Kaylee Butteris, Annika McGill, Lilly Behlke, Seth Schmidt, Ragan Heisner
Several new teachers will greet Mineral Point students when school starts Sept. 1. Here are profiles gathered from information provided by the school district.
Kaylee Butteris joins the district as a special education teacher.
She most recently taught in Belmont and previously taught in Dodgeville. She earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood and special education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
A Burlington, Wi., native, Butteris said she is glad to be part of the district where her son goes to school.
“I am a devoted and enthusiastic teacher that focuses on the whole child. As an educator, I strive to create a safe learning environment, provide students with meaningful opportunities, encourage and guide students, be a role model, and create a sense of community,” she said. “Once I am able to build a great rapport with students, it allows me to focus on building skills academically, socially, and emotionally to foster independence and confidence.”
After student teaching in first grade, Annika McGill joins the faculty as a fifth grade teacher.
An Oregon, Wi., native, she earned her bachelor of science in elementary education with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville.
“My time here has been incredibly meaningful, and it has strengthened both my passion for teaching and my appreciation for the supportive and welcoming school community,” she said. “I foster a growth mindset where students know they have the freedom to explore their potential and succeed to the fullest. I create a psychologically safe environment where students know they can share their ideas and take risks. I show my students patience and compassion in the classroom so that they flourish into their unique selves.”
Lilly Behlke, a Galena, Ill., native will teach fifth grade. She earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and most recently taught third grade in Shullsburg.
“I was attracted to apply at Mineral Point because of the district’s commitment to create a supportive and engaging environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed,” she said. “I believe that education is a multifaceted journey, recognizing that every student learns and grasps concepts differently. It is essential to acknowledge and celebrate each student’s unique skill sets and contributions. By cultivating a positive and inclusive learning community, students will feel safe, valued, and empowered to engage in their education fully.”
Seth Schmidt interned teaching high school math in Mineral Point and now has joined the faculty.
An Appleton native, he earned his bachelor of science degree in mathematics education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
“I believe that every student wants to succeed. I strive to be a positive influence on my students’ math journey and help them succeed to the best of their abilities,” he said. “To foster a positive learning environment for my students, I create a community in my classroom that has high expectations for my students as well as a high level of support. When a student is comfortable making mistakes, they are capable of learning a great deal.”
Ragan Heisner is a new special education teacher at the elementary school.
She earned her bachelors in elementary education and special education and master of arts in education from Clarke University in Dubuque.
She comes to Mineral Point after teaching in Platteville and Benton. Her hometown is Muscatine, Iowa, and her husband is from Mineral Point.
“I come from a family of educators and have a genuine passion for helping children succeed, both inside and beyond the classroom,” she said. “I have always been dedicated to creating a warm and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”
