Ipswich students started a new school year on Wednesday, August 22, 2018.

The school has three new teachers this year: Valerie Duncan, Tyler Severson, and Carlee Wika. Their profiles can be found below.

Valerie Duncan

Teaching position: Second grade, Title Math and Enrichment

Family and Background: My husband, Stephen, and I live in Ipswich with our four young kids. I graduated from NSU, then moved here in 2010.

Teaching Experience: Subbed in Aberdeen. Taught K-3 at Rosette for two years. Ran my own in-home educational daycare for about five years.

This year I'm looking forward to... helping students to improve skills and learn new ones, as well as getting to meet students and families.

In my spare time I like to... play board games with family and read autobiographies of adventurers.

Tyler Severson

Teaching position: Middle School Social Studies

Family and Background: I'm from Aberdeen. Attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, majoring in History Education and played football. My girlfriend (Shauna Hinz) and I have a son, Rohen. He keeps us on our toes! We just purchased a home here, and are anxious to see what future in Ipswich brings.

Teaching Experience: Four years, all in Eureka. Also assistant track and football coach and head girls basketball coach.

This year I'm looking forward to... meeting the students and having the opportunity to work in a fun and positive learning environment! I am also excited about coaching football and basketball. Go Tigers!

In my spare time I like to... I love spending time with my family, as well as meeting up with old friends, traveling, going to the river, reading and watching sports!

Carlee Wika

Teaching position: Middle School/ High School Special Education

Family and Background: I was born and raised in Pierre, where I lived with my mother, step-father, my eldest sister and my twin sister. My husband and I met when I was studying at NSU. We got married two years ago and lived in Aberdeen prior to our brief move to Miller, and then to Ipswich where I can teach and he can work for Agtegra in Roscoe.

Teaching Experience: I recently graduated from Northern State University in December. Before graduation I student taught for the Ipswich Public School District; I was in the Middle/High School Special Ed. classroom. After I completed my student teaching and graduated from NSU, I took a Middle School Special Ed position in Miller. I taught there for six months. Once I saw Ipswich was hiring I applied for the position I have now/had before graduation.

This year I'm looking forward to... reuniting with the staff and students. I am also looking forward to helping my students learn and reach their goals.

In my spare time I like to... I love to read.