teacher
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025At 6 feet, 5 inches, Gordie Hansen was a center on the Luverne High School basketball team, an experience that brought the 1984 graduate back to his alma mater to teach for 35 years. He decided this spring to join his wife, Colette, in retirement. Together they worked a combined 73 years in the district. Colette, who also announced her retirement at the end of this school year, spent 38 years…
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025Lots of tears were shed on the last day of the 2024-25 school year in third-grade teacher Pam Christensen’s classroom. “My students and I were all sobbing, which led to a heartfelt class hug,” she said. “I said a few final words, but no one would leave the room. It is a moment that I will always remember.” Her last day of teaching is among many memories created during the 25 years she spent at…
By Mavis FodnessAugust 21, 2024A childhood experience with her younger brother led to a 33-year career in education for Luverne’s Lynette Stensland. Stensland retired from Luverne Public Schools at the close of the 2023-24 school year after spending 21 years in the Luverne School District. Her interest in education was sparked by a favor to her mother. “One summer my mom asked me to tutor my younger brother, which I really…
By Mavis FodnessJuly 17, 2024Editor’s note: Four educators from Luverne Public Schools packed up their lesson books, cleaned their desks and retired from positions they held for a combined 124 years. This week, we caught up with Beth Capistran, who worked for 31 years at Magnolia and Luverne elementary schools. By Mavis Fodness Beth Capistran has sage advice for anyone selecting a career in education: “Be open to…- March 27, 2024Correction: In the March 21 story about Luverne teacher contracts, the Star Herald incorrectly stated that top salary earners “a master’s degree and 30 years.” The correct information is “master’s degree and 30 credits.” The Star Herald regrets the error. We strive for fairness and accuracy in all our reporting, and if readers spot an error or omission, they’re encouraged to call 507-283-2333…
By Mavis FodnessSeptember 06, 2023Last week’s home build on Manfred Drive in Luverne was a high school reunion of sorts for five LHS graduates. Jake Guy, LHS Class of 2013, is the licensed general contractor with G3 Homes LLC, a business established in 2020 with his brother, Joe (Class of 2018), and dad, Tim. Recruited with the Guy brothers to complete the construction were Matthew Sterrett (Class of 2013) and Dalton Jacobsma (…- May 09, 2016Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children’s lives. Many of these children will become the future leaders in our communities and will be the teachers for future generations. Our teachers’ impact is immeasurable and worthy of celebration every day. Last week marked the National Education Association’s National Teacher Appreciation Week. Since 1984, the NEA has designated…
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