About Our Teachers
Ms. Aguilar
Hi! I am Ms. Aguilar. I started teaching 5th Grade here in 2023. I had over fifteen years of teaching experience before coming to Worthington. I earned my undergraduate degree education from the University of North Dakota. I have a masters degree in reading from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. I enjoy learning alongside my students in our classroom. I was also a soldier in the Army. I had the opportunity to travel many places in my career. I was a soldier and musician in five different Army Bands. When not at school I enjoy spending time with my family, especially outdoors.
Ms. Ahlers
My name is Ashley Ahlers. In 2021, I started teaching 5th-grade in District 518. I earned my B.S. in Psychology from South Dakota State University and my M.A. in Elementary Education (K-6th) from Western Governors University. I love teaching and sharing my passion for learning. I currently live in Worthington, MN with my husband Logan. We have a daughter and 2 dogs. In our spare time, we love to visit national parks, remodel our home, and spend time with family.
Mrs. Ahlers
I am Mrs. Ahlers and I teach Fifth Grade. I completed my schooling by attending Minnesota West Worthington Campus, Buena Vista University, and Storm Lake IA-Elementary Education, Pre-primary.
I started working for the Worthington school district in 2006 as a Preschool teacher for the Even Start family literacy program at the West building. From there I began teaching half time first grade at Prairie. I also taught ELL for one year at Prairie. I taught second grade. I especially enjoy seeing their progress in math. Second grade is a big year in math, learning how to regroup and rename in addition and subtraction! I also enjoy reading and listening to the students become much more fluent readers throughout the year. I’m excited for a classroom full 5th grade learners at the new Intermediate School!
I enjoy teaching in my hometown, as I am a Worthington High school graduate! I grew up in the Rushmore area, along with my family of 3 brothers and 3 sisters! I am married; my husband and I have four children. We are farm family, and currently farm around the Worthington, Bigelow, and Brewster areas. We enjoy camping, watching baseball, gardening, and exploring trails on our atv’s.
Ms. Bursch
Hi! My name is Ms. Bursch, and I am happy to be teaching 4th Grade in Worthington. I graduated from Owatonna High School and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a K-8 Science Endorsement from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. I have taught 4th grade in Wheaton and Spring Lake Park as well as substitute taught in Owatonna, Faribault, Waseca and Ellendale. I am excited to be here at Prairie and to be sharing my love of learning with these students. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, playing games, cheering on my favorite teams, and taking road trips around the United States.
Ms. Eggers
Hello! My name is Presley Eggers and I am a fifth grade teacher the Intermediate School. I grew up in Worthington and graduated from the Worthington High School. I attended college at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I also coach gymnastics and in my free time I enjoy going on runs, bike rides, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Harms
Hello! My name is Karissa Harms and I am a fifth grade teacher at the Intermediate School. I am a first year teacher and I am so very excited to be apart of the Worthington School district! I graduated from the University of Sioux Falls in May of 2023. When I am not teaching, I like to visit with friends and family, go to Lake Okoboji, and I also like to do crafty projects. A fun fact about me is that I have a dog with one eye.
Mrs. Jungers
Hi, my name is Mrs. Jungers and I’m a Special Education teacher at the Intermediate School. I have been teaching in District 518 since the Fall of 1999. I teach Reading, Math, and Written Language to students with learning disabilities. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education.
The highlight of teaching is watching students grow academically and socially. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, camping, boating, attending my children’s school activities, playing board games, and reading.
Mrs. Kunkel
Hello! My name is Ashlyn Kunkel and I am a fifth grade teacher at the Intermediate School since August of 2024. I grew up on a farm outside of Ellsworth, Minnesota with my parents and two older siblings. I attended school in Ellsworth and graduated from there in 2020. In May of 2024, I graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. In my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, go boating, and watch sports.
Mrs. Morales
My name is Alva Morales, and I graduated from The University of Texas in El Paso in 2015 with my bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies. I then moved to Fort Stockton, Texas where I taught ELAR for 7 years.
Mr. Olson
Hello my name is Austin Olson and I am from Jackson, Minnesota. I graduated from JCC in 2015 and then received my Elementary Education degree Southwest Minnesota State University in the spring of 2019. 2019 was my first year working at the Worthington School District and first year of teaching. I have previously taught in the fourth grade at Martin County West school district. When I have free time, I enjoy spending my time with family and friends, playing golf, and watching sports. A fun fact about me is that in the summer I teach the junior golf program at the Jackson Golf Club.
Mrs. Olson
Hello! My name is Trysten Olson. I am a 5th grade teacher at the Worthington Intermediate School. I grew up in Adrian, and graduated from Adrian High School in 2010. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SMSU in 2014, and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2022. I have been teaching since 2014. I currently live in Worthington with my family and enjoy camping, reading, playing volleyball and traveling whenever I can! I am excited to learn and grow with everyone at ISD 518!
Miss Weidert
Hello! My name is Miss Weidert and I am a fifth grade teacher at Intermediate School. I grew up and attended high school in Adrian, MN. After graduating from high school, I attended Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. With any free time, I enjoy golfing and crafting.