Madam Hannah Ames, the new French teacher here at Coon Rapids, is originally from Lakeville, Minnesota where she was involved in debate, speech, mock trial, senior class officer, and NHS. Ames chose teaching as a career because she had “awesome teachers in high school, and I believe every student deserves a teacher that is passionate about what they do and their students, and I hope to be that.” She went to College at University of Texas–“Hook ‘em!” She picked French because “I studied all throughout high school [and] I didn’t want to lose my French, so I majored in it and I decided to teach French.” Previously, she worked in France as an English teacher. She chose the position here because she “really wanted to work at a high school.”

• Movie I would star in: Goodwill Hunting
• If I could take credit for writing any book, it would be: Catch 22
• To relax I like to: Paint my nails
• My favorite vegetable is: Brussel sprouts
• If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to: Southeast Asia, like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
• Three words to describe me in high school: up-tight, stressed and busy

Jocelyn Moses, a new English teacher here at Coon Rapids, is originally from Wausua, Wisconsin where she was involved in swim team, alpine ski team, track and field, NHS, FCA, fan club, student council, LINK crew, youth group, life guarding, and yearbook. Moses chose teaching as a career because “of how much I enjoy working with students. I enjoyed having teachers who took the time to get to know me and who impacted my life – I wanted to do that for other students.” She went to college at University of Northwestern in St.Paul. She picked English because, “I love English, always have. English is fun and exciting. There is always a new book to read or message to be written. The subject has a lot of room for creativity and interpretation.” Previously, she student taught here with Mrs. Griemann. This is her first year as a teacher. She chose the position here based on her experiences last year. “The school unites like a family and it is a fun and safe learning environment,” Moses said.

• Movie I would star in: Divergent or How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• If I could take credit for writing any book, it would be: The Things They Carried
• To relax I like to: Sit outside and read in my hammock or throw in a funny movie. I also enjoy game nights with friends.
• My favorite vegetable is: Carrots or green beans
• If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to: Australia
• Three words to describe me in high school: Outgoing, involved and organized

Andrew Smith, a new Science here at Coon Rapids, is originally from Anoka, Minnesota where he was involved in football, wrestling, track and field, and NHS. Smith chose teaching as a career because “I really enjoy helping people learn new things.” He went to college at Gustavus Adolphus. He picked science because “[it’s] the basis of all things.” Previously he worked at Northdale. He chose the position here because he thinks Coon Rapids has “great school pride and wonderful students.”

• Movie I would star in: Harry Potter
• If I could take credit for writing any book, it would be: Enders Game
• To relax I like to: [play] video games
• My favorite vegetable is: Corn on the cob
• If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to: Germany
• Three words to describe me in high school: Athlete, academic, dorky

Ann Gliddon, a new Biology teacher here at Coon Rapids, is originally from Roseville, Minnesota. She participated in swimming and orchestra, volunteered for political campaigns, and worked as a newspaper editor. Gliddon chose teaching as a career because “I love learning and helping students discover their potential.” She went to college at Carleton College in Northfield MN. She picked biology because “it’s all about the world around us and our bodies’ world. It’s relevant to everyone!” She chose the position here because of “the biomedical sciences program and Mr. Gliddon said it [is] a great place with great students.”

• Movie I would star in: I would be terrible – I can’t act. In the middle school play I was cast as a statue
• If I could take credit for writing any book, it would be: I would write a book about how to cook meals and freeze them for later – it is my expertise because I always like to be prepared
• To relax I like to: Go on walks with my son – he’s 10 months old and he loves being outside
• My favorite vegetable is: I love veggies! Maybe asparagus
• If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to: India
• Three words to describe me in high school: Nerdy – I still am! Serious

Paula Johnson, a new math teacher here at Coon Rapids, is originally from Andover, Minnesota. She was involved in link crew, peer mediation, soccer, cross country, track and field, weight training, and NHS. Johnson chose teaching as a career because she “tutored [her] sister in high school.” She went to college at Saint Cloud State University. She picked math because “[I] like to help people understand [math].” She chose the position here because she is “close to home.”

• Movie I would star in: Mulan
• If I could take credit for writing any book, it would be: The Harry Potter series
• To relax I like to: Run
• My favorite vegetable is: Zucchini
• If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to: New Zealand, because it’s beautiful
• Three words to describe me in high school: Hard working, perfectionist, nerdy