Mabel-Canton Public Schools recently welcomed three new teachers: Abigail (Abby) Henry, Wyatt Murphy, and Nathaniel (Nate) Kroshus.
Henry teaches middle school science and K-6 ADSIS reading intervention; Murphy teaches physical education and health for grades 7-10, economics for grade 10, and government for grade 12; and Kroshus teaches band for grades 5-12 and elementary general music for grades 3-6.
The teachers shared their backgrounds, teaching philosophies, and reasons for joining Mabel-Canton School District.
Abby Henry
A 2014 Mabel-Canton graduate, Henry grew up near Canton and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Winona State University in 2022. Her experience as a Mabel-Canton paraprofessional inspired her to become a teacher because she loves working with the students and wants to do more to help others.
Now beginning her fifth year of teaching, Henry previously taught for four years at Crestwood Elementary in Cresco, Iowa. She returned to Mabel-Canton to give back to the community that shaped her and appreciates working alongside former teachers, coaches and colleagues.
“They really are like a family, and I feel like I’m home again,” she shared.
Henry aims to create “a safe and fun learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and dig deep into learning.”
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, helping on the farm, and cooking.
Wyatt Murphy
Murphy grew up in Spring Grove and earned degrees in history and secondary education from Luther College in 2025. His high school social studies teacher, Al Lochner, inspired him to pursue education.
This is Murphy’s first year of teaching. He previously completed student teaching at La-Crescent/Hokah Middle School and Caledonia High School.
He chose Mabel-Canton because, as he explained, “Growing up in Spring Grove, I knew that Mabel-Canton was another district where people could rely on each other within the building. There is a lot of support from the community in so many ways as well. Already I have seen and felt this support, and it helps me a lot as a first-year teacher.”
Murphy shared his teaching philosophy, “An important aspect of my teaching philosophy is that there are going to be great lessons and others that don’t hit, as a teacher, I need to be able to learn from both kinds of lessons to continue to refine my teaching.”
In his free time, Murphy enjoys reading historical books and historical fiction, watching sci-fi movies, and hanging out with family and friends, especially his little nieces and nephew.
Nate Kroshus
Originally from Grand Rapids, Kroshus teaches band in grades 5–12 and general music in grades 3–6.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in music theory and composition from Concordia College, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Now in his 16th year of teaching, Kroshus has taught band, choir, and general music in public, private, and charter schools across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Mostly recently, he taught in Medford Public Schools.
Kroshus explained that he was drawn to teaching by music’s ability to bring people together and give students a unique avenue for creative expression and personal growth.
“Seeing that ‘lightbulb moment’ when a student finally masters a challenging passage or connects deeply with a piece of music is what inspired me to make teaching my career.”
He chose Mabel-Canton because of the community’s strong support for the arts and the school district’s tight-knit, welcoming culture. “It’s an incredible environment where you get to know every student individually and help shape a thriving music program from elementary general music all the way through high school band.”
His teaching philosophy “centers on fostering student ownership, building positive relationships, and ensuring inclusivity by helping every student find success regardless of their initial skill level. I strive to create a collaborative environment rooted in a growth mindset where students feel safe taking artistic risks, building confidence, and discovering a lifelong appreciation for music.”
Outside of school, Kroshus enjoys performing as a semi-professional musician in regional ensembles like the Minnesota River Valley Wind Ensemble, exploring new music, and spending quality time with his family.
Together, Henry, Murphy and Kroshus bring varied experiences and a shared commitment to helping Mabel-Canton students learn, grow, and feel supported.
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