Spring Grove Public Schools is welcoming new faces to its classrooms this school year, including two teachers who bring a love of learning, a passion for their subjects, and commitment to helping students succeed.
Claire Bratland has returned to her hometown to teach first grade, while Ian Zahren joins the school’s music department, bringing 15 years of experience in education and a background in musical theatre.
Claire Bratland
For Claire Bratland, joining Spring Grove Public Schools is a homecoming. A 2018 graduate of Spring Grove Public Schools, Bratland is now teaching first grade, covering all core subjects.
After high school, she attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where she majored in elementary education and earned an English endorsement for grades 5-8.
Bratland said her decision to become a teacher was influenced by her mother.
“My mom was a teacher, so I grew up spending time in her classroom, and I knew that I wanted to be a teacher like her,” she explained. “I love working with children and I have a passion for teaching reading.”
Bratland is in her fifth year of teaching. Before returning to Spring Grove, she spent four years teaching second grade in New Ulm, Minnesota.
The opportunity to return to her hometown became especially appealing after she got engaged.
“I grew up in Spring Grove, so after getting engaged, we knew we wanted to be closer to our families,” she said.
In her classroom, Bratland hopes to build a foundation that extends well beyond academic achievement.
“All students can learn, and my goal is to create lifelong learners and teach students how to be kind humans,” she said. “I also want to help my students learn to love reading.”
Outside the classroom, Bratland enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her nieces and nephew. She also enjoys reading and spending time at her family’s dairy farm.
Ian Zahren
Ian Zahren joins Spring Grove Public Schools as a vocal and general music teacher for students in grades 5-12. Originally from Amana, Iowa, Zahren graduated from Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa, before attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he majored in musical theatre.
Although performance was his original career path, teaching soon became his passion.
Zahren was invited to teach at a performing arts high school after the chair of the conservatory saw him perform in a show. After teaching a trial class, he discovered a new calling.
“Watching the ‘lightbulb’ moments lit me up in a way that performing hadn’t, explained Zahren. “Even though I still dabble in the world of performance, teaching has become and remains my biggest passion.”
With 15 years in education, Zahren began his career at The Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in Saint Paul, Minnesota. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he moved to Lansing, Iowa, where he taught music and project-based learning classes at MFL MarMac and Kee High.
Zahren said Spring Grove appealed to him because of its community and school.
“It’s a small and beautiful community with some wonderful amenities and a great school! How could I not say yes?!” he exclaimed.
His teaching philosophy centers on curiosity, critical thinking, and encouranging students to explore new ideas.
“I strive to empower my students to operate from a place of inquiry and wonder,” Zahren explained. “How can we create a future where meaningful contributions are valued and support for the collective is paramount? I challenge my students to engage critically and never stop asking questions.”
In his spare time, he enjoys working out, running, yoga and a great episode of The Great British Bake Off, he said with a smile.
Additional New Teachers
Other new teachers joining Spring Grove Public Schools include Emily Schultz, who will teach K-12 music and instrumental music, and Tessa Larson, who will teach high school Spanish. Schultz and Larson were unavailable for interviews.
As the school year gets underway, the new teachers bring a range of experiences and interests to Spring Grove classrooms, united by a commitment to helping students learn, grow, and discover their potential.
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