Belle Berg, the new Third grade teacher at Fillmore Central, graduated from Chatfield High School and earned a degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement from Luther College. She was inspired to become a teacher by her late grandmother, Linda Schulz, who was Berg’s elementary school secretary. “She touched so many lives, and I can only hope to make a difference in the world like she did,” Berg explained.
Due to living close to Fillmore Central, Berg decided to apply there. “As soon as I interviewed and got a feel for the staff and environment, I knew this was the place I wanted to be a part of. Fillmore was the right fit for me.” Berg’s goal is to help each of her students grow and learn in the best way for them. “I enjoy creating a positive classroom environment where students feel comfortable to fail and succeed together,” she said.
In addition to teaching, Berg is also the assistant varsity coach for Chatfield softball. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Kelsey Biel, the new Career and Technical Education teacher at Fillmore Central this year graduated from Fillmore Central in 2020. After that she attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities where she earned a degree in Agricultural Education with a minor in Animal Science. “I decided to become an agricultural teacher because I see so much value in this program by being the bridge of our agricultural community and our strong school,” she said.
Biel jumped at the chance to teach at Fillmore Central when the opportunity arose. “I have enjoyed bringing in community members of Harmony, Preston, Fountain area for students to learn more about what industries are in our area, and how it could be applicable to them. I think that is the best way for students to explore what they may want to do after high school,” she said, “I love building connections with the students, and watching them shine when they each have their own ‘light bulb moments.’”
When she’s not teaching, Biel enjoys working on her family’s dairy farm outside of Harmony and catching up with her friends.
Although it’s her first year as a 3-4 preschool teacher at Fillmore Central, Sonia Bockoven is not new to the district. For the past year, she’s been the media aide at the elementary library and this year, added her new position.
Bockoven earned her Master’s in Early Childhood through Northwestern College in Iowa. A native of Harmony, she moved back to the area when her husband accepted the position of pastor at the Greenfield Lutheran Church. She had always wanted to be a teacher so she’s thrilled to be working at Fillmore Central. “Creating experiences, being imaginative, and working with families and colleagues to help children learn and grow is a wonderful way to spend my day,” she said. She loves seeing children’s excitement for learning in preschool and also enjoys trying to find a good read for students in the library.
In her spare time, Bockoven loves to play games with her family, cook and bake, read, listen to music, and spend time outdoors.
A native of Harmony, Emily Hahn-Larson is the new 5-12 band director at Fillmore Central this year. She studied Vocal and Instrumental Music at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minn.
Hahn-Larson decided to become a teacher when she first started college and had several teachers that inspired her along that path. “I wanted to teach at Fillmore Central, my alma mater, since I started teaching in 2004. There was an opening and I was lucky to have been chosen for the position of Fillmore Central band director,” she explained. “I love working with the students and seeing their progress. It is a joy to work with the youth.”
In her spare time, Hahn-Larson enjoys leading the Daises at the local Girl Scout troop, spending time with her family, and taking vacations with her children.
Derek Ihrke, the new fifth grade teacher at Fillmore Central this year, graduated from Winona State University from the Elementary Education program in 2017. In 2023, he earned his Master’s in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership.
A native of St. Charles, Minn., Ihrke taught for seven years in Albert Lea. He was searching for a teaching job closer to his family and was excited to take a position at Fillmore Central to fit the bill.
Ihrke loves the positivity and optimistic outlook on life that children tend to have, so teaching seemed like a good option for him. “I love getting to interact with so many smiling and happy faces each day,” he said. “It has also been great to be on such a fun fifth grade team.”
When he’s not in the classroom, Ihrke loves to get outdoors for fishing, hunting, hiking, sports, walks, and woodworking.
Anna Lane is the new Science/German/ELL teacher at Fillmore Central. She studied German and International Studies and then earned her M.A. in Teaching from Kansas State University.
Lane is originally from Eau Claire, Wisc., but now lives in Lanesboro. Last year, she worked for the Southern Minnesota Ed Consortium, but is now able to work closer to home teaching at Fillmore Central.
Lane’s parents and both siblings are all teachers so in a family of educators, it’s not surprising that she is also following that career path. “I get to learn alongside all of my students. Every day is new and exciting!” she said. Lane especially loves teaching middle school students.
In her free time, Lane likes to run, knit, garden, and hang out with friends.
Karlee Spande is the new Reading and Math Support teacher this year at Fillmore Central. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and has begun the process of earning a Master’s Degree at Minnesota State University.
Spande grew up in Lanesboro, so being a Falcon instead of a Burro has been an interesting adjustment for her. She knew she wanted to be a teacher from the time she was in middle school. For the last six years, she taught first grade at Blooming Prairie, but the two-and-a-half hour commute each day was hard. “I heard a lot of great things about the staff and community at Fillmore Central that pulled me to work here. It has been a wonderful experience so far and I enjoy coming to work with the staff and students here,” she said.
The new position has been a change for Spande, but she’s been enjoying it. “Instead of having my own classroom of students, I get to work with large groups and small groups from different classrooms,” she explained. “My favorite part is helping students grow in their learning.”
When she’s not at work, Spande enjoys spending time with her husband and son as well as doing activities outdoors.
Logan Walker, the new SPED teacher at Fillmore Central, received his Bachelor’s in Special Education – Academic and Behavioral Strategist from Winona State University in 2020. He graduated in 2024 from Concordia University of St. Paul with a Master’s in Trauma and Resilience in Education.
Walker is from Forest Lake, Minn., and moved to Preston in the summer of 2023, but was commuting over an hour to work each day. His wife, a Fillmore Central graduate, suggested he apply at the district. “Joining Fillmore Central felt like a natural fit and I’m thankful the district gave me the opportunity to join the team,” he said. “What I love most about my job is seeing the progress that my students make, no matter how big or small. Every day is something new and rewarding. I get to help create an environment where my students feel valued, capable, and empowered to learn.”
In his spare time, Walker enjoys spending time with his wife and son, being outdoors on their hobby farm, hunting, and staying active through baseball and golf.
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