward to at PR-B? This fall I look forward to building relationships with the families in our community. I am excited to work with the third graders and help them reach their potential. I also look forward to using our school forest as a teaching tool.
Jenny Sether
Hometown: Enderlin, North Dakota
Past Teaching Experience/Education: I graduated from Valley City State University. I taught for two years at a Hutterite Colony in North Dakota, grades K-4. Then my husband and I moved to St. Paul for four years where I worked for KinderCare Learning Centers. I substitute taught for the past two years in Alexandria, Minnesota.
What grade will you teach? third grade
Interest/Hobbies: I enjoy spending time outdoors. I scrap, quilt and make some of my own jewelry. I also enjoy watching NASCAR.
What are you most looking forward to at PR-B? I am looking forward to meeting all the families and students at PR-B. I am excited to work with this wonderful staff and community.
Erica Perpich
Hometown: Crosby-Ironton
Past Teaching Experience/Education: I taught first grade for two years in Norwood Young America.
What grade will you teach? first grade
Interest/Hobbies: I enjoy running, reading and spending time outdoors.
What are you most looking forward to at PR-B? I have heard wonderful things about this district and the staff and I look forward to being a part of it.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself? I recently got married and moved back to my home town. I am very excited to be back and I'm looking forward to the upcoming year.
Julie Soukup
Hometown: Austin, Minnesota
Past Teaching Experience/Education: Teaching for 12 years and most of them in Austin, Minnesota. I have taught art, special education, fourth grade, first grade, Title One, high potential and served as Literacy Coordinator.
What grade will you teach? Title One and serve as Literacy Coordinator
Interest/Hobbies: Painting, writing, camping and any outdoor activities.
What are you most looking forward to at PR-B? I'm very excited about the new atmosphere at PR-B. The building is beautiful and safe. I'm also looking forward to implementing our new reading program and supporting my students and colleagues in any way I can.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself? I am married and I have four children.
Barbara Puleo
Hometown: Pine River
Past Teaching Experience/Education: Remer/Longville, Early Childhood, Walker, ECSE and Kindergarten music, Red Lake, ECSE
What grade will you teach? Early Childhood Special Education
Interest/Hobbies: Reading, traveling, and visiting family.
What are you looking forward to at PR-B? Working with young children and their families.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself? I have three beautiful grandchildren.
Nancy Huckstead
Hometown: Nisswa
Past Teaching Experience/Education: Pillager School District, two years ECFE, School Readiness, Pequot Lakes, seven years as paraprofessional and substitute teacher, after school program and summer school targeted services. BS in Elementary Education from Southwest MN State University with pre-primary emphasis.
What grade will you teach? ECFE and School Readiness
Interest/Hobbies: Spending time with my family, reading, crocheting, sewing, rollerblading, gardening, walking.
What are you most looking forward to at PR-B? Meeting the staff of PR-B, children and families that Kayla Cochems (my partner in ECFE) and I will be working with.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself? I am passionate about helping to instill a love of learning in young children that will follow them through their school careers and continue throughout their lifetimes.
Kayla Cochems
Hometown: Battle Lake, Minnesota
Past Teaching Experience/Education: I have had seven years working with children in the classroom. I taught first through sixth grade in a Montessori classroom in Fargo, North Dakota. I have had two years teaching preschool and Parenting.
What grade will you teach? ECFE, School Readiness, Parenting
Interest/Hobbies: Fishing, rollerblading, baking, cooking, walking my yellow lab, family time.
What are you most looking forward to at PR-B? Building a strong relationship with our families and teaching with Nancy Huckstead.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself? I am eager to become an active community member.
