When Connor Theis was learning CPR in his 11th-grade health class, the teacher told the students, “I hope you never have to use this, but it’s a good thing to know just in case, so please pay attention.”
Ironically, two months later, Theis did use CPR in a big way when his father was suffering a cardiac arrest. He saved his dad’s life.
“I didn’t care much about school at that point, but my teacher made me focus and care, and I’m glad I did.”
The incident also made Theis acutely aware of how important teachers are and influenced him to become one. He will be the new fifth grade math and social studies teacher at Cleveland this fall.
Theis was raised in Shakopee and graduated from high school there. He went on to Winona State University and earned teaching licenses in grades 5-8 math and grades 5-12 social studies with an emphasis in Political Science. He minored in coaching.
Before accepting the position at Cleveland, Theis taught for eight years at Nicollet Public School. He taught grades 5-8 math, grades 7-8 social studies, and high school classes of personal finance, computer science, marketing and history of pop culture. He has experience coaching football, basketball, baseball, Knowledge Bowl and as student council advisor.
He chose Cleveland because his family lives in Saint Peter, and, when deciding where to send his children to school, he always heard great things about Cleveland, especially that all grades are under a single roof.
“Since I’m leaving Nicollet, it is a school very similar in the fact that it’s pre-k through 12 all in one building. Growing up in Shakopee, that wasn’t an option, and after experiencing it as a teacher I really enjoyed it because I get to see my former students grow up through their time in school.”
His favorite subject to teach is current events during social studies.
“I can explain how their lives can be impacted by what is going on around them. In math my favorite topic is percentages because it is relatable to real life with examples of their grades, sports and budgeting for when they’re older.”
His main goal is for every student to feel comfortable and welcome in his classroom.
“I am hoping to make meaningful connections with students, their families and staff.”
An activity he has done in the past and will do at Cleveland is a comprehensive project where students research a state or country.
“Since I’ll be teaching 5th grade, which is U.S. history, we will focus on states.”
He said his biggest challenge in being a teacher is ensuring students meet academic standards and perform well on their Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs).
“However, it’s a challenge I find enticing because, like Ted Lasso (the main character in the sports comedy-drama television series “Ted Lasso”) says, ‘Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you're comfortable while you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong.’”
When he is not in the classroom, Theis enjoys working out, playing video games and enjoying time with his family: wife Courtney Theis, who is a new first grade teacher at Cleveland this year (see separate story), and their sons, Liam (4) and Henry (8 months).