Meet the Teachers
Meet the Teachers
Pam Backowski
Social Studies Teacher (grade 6)
Email: p.backowski@pactcharter.org
EXPERIENCE
- Social Studies Teacher (grade 6) (2026-present)
- Grade 6 Teacher, PACT Charter School (1995-2026)
- Grade 1 teacher, Mississippi Elementary, Coon Rapids (1992-1995)
EDUCATION
- B.A. Elementary Education 1-6, St. Cloud State University
Jared Barsness
Social Studies Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Social Studies Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-Present)
- Building Substitute, PACT Charter School (2023-2025)
- Substitute Teacher, Anoka Hennepin School District (2022-2024)
EDUCATION
- M.A. History, Eastern Washington University
- B.S. Sport Management, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- A.A., Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Marissa Beugen
Visual Arts Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Visual Arts Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-present)
- Student Teacher in Ceramics, Maple Grove Senior High School
- Student Teacher in Art, Cedar Ridge Elementary School
- Assistant Instructor, Minnetonka Center For the Arts
- Senior Counselor/Art Director at Camp Marimeta For Girls
EDUCATION
- M.Ed. Visual Arts, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
- B.A. Art, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Daniel Bowler
Science Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Science Teacher, PACT Charter School (2024-Present)
- Middle School Science Teacher, Cyber Village Academy (2014-2024)
EDUCATION
- B.S. Psychology, Indiana University – Bloomington
- B.A. Biology, Indiana University – Bloomington
Dr. Annalisa Buerke
English Language Arts Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- English Language Arts Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-present)
- Professor and Department Chair, University of Northwestern – St. Paul, School of Education & Department of English & Literature
- English Language Arts Teacher, Mounds View Public Schools
EDUCATION
- Doctor of Education; Literacy, Culture & Language Education, Indiana University
- MEd. Curriculum & Instruction, Dordt College
- B.S. English Education, University of Northwestern – St. Paul
- B.S. Communications - Journalism, University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Bernadette Campbell
FACS Teacher
Email
EXPERIENCE
- FACS Teacher, PACT Charter School (2024 – present)
- FACS Teacher, Rush City High School
EDUCATION
- B.A. Music Therapy, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Bridget Canfield
English Language Arts Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Science Teacher, PACT Charter School (2019-Present)
- Osseo School District (2000-2019)
EDUCATION
- M.A. Education, St. Mary's University of Minnesota
- B.A. English Secondary Education, University of Minnesota – Morris
- A.A. Degree, Free Grace United Bible College
Dr. Sara Carey
Science Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Science Teacher, PACT Charter School (2024-Present)
- Highly accomplished educator and researcher with a diverse background in biochemistry, genetics, and genetic engineering. Over the years, she has contributed to groundbreaking research projects while teaching at the collegiate level, sharing her expertise with students, and fostering a passion for science.
- Outside of the classroom, Dr. Carey is dedicated to making STEM fields accessible to all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds through her volunteer work. Her commitment to education and inclusion continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, University of Arizona
- P.S.M. Biochemistry, Minor in Computer Science, University of Arizona
- B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, University of Arizona
- Certificate of College Teaching
- Multiple NIH Grant recipient
Ashley Christensen
Mathematics Teacher (grade 6)
EXPERIENCE
- Mathematics Teacher (grade 6), PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- Grade 6 Teacher, PACT Charter School (2023-2026)
-
In-House Substitute, PACT Charter School (2020-2023)
EDUCATION
- B.A. Elementary Education (K-6), Bemidji State University
- B.A. Arts and Communication – Advertising and Marketing, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Sharon Churchill
PE / Health Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- PE/Health Teacher, PACT Charter School (2023-present)
- PE/Health Teacher, coach, and department co-chair, Vista del Lago High School, Moreno Valley, CA
- Health/PE Teacher and JV Cheer Coach, Eden Prairie High School
- PE K-8/Health 6-8 teacher and co-department chair, Kaleidoscope Charter School
- PE/Health Teacher and co-department chair, and cheer, track, and softball coach: Spectrum High School and Spectrum Middle School.
- Health/PE Teacher: Anoka Hennepin School District
EDUCATION
- B.S. Physical Education, Exercise Science and Health Education, Minnesota State University – Moorhead
Jenna Courneya
Mathematics Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Mathematics Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-present)
- Student taught at Eagle Ridge Academy
EDUCATION
- B.A. Mathematics Education, Bethel University
Katie Edwards
Mathematics Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Mathematics Teacher, PACT Charter School (2015-present)
- Grade 6 Math, Fridley Middle School (2014-2015)
EDUCATION
- B.S. Mathematics Education (5-12), Bemidji State University
Haley Friend
Language Arts Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Language Arts Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-present)
EDUCATION
- B.A. English Education, St. Cloud State University
Ethan Gavic
Science Teacher (grade 6)
EXPERIENCE
- Grade 5 Teacher, PACT Charter School (2024-present)
- Long-term substitute, PACT Charter School (2023-2024)
- High school teacher
- Coach and Interim Athletic Director
EDUCATION
- M.A. Educational Leadership, St. Mary's University
- B.S. Elementary Education, College of St. Scholastica
Ralee Gay
Mathematics Teacher
Jayme Grosinger
Spanish Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Spanish Teacher, PACT Charter School (2014-present)
- Substitute Teacher, St. Francis School District
- Spanish Teacher, Pierz School District
EDUCATION
- M.A. Spanish Literature and Linguistics, St. Louis University
- B.A. Spanish Education K-12, Concordia College - Moorhead
Emma Hedberg
Band Director
EXPERIENCE
- Band Teacher, PACT Charter School (2020-present)
- Associate Conductor, Hopkins Westwind Concert Band (2024-present)
EDUCATION
- B.A. Classroom and Instrumental Music (K-12), Gustavus Adolphus College
Elise Henry
Social Studies Teacher
Email: e.henry@pactcharter.org
EXPERIENCE:
- Social Studies Teacher, PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- Social Studies Teacher, Andover High School (2026)
EDUCATION:
- B.A., Social Studies Education 5-12, Bethel University
Tom Keefe
Social Studies Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Social Studies Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-Present)
- SpEd Paraprofessional, PACT Charter School (2025)
- Youth Associate, Church of the Open Door (2023-2024)
- Director of Student Life, Legacy Christian Academy (2018-2021)
- Secondary Teacher, Legacy Christian Academy (2014-2018)
EDUCATION
- 6-12 Administration Licensure, Bethel University (in progress)
- M.Div., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
- B.A., History and Social Studies Education, Bethel University
Amanda Mackereth
Computer Science Teacher
Email
EXPERIENCE
- Computer Science Teacher, PACT Charter School (2023-Present)
- Computer Science Teacher, Spectrum Middle and High Schools (2005-2023)
- English and Reading Teacher
EDUCATION
- M.S. Technology Education, St. Cloud State University
- B.A. Communication Arts and Literature, Concordia College - Moorhead
- K-12 Reading License, St. Mary's University
- Career and Tech Ed Licensure in Communications, St. Cloud State University
Emily Markgraf
Digital Arts Teacher
Email
EXPERIENCE
- Digital Arts Teacher, PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- Art Teacher, AFSA High School (2025-2026)
EDUCATION
- BFA Art Education, University of Minnesota – Duluth
Bennett Olson ‘18
Physical Education & Health Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Secondary Physical Education / Health Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-Present)
- Long-Term Substitute Physical Education Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025)
EDUCATION
- B.S. Education, Mayville State University
- PACT Charter School Alum, Class of 2018
Bethany Olson
ASL Teacher
Email
EXPERIENCE:
- ASL Teacher, PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- Middle and High School Individuals and Societies Teacher, International School of Latvia (2023-2025)
- High School Individuals and Societies Teacher, American School of Warsaw (2022-2023)
- Middle and High School History and Geography Teacher, Miras International School-Astana (2019-2022)
- Middle School Social Studies Teacher, American School of Marrakesh (2017-2019)
- Special Education Teacher, Goldenview and Romig Middle School (2011-2016)
- Special Education Teacher, Goldenview and Romig Middle School (2011-2016)
EDUCATION:
- Graduate Certificate in Special Education, University of Alaska - Southeast
- B.S. Secondary Education Social Studies, Minors: American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, Middle Level Education, Special Education
Mandy Olson
Mathematics Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Mathematics Teacher, PACT Charter School (2024-Present)
- Mathematics Teacher, Academy for Sciences and Agriculture High School (2008-2024)
EDUCATION
- M.S. Educational Administration and Leadership, St. Cloud State University
- B.A.Sc. Teaching Mathematics, University of Minnesota – Duluth
Shawn Osterhus
Social Studies Teacher
Email: s.osterhus@pactcharter.org
EXPERIENCE:
- Social Studies Teacher, PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- Social Studies Teacher, AFSA High School (2024-2025)
- Social Studies Teacher, Hope Academy (2023-2024)
- Social Studies Teacher, Twin Cities Academy (2020-2023)
EDUCATION:
- B.S. Social Studies Education, University of Northwestern–St. Paul
Sara Peloquin
Chemistry Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Chemistry Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025-present)
- Chemistry & Physics Teacher, Spectrum High School (2007-2025)
- Physical Science Teacher, Armstrong High School (2004-2007)
- Chemistry Teacher, Burnsville High School (2002-2004)
EDUCATION
- M.Ed. Technology in Education, Lesley University
- B.S. Chemistry Teaching, Minnesota State University - Mankato
Tanya Reemts
Physical Education Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Secondary Physical Education Teacher, PACT Charter School (2025 - present)
- High School Physical Education & Health Teacher, Spectrum High School
- Physical Education Teacher, Elk River School District
- Physical Education & Health Teacher grades, Kaleidoscope Charter School
- Elementary Physical Education & Health Teacher grades, Saint Andrew Catholic School
EDUCATION
- B.S. Physical Education & Health, Saint Cloud State University
- Physical Education Licensure (K-12), Saint Cloud State University
- Health Licensure (K-5), Saint Cloud State University
- B.S. Kinesiology & Coaching Minor, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- A.A., Bemidji State University
Katelyn Rens
English Language Arts Teacher
Email
EXPERIENCE:
- English Language Arts Teacher, PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- Student Teacher, Woodbury Middle School (2026)
EDUCATION:
- B.A. Communication Arts / Literature Education, University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Micah Reynolds
Choir Director
EXPERIENCE
- Choir Teacher, PACT Charter School (2023-present)
- Choral Director, GracePoint Church
- Music Director, Elk River High School's Spring Musical
EDUCATION
- B.S. Music Education, University of Northwestern - St. Paul
Jason Ruzek
Earth Science Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Science Teacher: Chemistry, Physical Science, Earth Science, Biology, Life Science, Spectrum High School (11 years)
- Paraprofessional and 504 Coordinator, Spetrum High School (3 years)
EDUCATION
- Master of Divinity, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA. (2013)
- Bachelor of Science, University of Pittsburgh. Major: Biology, Minor: Chemistry (1997)
- Chemistry and Middle School Science licensure (2018)
- High School Earth Science licensure (2025)
- Graduate work at Bemidji State University, St. Cloud State University, and Moorhead State University
Lauren Soderlind
English Language Arts Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- English Language Arts Teacher, PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- High School ELA Student Teaching, New Life Academy (2026)
EDUCATION
- B.S. Communication Arts and Literature Education, University of Northwestern–St. Paul
Jason Tossey
Social Studies Teacher
EXPERIENCE
- Social Studies Teacher, PACT Charter School (2020-Present)
- United States Navy
- Police Detective
- Former Ramsey City Council member
EDUCATION
- Masters in Business Administration (MBA), St. Cloud State University
- B.A. in Criminal Justice Studies, St. Cloud State University
- B.A. / M.A. in Secondary Social Studies Teaching, Bemidji State University
Kristen Willers
Language Arts Teacher (grade 6)
EXPERIENCE
- Language Arts Teacher (grade 6), PACT Charter School (2026-present)
- Grade 6 Teacher, PACT Charter School (2024-2026)
- Grade 2 Teacher, Beacon Academy
- Kindergarten Teacher, Bunker Hills Academy
EDUCATION
-
B.A. Elementary Education K-6 and a Specialty in Preprimary, Bethel University