We’re grateful to welcome a group of passionate educators eager to invest in our students’ lives. As we celebrate 50 years of Christ-centered education at New Life Academy, we’re excited to introduce the newest members of our teaching team. Last week, they joined us on campus for New Teacher Orientation, a time to connect, learn, and share. As they become part of the story God has been writing at New Life for 50 years, it’s clear that each of them brings a heart for helping students feel known, loved, and valued. We can’t wait for you to meet them!
Asa Tessness – Middle School English
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy running, playing and listening to music, and reading.
What are 3 fun facts about yourself? There are 11 states with only one area code and I’ve lived in 3 of them. I have a goal to get to every National Park – I’ve been to 9 so far. Last year I read 71 books – some amazing and some terrible.
What made you want to be a teacher? I took a literature course during my last year of college at Bethel, and I loved studying books. I have wanted to teach English ever since!
What are you looking forward to this year? I look forward to building relationships with the middle school students, getting to know them and sharing a love for reading and writing with them.
How has your faith influenced your approach to teaching? My faith helps me see every student as a whole person, and that each of them is created in the image of God.
Scotland Beamond – First Grade Teacher
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with my husband.
What are 3 fun facts about yourself? I helped photograph a wedding. I’ve been married for 1 year. I love NeeDohs.
What made you want to be a teacher? I want to help students have a voice and make learning fun.
What are you looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to meeting my students and helping them grow in learning.
How has your faith influenced your approach to teaching? The Lord has guided my steps through teaching by showing me how to be patient, open, listen, and love others. My goal as a teacher is for God to work through me to be the best teacher I can be for my students.
Katie DeWall – Kindergarten Teacher
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy spending time with my family, organizing, and writing.
What are 3 fun facts about yourself? I hope to write a children’s book. I went skydiving. I am a proud mom of 3.
What made you want to be a teacher? Students! The connections made in the classroom that last beyond it. I love working with children!
What are you looking forward to? I am looking forward to our class becoming a classroom family.
How has your faith influenced your approach to teaching? It’s in everything I do! I am excited to see how the Lord works this year. Being able to share my gift from the Lord with others, helping them discover and grow their own gifts from Him, is the biggest blessing.
Abigail Lowder – Upper & Middle School Spanish Teacher
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy playing spikeball. I also enjoy exploring and taking walks at Minnesota state parks.
What are 3 fun facts about yourself? I love traveling. My goal is to visit all of the Minnesota state parks. I accidentally ended up in Pope Francis’ processional prayer at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican!
What made you want to be a teacher? I have a love for working with students, a passion for teaching language, learning, and culture.
What are you looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to getting to know my students, the staff, and growing professionally.
How has your faith influenced your approach to teaching? Teaching is a calling and a ministry. Everything I do and live for is done for the Lord and unto the Lord.
Mallory Moseman – 5th Grade Teacher
What are some of your hobbies? I play and coach soccer and basketball. I like swing dancing. I enjoy a good book. I like to color and go for walks.
What are 3 fun facts about yourself? I won UMAC Defensive Player of the Year. I played collegiate soccer. I have been to 7 different countries.
What made you want to be a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher because of the joy that comes from the classroom each day. Getting a chance to watch students grow into who the Lord has created them to be and to be part of that journey is such a gift. It’s an opportunity to pour light and joy into them and help them experience the world around them in a Christian way.
What are you looking forward to this year? I am excited to return to New Life in a more permanent position where I can openly share the love of Jesus with my students each day. I love that I can start my teaching career in a joyful and supportive environment.
How has your faith influenced your approach to teaching? My teaching is a reflection of Jesus. I base my classroom on a community that will be there for each other in our hardest and most joyous moments. It helps my students and me know that God shows up for us each and every day, even when we may not see it yet.
Julie Erickson – 2nd Grade Long-Term Substitute for Mrs. Lundberg
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy rock hunting. I also enjoy playing tennis and gardening.
What are 3 fun facts about yourself? At one time, I was a llama shepherd for a job. I played on the Junior LPGA golf team. I’m a distant cousin of Princess Diana.
What made you want to be a teacher? As a child, I wanted to be a teacher because I saw how I wanted to make learning for everyone after experiencing a hard time at school.
What are you looking forward to this year? This is my first time working at a Christian school. I’m looking forward to teaching the Bible and the love of Jesus. It’s also exciting to meet my 2nd graders, instill a love for learning, and see them grow academically and spiritually.
How has your faith influenced your approach to teaching? My faith has influenced my teaching in that everything is a journey. There is a reason for everything, and we have to let God guide us.