About Our 3rd Grade Teachers
Ms. Berglund
Hello! My name is Ms. Berglund and I am a third grade teacher. I grew up in El Paso, Texas and moved to Bemidji, MN to attend college in 2010. I studied at Bemidji State University where I majored in Elementary Education and Theater Arts. I taught 5th grade in Kansas City Kansas for a year before moving to Worthington in 2015 to teach 3rd graders. In my classroom instruction is individualized using different strategies. I invite and encourage families to be a part of the learning experience this year in our class and with the entire Prairie Elementary School family. Get ready for meaningful activities, experiences, and fun!
Mrs. Brandner
My name is Mrs. Brandner. I have been teaching at the elementary level in Worthington since 1991. I started teaching 2nd grade at Central Elementary. I also spent many years teaching 2nd and 3rd graders together in a multi-aged classroom until moving to Prairie Elementary. I then taught children during their 2nd grade year and kept them through their 3rd grade year. All of my teaching time in Worthington has been at the 2nd and 3rd grade levels. I love my job and this age level. Spending time with kids, helping them grow academically and emotionally, and laughing along the way… what could be better? There isn’t anything much more rewarding than watching children “get it” and to see the pride on their faces.
I coached the Worthington YMCA Stingrays Swim Team for 8 years and also spent about 8 years as the assistant varsity softball coach for Worthington High School.
I received my Bachelors Degree from Mankato State University in 1991. In 2009 I received my Master’s Degree from St. Mary’s University. My husband and I enjoy life with our three boys, Will, Jake, and Tucker.
Mr. Eichenberger
Hi, my name is Mr. Eichenberger or Mr. E. I received my Elementary Education degree at Dakota State University in Madison, SD (2013) and Master’s Degree in Coaching Sport from SMSU. I have been teaching in District 518 since 2013. I also coach Middle School football and basketball. In my spare time I mow lawns in the summer and cheer on the Green Bay Packers on Sundays during the football season, Go Pack Go!
Mr. Iverson
My name is Mr. Iverson. I teach 3rd grade here at the Intermediate School. My education includes Elementary Education Grades 1-6 SDSU/DSU, Health Education Grades K-12.
I started working for the district in 1992.
Mrs. Koepsell
My name is Mrs. Koepsell and I teach third grade. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but have lived in Minnesota since 2000. I have come to love Minnesota! My teaching career began in 2010. I taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade prior to third. I love third grade student’s enthusiasm, energy, and desire to learn! Some of my favorite things about teaching are making connections with my students, establishing a community within the classroom, and opening my student’s minds to accepting new ideas and new ways of looking at the world around them. My husband Mark and I have four children, a cat, and a dog. In my free time I enjoy reading, working on projects around the house, and going on walks. I love teaching and I am honored to be a part of Prairie Elementary and District 518.
Ms. Martin
Hello! My name is Ms. Martin. I have been teaching 3rd grade at the Intermediate School since 2023. I graduated from Winona State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in mid-level communication arts & literature. Prior to teaching 3rd grade, I taught 4th grade in Wisconsin for 1 year and 6th grade English in Buffalo, Minnesota for 1 year. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, reading, and painting. I also love spending time outdoors, being with family, and taking my dog for daily walks. I am thrilled to be part of District 518 and cannot wait to help students learn and grow!
Mrs. Russell
Hi! My name is Mrs. Russell. I began teaching 3rd grade at Prairie Elementary in 2012. I received my elementary education degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in May of 2012. Before going back to school, I was a para at Hi-Ho Preschool for 3 years and I was also a substitute teacher in our district for 2 years. I live near Bigelow, MN on an acreage with my husband, Matt, and my 2 sons, Nate and Adam. I love teaching and seeing the kids grow throughout the school year!
Mrs. Teerink
Hello! My name is Mrs. Teerink. I began teaching at Prairie Elementary School in 2011before moving to the Intermediate School in 2024. I received my Elementary Education degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN in 2001. I enjoyed being a substitute teacher in the Marshall area, but wanted to have my career begin where I grew up, Worthington, MN. I worked as a paraprofessional at Prairie Elementary School prior to beginning my teaching career. I love working with kids and watching them grow as learners. It is so fun to see their eyes light up when learning something new. I hope to instill a love of learning in my students while I share my own love of learning with them. I was born and raised in Worthington and am happy to raise my family in my hometown.
Mrs. Vercruysee
Hi! My name is Mrs. Vercruysse. My hometown is Walnut Grove, Minnesota. I went to college at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota where I received my degree in Early Childhood Education: Birth to Age Eight. I taught Third Grade in Brookings for two years before beginning my career at Prairie Elementary. I enjoy the curiosity that students have and their eagerness to learn.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, doing DIY projects, spending time with my family, cheering on Minnesota sports teams, and spending time outdoors.
Mrs. Willers
Hello! My name is Mrs. Willers. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato in May 2012. I was a preschool teacher in Nicollet, Minnesota before I accepted my third grade teaching position at Prairie Elementary.
During my spare time, I like to hang out with my family. I am originally from Adrian, Minnesota so most of my family members are close to me. When the opportunity comes my way, I like to vacation and explore different areas of the world, especially anywhere tropical.
One of my favorite things about being a teacher is not only seeing what I can teach the students but also seeing what the students teach me! I have learned many things in the past with my students, and I cannot wait to see what else I learn from them in the future!