New teachers begin year at Herman-Norcross

By Katie Erdman

Grant County Herald

The Herman-Norcross school recently welcomed three new teachers. 

They include Sara Weber, who will be teaching 7-12 English and 7-8 social studies; Tracy Westrom, who will be teaching K-6 reading and math through the intervention program; and Maricel Baldevarona, who will be teaching 7-12 general science and 7-8 digital literacy. 

Sara Weber

Weber grew up and went to high school in Sleepy Eye. She went on to St. Cloud State University to pursue a K-6 Elementary Education degree and a K-12 graduate degree. She will be teaching both English and social studies for grades 7 and 8 and English for grades 9-12.

Weber went into teaching because she wanted to make a difference in the life of a student. She hopes to help them discover their strengths. She loves the fact that no two days in education are ever the same.

She had several teachers and mentors throughout her life who showed her how much of an impact one person can have on a student. Her own children have also influenced the kind of teacher she hopes to be.

Weber has been very impressed by how welcoming and supportive everyone has been in the Herman-Norcross School District. She is excited to become a part of the school and community and get to know the students and families.

When not teaching, you can find Weber spending time with her family, enjoying music, traveling and anything that gives her a chance to be creative. She also enjoys finding new and fun ways to bring creativity into her classroom.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be here.” Weber stated. “I’m looking forward to a great year, building relationships with students and families, and becoming part of the community.”

Tracy Westrom

Westrom grew up in Crookston, where she lived from 4th grade until graduating. Prior to fourth grade, she lived in Elbow Lake, Harvey, ND, Red Lake Falls, Montevideo, St. Paul, and Starkville, MS.

Westrom went to college in Dermorest, GA, at Piedmont College. She graduated from there with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Mass Communications. She was able to play college volleyball there, and loved traveling the Southeast. She lived in Georgia for 20 years.

Westrom will be teaching K-6 reading and math through the intervention program at the school. She enjoys working with kids and making a difference. “It is so wonderful to see kids learn and broaden their horizons,” she explained.

Both of her parents were educators at some point, and she supports education for all. When not teaching, she likes to travel and stay active. “I love time with family and friends, and I’m always up for an adventure.”

Westrom feels that the community is very supportive of the school, and she enjoyed the breakfast at the community center. “I can’t wait to meet the students and families,” she concluded.

Maricel Baldevarona

Baldevarona grew up in a rural and close-knit community environment in a small barangay in Southern Palawan, Philippines. She grew up experiencing the beauty of nature in a coastal setting. She experienced the hard work of indigenous people near her community that contributed to the area’s cultural diversity. 

After high school, Baldevarona went to Western Philippines University, located at Abortan, Palawan, where she graduated with a bachelor of secondary education major in general science. She comes to Herman-Norcross with 18 years of experience teaching middle and high school. She will be teaching 7-12 general science and 7-8 digital literacy.

Baldevarona decided to become a teacher with a general science major because she has always been fascinated by how the world works. Science helps us understand everything around us, from the human body to technology. 

“I want to share that curiosity with my students,” Baldevarona stated. “I want to help them ask questions, investigate problems, conduct experiments and discuss the answers for themselves. I want students to develop critical teaching skills, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making.”

Baldevarona decided to become a teacher because she believed that education can change a student’s life. As a science teacher, she will have the opportunity to inspire young people to appreciate science, become lifelong learners, and use what they learn to make a positive difference in their communities and in the world.

There have been several people who influenced her decision to become a teacher. One of her science teachers particularly inspired her because of the way she made science interesting and connected it to real-life situations. 

That experience made her realize that she also wanted to help students boost their curiosity, confidence and become excited about learning Science.

“As I continued my teaching career,” Baldevarona explained, “my colleagues, students, and mentors also influenced me. Their experiences reminded me that teaching is more than delivering lessons – it is about making a positive and lasting impact on my students’ lives. That is one of the main reasons I chose to become a general science teacher.”

Baldevarona has several hobbies and pastimes. She enjoys playing badminton, which is relaxing and active. She also enjoys swimming and nature tripping. She loves to explore things in science through reading and learning new developments. Most of all, she loves to spend time with her family.

Her initial thoughts about Herman and the Herman-Norcoss Community School are very positive. What impressed her most is the strong sense of community. 

“I understand that Herman is a small rural community, and the school reflects that close-knit environment,” she explained. This is like her community in the Philippines, where teachers, students, families and community members know and support one another.

She was initially attracted to Hermann-Norcross by its philosophy that every student matters. This belief creates a great opportunity for teachers to really know their students and understand their strengths and needs. ”As a general science teacher, I am also excited about connecting science to students’ everyday lives to the community around them.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered as part of your school and community,” Baldevarona stated. “Coming from the Philippines, I am excited to experience the culture and way of life in a small Minnesota community. I hope to share my own culture and experience with the students and community while also learning from you. I will do my best not only to be a good teacher but a supportive colleague, a responsible community member and a positive role model for students.”

“I believe that a strong school is built through cooperation among teachers, students, families and the community. I look forward to building meaningful relationships, participating in community activities and contributing whatever skills experience I can offer,” Baldevarona concluded. “I am coming with an open mind, a willing heart, and a genuine desire to serve and make a positive impact to the lives of the students.”