About Our 1st Grade Teachers
Mrs. Bahl
Hello! My name is Mrs. Bahl. I began teaching at Prairie in 2016. I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in May 2015. After graduating I spent a year as a substitute teacher in the Mankato Area Public Schools. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, doing crafts, traveling, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. I am so excited to be working in first grade this year!! I love teaching and watching students grow with their learning throughout the school year and all of the accomplishments they can make!
Mrs. Ebbers
My name is Mrs. Ebbers. I grew up in Wilmont, Minnesota and graduated from Worthington Schools. I received my Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. In 1993 I began my teaching in Brewster and taught there for ten years. I began teaching in Worthington in 2003. I have taught first grade my entire career. I love to work with children who are learning to read. It is so fun to share this adventure with my students.
Mrs. Groen
Hello! My name is Maitland Groen. I grew up in George, IA, and graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2020 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, I substituted in various school districts. I enjoy working with kids and watching them learn and grow. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and dogs, ride snowmobile in the winter, and travel. On November 11, 2022, I married my husband, Jordan. I am excited to apart of the Prairie team and looking forward to meeting you all!
Contact Mrs. Groen
Mrs. Hamilton
I’m a Minnesota lady at heart, born and raised. I grew up not too far from here in Welcome, MN. After graduating from Martin County West, I went on to obtain my bachelors degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. The past ten years I have actually been in the district teaching preschool for District 518 Even Start program and School Readiness. This year I have the privilege to move up to 1st grade and see some familiar faces as well as many new ones.
Ms. Hibbing
Hello! My name is Heather Hibbing. I grew up in St. Clair, MN. I graduated from South Dakota State University with my degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I received by Elementary Education certification from Dakota State University. I taught fourth grade and kindergarten in the Mankato Area Public School District for three years before joining the Prairie Elementary team to teach first grade in 2016. I am passionate about helping each child reach their highest potential so they can be productive, lifelong learners.
Mrs. Lupton
Hi! I’m Nichole Lupton! I’m one of the first grade teachers. I went to high school at Harris-Lake Park. I went to college at Minnesota West and Southwest Minnesota State University. I was previously a first grade teacher at St. Mary’s here in Worthington. A couple interesting facts about me are: I’ve broken my nose and I’ll play volleyball wherever whenever—in the gym, in mud, in sand, and even in the dark (glow volleyball)!
Mrs. Nelson
I am a first grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I graduated from SMSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2015. Previous to taking the position as a first grade teacher, I was a para with the district for 4 years in 3rd and 4th grade. I have two boys. One thing that I love to do is read.
Mrs. Rogers
Hi! My name is Mrs. Rogers and a 1st grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I graduated from SMSU with my Early Childhood Education degree in the fall of 2019. I got married on July 2nd this summer to my husband Nolan. We have a yellow lab named Beau that I love spending my free time with! I also enjoy crafting and spending time at the lake with my family! I am so excited to join the Prairie team and look forward to meeting all of you!
Miss Schettler
Hello! My name is Lexie Schettler, and I am a first grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I grew up in Adrian, MN, and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I started teaching at Prairie Elementary in 2024, right after graduation. Outside of school, I love to play sand volleyball and spend time with my family and two dogs!
Ms. Teerink
Mrs. Vortherms
Hello I am Kendall Vortherms. I teach 1st grade at Prairie Elementary. My family lives and works in Worthington and we are very proud of our community. My husband and I are busy with three children at home.
I was born and raised here in Worthington, MN. I completed my college education at Southwest Minnesota State University. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
It is so rewarding being a teacher where you have lived your whole life. I love being able to educate students that I know will better our community in the coming years. My favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the student’s excitement for learning. My goal as a teacher in this community is to promote education in a positive and safe environment.
Mrs. Winter
Hello! I’m Emily Winter. I have been teaching first grade at Prairie Elementary since 2012. I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 2006 with a degree in elementary education. I taught 2nd and 3rd grade near Houston, TX for six years. I taught first grade for six years at Prairie. Now I am very much enjoying being back in 2nd grade!
When I am not teaching, my husband and I enjoy hiking with our dog Merlin, biking, and kayaking. We try to visit at least one National Park each year.