Courtney Theis got her first taste of what it’s like to be a teacher as a high school freshman completing a job shadow assignment.
“When thinking about my future career, I always knew I wanted to help people, so I chose my first-grade teacher. I always thought so kindly of her. She was definitely a determining factor in my decision to pursue Elementary Education.”
Now, full circle, Theis has had several first-grade teaching assignments before landing as a first grade and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) teacher at Cleveland School this fall.
Theis was raised on a dairy farm just north of Winthrop and graduated from Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop High School in 2011. From there, it was on to Winona State University, where she pursued a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.
Now in her 10th year as a teacher, she started her career at New Ulm Area Catholic (St. Anthony Elementary) as a first-grade teacher. After that, she taught one year of fifth grade and four years of second grade at Sibley East (Arlington). From there, she went to Nicollet Elementary, where she taught two years of first grade and one year of kindergarten before accepting the position at Cleveland.
As a product of a rural community and with a background in teaching in small schools, Theis chose Cleveland because she likes the community support that typically goes along with them.
“I chose Cleveland because small, community driven schools are something that I am very accustomed to. The saying, ‘it takes a village,’ definitely runs true for small town schools. I love seeing the community come together to make the school thrive, and I am very honored to have the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful community.”
Her favorite subjects to teach, especially to first graders, are reading and math.
“Students at this age are always so eager to learn, and they love being challenged, even when it may get frustrating. Their growth mindset is something I enjoy witnessing throughout the school year.”
Teaching science also brings her joy.
“I love bringing out my white lab coat and goggles and showing my students science experiments that they can do at home. Their curiosity always brings a smile to my face.”
As first graders do, her class will focus on learning to read and write, but Theis plans to take the two basic skills to the next level in a comprehensive project that will kick off with the new year.
“Come January, we will start writing and illustrating a class book. This book will eventually be illustrated. I will find it so rewarding to see the progress they made throughout the year, and they will love seeing all their hard work pay off.”
But above all, her aim is to ensure her entire class functions as a supportive, cohesive group.
“My main goal is for my students to feel valued and respected and be a contributing member of our class family.”
Outside of teaching first grade, Theis will also be teaching and coordinating the school’s ECFE program. ECFE is a parenting education program for families with children between the ages of birth to kindergarten entrance. It’s based on the idea that parents provide their child's first and most significant learning environment.
“I am very excited for this new opportunity,” Theis said. “Thank you to (former ECFE teacher) Ashley Genelin for being so helpful in this transition.”
Currently, Theis lives in Saint Peter with her husband Connor Theis, who also will be a new teacher at Cleveland School this year (see separate story), and their two “spunky” little boys, Liam (4) and Henry (8 months).
“Liam is very excited to start preschool at Cleveland in the fall,” she said.
When she is not teaching, some of Theis’ favorite activities include reading, going on family walks, traveling and especially taking cruise ship vacations, crafting and spending time with her family and friends.