First Grade
Mrs. Mollie Benjamin
Faculty Information
Title
Teacher - Grade 1
Contact Information
School Email
mbenjamin@goodshep.com (Primary)
School Phone
952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Benjamin graduated Martin Luther College in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. At graduation she received her first Call to be Early Childhood Ministry Director at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church-School-Early Childhood Center in Redding, California. She served this role and taught preschool and lower grades in California for 10 years. While serving in California Mrs. Benjamin earned her Master’s in Education (Instruction) from Martin Luther College in 2017. In 2022 she accepted a new Call to serve Cornerstone Early Learning Center in Hugo, Minnesota as Early Learning Center Director. Following her summer 2023 wedding and move to Savage, Minnesota she accepted the Call to be one of the 1st grade teachers at Good Shepherd!
Mrs. Benjamin serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the Early Childhood division at Martin Luther College. She teaches online courses and leads professional development classes throughout the year for the college.
1st Grade Highlights
- Spring and Fall Fieldtrips
- Star Students
- 100th Day of School Celebration
- Christmas and Valentine’s Day Parties
- Parent Volunteer Activities
- Christmas Program
Teaching Philosophy
Each student is a unique child of God! I believe teaching should meet the individual needs of each student through hands-on, minds-on learning activities! The learning environment for the students will be a safe, fun, Christ-centered classroom with a growth mindset! Mrs. Benjamin feels blessed to be able to share God’s Word everyday with the class. Learning is a lifelong journey for both the student and teacher, so let’s learn together!
Ms. Hannah Koss
Faculty Information
Title
Teacher - Grade 1
Contact Information
School Email
hkoss@goodshep.com (Primary)
School Phone
952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Ms. Koss grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and was blessed to be raised in a Christian home that modeled the importance of fostering faith as well as serving the Lord and others. She has two older brothers, a sister-in-law, and a niece. Ms. Koss grew up understanding the importance of Christian education by attending one of our WELS grade schools, Resurrection Lutheran. She then attended a public high school and went on to attend Martin Luther College where she was a double major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She graduated in December of 2018 and was assigned to be an Early Childhood Director for Loving Arms Child Care Center in Wichita, KS. In January of 2023, Ms. Koss was extended a call from Good Shepherd to teach lower grades, specifically first grade, and she accepted the call to serve. She looks forward to contributing to and learning from the Ministry here at Good Shepherd.
1st Grade Highlights
- Fall Field Trip
- Spring Field Trip
- A little Spot of Emotion
- Morning/Afternoon Meeting
- Spotlight Shout-Outs
- Classroom Coupons
- Happy Helpers
- Thanks Day
- Mystery Readers
- 100th Day of School Celebration
- Christmas and Valentine Parties
- Christmas Program
Teaching Philosophy
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
I believe in partnering with families to teach children lessons that will last them years beyond my classroom. First and foremost, teaching children about their Savior and their faith everyday. We shine our light to all of those around us in our words and actions. I believe that we we build a classroom around Christ, we create a loving and caring environment to learn and grow. I look forward to seeing how these children will grow in their faith, grow in their friendships, and grow in character.
I also believe that each child is uniquely created and gifted by God. I love learning about my students and encouraging them to use their gifts and talents, while challenging them to try new things. My goal is to create lessons that are active and hands-on incorporating many different learning styles so that every child can be successful. I believe in guiding children to meet their goals with support and encouragement from their parents, teachers, and peers. One of my greatest joys is to see them so proud of all that they have accomplished. I cannot wait to see these children shine!