Mineral Point welcomed its new staff members for orientation Monday, August 17. Besides learning necessary policies and procedures, the group was also treated to a guided tour around Mineral Point by former school board member, Dick Austin.
We welcome our new staff members:
Tim Bauman, Orientation and Mobility Teacher
Tim is from East Dubuque, Illinois where he graduated from East Dubuque High School. He attended Viterbo University and Salus University in Philadelphia where he earned his Bachelor’s in English Education and his Master’s in Occupational and Mobility Low Vision/Blind Rehab. Before coming to Mineral Point, he was employed at CESA #3 in Fennimore. He currently resides in East Dubuque with his son, Mitchell, and daughter, Angelina. In his free time, he enjoys writing, weightlifting, boating, skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. “The explanation of school culture, goals, personnel, and why Mineral Point was a great fit for me really attracted me to Mineral Point,” he said. His initial first impressions include, “The full engagement of Mineral Point to make certain the students and community are well served is refreshing and exciting.”
Tom Behrens, 6-12 Special Education Teacher
Tom is from Waterford where he graduated from Waterford Union High School. He attended UW-Platteville and the University of St. Mary’s where he earned degrees in Broadfield Social Studies and Cross Categorial Special Education. Prior to coming to Mineral Point, he was employed at Benton. He currently resides in Shullsburg with his wife, Abbie, and daughter, Elliotte Lorraine. In his free time, he manages the Shullsburg/Benton Home Talent baseball team, is on the Shullsburg Rescue Squad, and enjoys spending time with family. He looks forward to making a positive impression on Mineral Point and to improving himself as an educator. His draw to Mineral Point was the wonderful staff and the district’s passion to be the best. He is impressed with the historical image of Mineral Point that still remains, even with technological advances.
Melissa Callaway, Custodian
Melissa is from Seneca where she graduated from Seneca High School. She also works at Frank’s Flea Market part time and currently resides in Mineral Point with her husband, Miles, sons Austin and Alex, daughter, Abi, and dogs Dolly and Max. In her free time, she loves to clean.
Dan Graber, Custodian
Dan is from Mineral Point and is a MPHS graduate. He attended Southwest Tech and earned an Associates Degree. He previously was employed at Dynapale-Arlington Heights, IL as a mechanical designer. He enjoys farming.
Blair Lingk, Elementary Special Education Assistant
Blair is from McFarland and graduated from McFarland High School. He attended UW-Platteville, earning his Bachelor’s in Art Education, spent two years at UW-Madison in Liberal Studies, and one year in Art Therapy at Edgewood. He also works at Community Living Connections of Dane County, which is a non-profit in-home care to adults with developmental disabilities. He resides in Dodgeville with wife, Jen, and children Alex and Sophia. In his free time he enjoys art, outdoor adventures, reading, music, pets, gardening, and sports. “I love the community,” he says. “It’s family, friendly, and focused. Your school district staff has been so warm and inviting and accommodating. They are both individually focused and also understand the larger picture.”
Bethany Payne, 6-8 Special Education Teacher
Bethany is from Muscoda and graduated from Riverdale High School. She attended UW-Platteville earning her degree in Physical Education/Health and Cross Categorical Special Education. She was previously employed at Belmont as a Special Education Paraprofessional. She currently resides in Platteville with her husband, Jeremy, and dog, Goldie. In her free time she enjoys reading, swimming, and movies. Her goals this year include integrating technology into lessons and learning new accommodations to support her students. She was attracted to Mineral Point because of the great community involvement with school and the district’s great reputation.
Lyndsey Reed, Elementary Teaching Assistant
Lyndsey graduated from Reedsburg High School and attended UW-La Crosse where she earned her Education Degree with a Mathematics Emphasis. She was most recently employed at Iowa-Grant and resides in Dodgeville with her son, Carter. She enjoys spending time with her son and his many activities including t-ball, soccer, and swimming. She hopes to create as many positive relationships with students and staff as possible, collaborate with staff members, and make a difference in students’ lives. New challenges attracted her to Mineral Point in part because she has heard great things about the district.
Molly Uppena, High School Language Arts Teacher
Molly is from Darlington and graduated from Darlington High School. She attended UW-Platteville, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Her Master’s is in progress from UW-Whitewater in Professional Development with an Emphasis in Information, Technology and Libraries. Her most recent employment was at Cuba City. She currently resides in Darlington with her husband, Tom. She enjoys blogging, athletics, and singing/musicals. This year she hopes to engage collaboratively through Professional Learning Communities to enhance current curriculum and student engagement. She also has the goal of effectively integrating available technology and learning new technology teaching strategies and practices. She was attracted to Mineral Point because it is a progressive school district with strong academic standards and community support. In addition, she believes the district to have a well-constructed vision, mission, and goals. “Everyone has been welcoming and friendly,” she adds.
Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher
Jenny is from Stoughton and graduated from Stoughton High School. She attended UW-Madison earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education: Spanish. Her prior employment includes a Certified Medical Interpreter in Dodgeville and Darlington, as well as teaching at Sun Prairie High School and St. Ann’s School in Stoughton. She currently resides in Dodgeville with her husband, Mike, and children Kelli, Rachel, and Sean. She enjoys reading and traveling. Her goals for this year include integrating technology into classes to communicate with students in Spanish speaking countries. “I have many friends in the community and they love the school district. Everyone has been very welcoming, organized, and goal oriented,” she says.
Tracy Wiegel, Middle School Teaching Assistant
Tracy is from Belmont and graduated from Belmont High School. She attended Southwest Tech and earned an Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Her most recent prior employment was at Hodan Community Services and Bargain Nook and she is the owner of Lil’ Wonders Child Care. She enjoys her family of three brothers, one sister, and two puppies. Her hobbies include traveling, weight training, making jewelry, and spending time with family. “This is my first time working as a teaching assistant. I look forward to gaining new experiences from this position and meeting staff and students,” she said.