Loyal School District welcomes new staff members

The TRG had new staff members at the Loyal School District complete a survey to help the community get to know them a little better. The following are their responses.

BETHANY FRANKLIN

1. Hometown Loyal 2. New position Elementary special education teacher 3. Education I have a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and bachelor of science degree in special education, and certified cross categorical licensure from ages 5-21, both from UW-Eau Claire.

4. Experience I taught K-12 special education in Granton for 5.5 years.

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

After many years of working with adults with developmental disabilities, I spent a year working as a nanny. In that year I learned that I really loved to work with children, and shifted my educational and career path from vocational rehabilitation to teaching special education.

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Loyal with my husband and our four children. I enjoy reading, playing board and card games, crocheting, and doing fun things with my family. I also teach early childhood dance at the local dance studio.

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

I am excited to be back in the building, teaching at the same school I attended as a kid.

MINDY GEIGER

1. Hometown Neillsville 2. New position K-8 intervention and enrichment 3. Education I have a bachelor’s degree in biology education and general science education.

4. Experience This is my fourth year in education. I taught seventh grade science for two years in another district, and this is my second year as part of the intervention and enrichment team in Loyal.

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

Learning is inspiring and can change lives. I love being a part of a community of students, staff, and parents that are all part of this learning!

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m super close to my family and my three sisters. My favorite thing to do is take vacations, and I am a dog mom to a golden… Archie!

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

N/A

JENNIFER JUDD

1. Hometown Mount Horeb 2. New position Fifth grade teacher 3. Education Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UWSP, master’s in educational administration from Grand Canyon University—Arizona 4. Experience I am entering my fifth year in education. I began teaching as a super substitute in Hartford. After a year in that position, I was hired as a fifth grade teacher in Richland Center, where I completed the last four years of my career. While there, I volunteered on many committees, initiated the installation of a greenhouse, and participated in many events. Now, I am continuing my career in fifth grade here in Loyal.

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

I have known I wanted to be in education since I was 10 years old. I have always had a passion for working with children and helping them grow. Having that passion drove me to my college career path and, although I struggled in ways, I have been living out what once was my childhood dream job.

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up on a family-owned dairy farm with my parents and brother. When I wasn’t on the farm helping with chores or field work, I was participating in 4-H or other community and church activities. Throughout school, I played different sports and was heavily involved in FFA. Due to the way of life I grew up in, I have a love of the outdoors and enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, hunting, etc. Other than being outside, I also enjoy baking, singing, board/card games, and spending time with family/friends.

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

I am excited to be a part of the Loyal family and can’t wait to see what opportunities are in store for me!

BROOKE LEBAL

1. Hometown Kennan 2. New position Middle school social studies teacher 3. Education I have a degree in social studies education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and am certified to teach grades 4-12.

4. Experience This is my first year in education! I student taught at Flambeau Middle School in Tony and also at North Cedar Academy in Ladysmith, an international school. I have experience in substitute teaching, which I have done since I got my license and when I can get in the classroom!

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

I love seeing the curiosity of students in the classroom and the overall joy from lessons that interest them. I experienced a love for social studies at a very young age and hope to bring that to other students and people in general.

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up on a very small family dairy farm where I was raised by my mom and dad and four other siblings. As a result I love spending time outside hunting, fishing, and hiking with friends and family. I also love to read more than anything and also enjoy crocheting. Traveling is something I cannot get enough of and learning about each place’s history.

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

I am very excited to not only teach in the Loyal community but also become a member where I can partake in the events and lives of everyone around me!

MADISON MURPHY

1. Hometown Bountiful, Utah 2. New position High school English teacher 3. Education Bachelor of arts degree in secondary English teaching with a minor in secondary Spanish teaching from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

4. Experience My previous formal teaching was at a junior high school in Utah, teaching seventh through ninth grade core English classes, as well as supplemental and remedial reading.

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

Like many of my fellow colleagues in the education field, my desire to help students was first sparked by a teacher who helped me. I had been struggling significantly in my life when my 12th grade English teacher reframed my perspective on life but also, more importantly, myself. He helped me see my own reflection in the literary works around me, helping me find the tools to inspire and build myself back up. The beauty of literature is connection, and I want to pay forward the service he gave me.

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a dog mom through and through. I have two miniature Schnauzers — Kylo and Cypher. I also love writing, reading, singing, and playing games.

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

I care about the success of our students. It is my firm belief that each and every one of them matters, and I am committed to doing whatever is necessary for them to succeed academically and in the community.

JACKIE OVIEDO

1. Hometown Mission, Texas 2. New position English language learners paraprofessional 3. Education Graduated from Stevens PointArea Senior High, currently enrolled in Chippewa Valley Technical College.

4. Experience This will be my first year in this field.

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you

enter the education world?

Being able to make a difference in the student’s day.

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have five children, two that currently are enrolled in Loyal High School. I am a sports fanatic and enjoy some fishing, reading, and a good 2000s playlist.

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

N/A

JAIDYN TESCHNER

1. Hometown Born and raised in Marshfield, but have lived in Loyal for the last five years.

2. New position Part-time 4K-12 physical education teacher 3. Education Bachelor of science degree in physical education from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, with a health education minor and adapted physical education certification 4. Experience I completed my student teaching placement at Loyal School District, but this will be my first official year of teaching.

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

I’m passionate about helping students discover the joy of movement and the benefits of living an active, healthy lifestyle. My goal is to inspire lifelong habits that go beyond the gym and positively impact students’ everyday lives.

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am an avid outdoorswoman with a passion for hunting, fishing, and bowfishing. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and shopping, and value spending quality time with my family and friends.

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

I am so excited to be part of the Loyal community! I look forward to building strong connections and creating lasting memories with students, families, and staff!

LIBERTY TIDBERG

1. Hometown Elkhorn/Janesville 2. New position Middle/high school art teacher 3. Education Arteducationdegreefrom UW-Whitewater 4. Experience This is my first year teaching. I student taught elementary and high school, graduating in December 2024, as well as substitute teaching for five months with all grade levels and being a summer school teacher for Fort Atkinson Elementary this summer. During my time in Whitewater, I was a gallery assistant for Roberta’s Art Gallery and a resident assistant for about two years concurrently.

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

I come from a family of teachers and have always loved teaching. I found myself drawn to art and I had amazing teachers who shared a variety of different art forms with me. I want my students to be able to experience a variety of projects and learn about the art world.

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My family lives in the Janesville area, so it was a bit of a long move, but I really like it up here! In my free time I paint, draw, take care of my cat and axolotls, and I love getting outside to rollerblade!

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

I’m very happy to be here for my first year!

LAUREN UPTAGRAFT

1. Hometown Plainview, Minn.

2. New position First grade teacher 3. Education Bachelor of science degree in elementary education and master of science degree in education, both from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

4. Experience Aside from my degrees, I have always worked with children in daycares or babysitting. This is my first year teaching!

5. What do you enjoy about schools/what made you enter the education world?

I have always loved working with children, and watching them grow academically, and grow into kind and caring human beings!

6. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have one sister and three step siblings. In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, shopping, and spending time with my friends, family, and boyfriend.

7. Anything else you would like the community to know?

I am so happy to be in this community and feel so welcomed! I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me, and be involved in the Loyal community!