Science

Mike Ellens

I am a Cold Spring ROCORI graduate that went on to SCSU to get my teaching degree in biology. I earned a masters degree from SMSU. I started my teaching career in a very small town called Yutan which is in Nebraska then went on to teach at a Catholic school in Marshfield Wisconsin. I started teaching in Sauk Centre in 1998 and stayed because it is a great school system as well as it was a great place to raise our kids. I teach many different biology classes including College Biology I and II, Human Biology, General Biology I and II and Criminal Investigations. In my spare time I love to travel, hunt and be with family and friends.

Brian Riley

I have been teaching here in Sauk Centre since 2010. Prior to that I taught for 8 years at NRHEG high school in New Richland, MN. I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead in 2002. While there I studied chemistry and pretty much any science subject I could. My wife, Stefanie, and I have 3 children, Ethan, Jenna, and Alyssa. We keep busy by spending time on the lake and traveling to as many places as we can.

When I am not teaching Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, and Engineering, I also coach Football, Basketball, Golf, and I am the summer rec director. In my spare time I like to golf, go hunting, and ice fishing. I have not mastered fishing on Sauk Lake yet but the kids and I will eventually.

Claudette Schaeffer

I received my teaching degree from Bemidji State University. Since then I have taught physical science for the St. Cloud and Willmar school districts. I currently teach earth and life science to 7th and 8th graders. I am passionate about helping students explore  the sciences of their world. 
My husband Scott and I have 2 adult children and a grandson. Outside of school I enjoy biking, hiking, and traveling. 

Interesting resources for students:
https://sciencespot.net/
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new
https://mysteryscience.com/

Katie Swanson

I have been teaching at Sauk Centre since 2008. I currently teach 9th grade Physical Science and General Biology I and II.   I grew up in Villard, MN and graduated from St. Cloud State University.   I live in Glenwood with my husband, Jared, and our three children; Tyler, Callianna and Bryce.