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New London’s new teachers

Educators join high school, middle school staff

By Bert Lehman


Ten new middle school and high school teachers embarked on a new school year in the New London School District this week.

Here are New London’s new middle school and high school teachers.

Alissa Blumreich
Blumreich has a master’s degree in speech and language pathology. She most recently had been a certified nursing assistant.

She calls New London her hometown, and will teach speech and language at New London Intermediate/Middle School.

“I love working with various students to guide them to be effective communicators,” Blumreich said.

She added, “My goal is to collaborate with other professionals to provide strategies for my students to communicate effectively.”

Matt Bredesen
Bredesen obtained a bachelor’s degree in K-12 physical education and adaptive PE from UW Eau Claire, certification in K-12 health and driver education from UW Stout, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University, and a 5-12 alternative education license from Marian University.

Prior work experience includes six years teaching high school physical education and driver education at Portage High School, three years as 7-12 at-risk coordinator/RTI interventionist in the Montello School District, and one year as GEDO #2 instructor at Green Bay West High School.

He has 17 years of boys’ basketball coaching experience, including six years as head coach. He also has 11 years of football coaching experience.

Originally from Altoona, Bredesen will teach alternative education and special education, splitting his time between the high school and the catalyst academy. He is also serving as junior varsity football coach for the district.

He said he enjoys having the opportunity to help students find success that they might not normally find. In addition, he said he enjoys seeing students achieve things that they don’t think they can achieve, while at the same time gaining confidence.

“I want to contribute whatever I can to help make a difference in the life of as many New London students as possible,” Bredesen said. “I want to create a positive environment for students in my classroom, on the playing field and in the New London community that will allow them to want to succeed and be the best that they can be.”

Allison DeZurik-Otto
DeZurik-Otto has a bachelor’s degree in English and education from Lawrence University and graduate certification in special education from UW Oshkosh.

Prior to coming to New London, she worked for the Kimberly High School since 2001.

She grew up in Minnesota.

In the New London School District DeZurik-Otto will co-teach English I, algebra and guided studies. She will also support students in the freshman academy.

She said she enjoys getting to be part of students’ growth and success as a result of their hard work, as well as forming relationships and making connections to collaborate with staff, parents, and the community to meet students’ needs.

“I want to help guide freshmen and their families through a positive, productive transition to high school that builds a solid foundation of skills and confidence for the future,” she said.

Gary Henschel
Henschel attended UW Oshkosh where he received a bachelor’s degree in education. He majored in history and broad field social studies. He is licensed in special education and alternative education.

From Oshkosh, Henschel will teach English, history, and physical education at the catalyst academy.

Getting to know the students and being able to help them find ways to be successful are two things Henschel enjoys about teaching.

“[My goal is] to keep catalyst academy moving in a positive direction and to welcome new students into our program,” he said. “And to work with the other educators in the building to make everyone’s day run as smooth as possible.”

Heather Kamba
From New London, Kamba received a bachelor’s degree from UW Green Bay and a master’s degree in educational leadership from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

She has 10 years of experience teaching math and advising National Honor Society at Kimberly High School.

In the New London School District she will teach algebra and advanced algebra at New London High School.

“My passion is teaching math and helping students understand the purpose behind what they are learning,” she said. “It is extremely rewarding for me to watch students grow in their abilities and gain math confidence as the class progresses.”

Kamba added, “My focus is for all my students to effectively use problem solving as they gain math skills and discover mathematics. I want to help students find relevance to the skills they are learning. I hope to develop an understanding of important math concepts that make sense to each student in a welcoming environment.”

Katie Nechodom
Nechodom received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UW Platteville and a master’s degree in professional counseling with an emphasis in school counseling from UW Oshkosh.

Originally from Little Chute, this year will be Nechodom’s first year as a school counselor. She previously interned at Little Chute School District and Wrightstown School District.

In New London, she’ll be a seventh and eighth grade school counselor at New London Intermediate/Middle School.

“I love being able to make positive connections with the students and staff,” Nechodom said. “I love that I have the opportunity to offer students a place where they feel safe and heard.”

She added, “My goals for this year are to get to know all of the students, collect data on where our strengths and areas of growth are, and to continue to connect the New London community and ISMS.”

Alex Rambo
Rambo attended UW Whitewater where he received a bachelor’s degree in music education.

He is originally from Watertown. He taught instrumental music for grades 5-12 in the Fall River School District from 2010-15. Last year he taught instrumental music at South Park Middle School in the Oshkosh School District.

He’ll teach jazz band and concert band at New London High School.

He said he enjoys teaching the joys of music to students, as well as seeing students practice their instrument and improving as a musician.

His goals for the year include, “To provide the New London students with many opportunities to perform on their instruments for the public and to grow students as musicians and individuals.”

Crystal Retzlaff
Originally from New London, Retzlaff receive a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from UW River Falls in 2002. In 2010 she received a master’s degree in agriculture education with a certification in biology from UW River Falls.

Previous teaching experience includes 11 years in the Oconto Falls School District and two years in the Clintonville School District.
In New London she will teach at the high school. Classes she’ll teach include: Intro to agriculture, outdoor recreation, biology, Intro to Horticulture and small animal care.

She said it is rewarding to work with students who show passion for FFA and agriculture.

“I want to increase numbers in the agriculture education department and to revamp the FFA so more students will be involved and excited about the organization,” she said.

Ann Schnyder
Schnyder has a bachelor’s degree from Carthage Collage and a master’s degree from UW Stout.

Previous experience includes three years in cross-categorical special education elementary at West Bend and five years as severe EBD special education middle level in Appleton.

She will serve as special education program support teacher in all the schools in the New London School District.

She is originally from Oshkosh.

“I love the opportunity to support and inspire teachers and students to do their best and achieve high levels of success,” Schnyder said.

She said she hopes to make new connections and become part of the Bulldog community.

Jacqueline Schommer
Schommer is from Coleman, and she received a degree in elementary education from UW Oshkosh.

She has three years of experience teaching fifth grade.

She’ll teach seventh grade ELA at New London Intermediate/Middle School.

Getting to know the students and helping them to learn and grow is what she enjoys most about her job.

“My goal is to make a difference in all of their lives,” Schommer said.

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