Kindergarten
Mrs. Rachel Hansen
Faculty Information
Titles
Teacher - Kindergarten, PTO Liaison & LEGO Club Coordinator
Contact Information
School Email
rhansen@goodshep.com (Primary)
School Phone
952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Hansen graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2006 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. She then went on to Martin Luther College to receive her WELS Synod Teaching Certification. In 2007 she received her first call to teach Kindergarten at St. John’s Lutheran School in Lake City, MN. While there she also held the roles of Childcare Director and Athletic Director. She continued to serve there until 2011 when she made the decision to become a stay-at-home mom! In 2018 Rachel returned to teaching when she was called to be the Kindergarten teacher here at Good Shepherd. Mrs. Hansen and her husband, Justin, (also a teacher at Good Shepherd) have three children all of whom attend Good Shepherd.
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is a learning and lifelong process; learning from your students and colleagues, while learning new strategies and new ideas. She feels so blessed to be able to do what she loves, in a setting where Christ’s love for us is something she can teach every day to the children.
Kindergarten Highlights
- Field Trip to the Applewood Apple Orchard
- Field Trip to The Works Museum
- Kindergartener-for-a Day (Full day of activities with incoming Kindergartners)
- Star Students
- Celebrate Dr. Suess week with special activities all week!
- Monthly Buddy reading with the 4th & 5th grade classroom
- 100th Day of School Celebration
- Christmas & Valentine’s Day parties
- Join the preschool classroom for a Christmas Program
Mrs. Marissa Oachs
Faculty Information
Title
Teacher - Kindergarten
Contact Information
School Email
moachs@goodshep.com (Primary)
School Phone
952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Oachs graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2008 with a B.S. in Athletic Training. She worked for five years at Jesus Loves Me Learning Center in Mankato, MN as a Preschool Assistant Teacher. In 2015, she went back to school at Rasmussen University and earned an additional degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Child Development. In May of 2017, she received her first call to teach the three and four-year-old preschool program and be Director at Little Lambs Preschool in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In February 2022, she received and accepted the call to teach Kindergarten at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. Mrs. Oachs and her husband, Josh, have three children - all of whom attend Good Shepherd.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that learning should be fun for the children...and the teacher! Play will always be a big part of learning and our curriculum in Kindergarten because young children learn so much better through play, exploration, and imagination.
My goal as a Kindergarten teacher is to share the love of Jesus with every child and to inspire the love of learning at an early age so that school and learning are fun and something children look forward to for the rest of their lives!
Every student is a gift from God and one of his precious Little Lambs - they will be intentionally taught at whatever level they are at and loved for who they are!
Kindergarten Highlights
- Fun Fall and Spring Field Trips (Apple Orchard, Works Museum, Local Plays, etc)
- Police Officer Visit - In School Field Trip
- Bike Day
- Adopt-A-Pet Reading Program
- Flashlight Friday
- Star Students
- Dr. Seuss Week Celebration
- Monthly Buddy reading with the 4th grade classroom
- 100th Day of School Celebration & Fashion Show
- Christmas & Valentine’s Day parties