Who's New to Northfield's Classrooms?—Part 4

Each year several new teachers come to Northfield schools. This school year, Northfield Patch will introduce you to the new teachers in  classrooms with brief profiles set to run in the coming days. Be sure to check back to be introduced to a new set of educators.

• Check out the
• Check out the 
• Check out the  

Eric Klein
School: Northfield High School
Grade level/subject: Student teacher/9-12/English
Last job: Just graduated with my undergrad degree from
Education: St. Olaf College—English major, educational studies concentrationHometown: Wells, MN
Hobbies: Running, reading, creative writing, rooting for the Minnesota Twins
Why I chose education: Because I firmly believe that, despite what many people believe, the "Kids these days" are not in any way different from the kids of yesterday. They just need to be taught differently. I believe I can do that. I want to do that.

Joe Jorgensen
School:
Grade level/subject: Work-based learning coordinator, high school special education department
Last job: Special education teacher in District 197
Education: Earned a BA in secondary education from Waldorf College, additional licensure through Bethel University
Hometown: Forest City, IA
Hobbies: Bowling, watching football, being involved with theater productions through the Northfield Arts Guild
Why I chose education: To be a positive influence in the lives of my students, as my teachers were for me.

Hetal Patel
School: Greenvale Park Elementary
Grade level/subject: ESL/first grade/long-term sub
Last job: Summer school EL teacher in Roseville
Education: Northwestern College, St. Paul—B.A. ESL education K-12
Hometown: Albert Lea
Hobbies: Traveling, learning languages

Andrew (Andy) Edward Lum
School: 
Grade level/subject: Teacher—grade 3
Last job: Back of House (BOH) specialists
Education: B.A. from (2005), studio art major; K-12 visual art license; additional license program—Hamline University (2009); K-6 elementary education; 5-8 communication arts/literature
Hometown: Northfield
Hobbies: Worship leader as part of Joyful Noise (contemporary Christian music group) at St. Dominic Church, reading, walking, Ping Pong
Why I chose education: Teaching is my vocation. I want to help all students to reach their full potential. I want to build a collaborative and caring community for students, staff, and families.

Follow Northfield Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter