About Our 2nd Grade Teachers
Ms. Bautista
My name is Brianna Bautista and I am from Sioux Falls, SD. I graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls and then attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. I recently graduate this past May making this my first year of teaching. I am going to be a 2nd grade teacher at Prairie Elementary and I cannot be more excited to begin my teaching career. Worthington holds a special place in my heart as this is where my mom’s side of the family is from and still lives today. If you ever see me, I normally have a coffee in hand (white mocha is the best) and a book (romance is my favorite)! I cannot wait to meet my students and get the school year started!
Mrs. Doeden
Hello, my name is Mrs. Doeden. I was born and raised in Worthington and graduated from Worthington High School. After high school I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris with majors in Elementary Education and Spanish. In 2001, I also earned a Master’s Degree, in Educational Leadership, from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN.
I began teaching in ISD 518 in 1992 at West Elementary and have been with the district ever since. I currently teach 2nd grade here at Prairie Elementary. It is a privilege to teach children each day and I look forward to coming to work. I enjoy helping students discover new things, especially in science and mathematics. I also enjoy practicing my Spanish every day.
Ms. Hartmann
Hello! My name is Ms. Hartmann and I teach 2nd grade at Prairie Elementary. I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2021 where I majored in Elementary Education and minored in Middle School Communication Arts and Literature. As a mid-year graduate, I spent the remainder of the school year subbing in the district I student taught at. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, doing puzzles, watching movies, and reading.
Mrs. Kremer
Hello! My name is Katie Kremer. I am a second grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and special education at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. I also received my Master’s degree in Special Education from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota. I started teaching at Prairie Elementary in 2009. What I enjoy most about teaching is figuring out how the students learn and meeting their learning needs. Seeing the students master a skill they have been working on is also a highlight of the job.
I currently live on an acreage by Brewster with my husband (who works in construction), 2 dogs, and 2 cats. I grew up on a farm in Iowa, which still holds a special place in my heart!
Mrs. Landwehr
I graduated from St. Cloud State University where I majored in Elementary Education with a reading minor. I then taught fourth grade at Cedar grove Elementary in El Paso, Texas for eight years. I have been teaching second grade in Worthington since 1999. My husband teaches geography at the high school. We have two children who keep us very busy. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family, garden, read, and travel.
Mrs. Mahoney
Welcome! My name is Mrs. Mahoney. I am currently a 2nd grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies and art. I began my career as the Elementary Spanish Teacher in 2005 after graduating from Southwest Minnesota State University with an Elementary Education degree and a Spanish specialization along with a Spanish minor. Beginning in 2011, I am now a 2nd grade teacher and enjoy it very much!
The thing I enjoy the most is seeing the joy on the students faces as they learn new things. A fun fact that my students always get excited about is that I have a twin sister. They love to try and guess which one I am in pictures!
Mrs. McGraw
I am Mrs. McGraw. I graduated from Worthington High School in 2004, and from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2008 with B.A. degree in Elementary Education with a focus in reading and a B.A. degree in Dance.
I began my teaching career with a long term substitute position from grades 4 -8 at the Worthington Area Language Academy (WALA) in January of 2009. I was then hired on as the Title 1 teacher for the rest of the 2008-2009 school year. I taught 2nd and 3rd grade at WALA during the 2009-2010 school year. I was very fortunate to get hired and have the opportunity to begin teaching 2nd grade at Prairie Elementary starting with the 2010-2011 school year. I love it.
There are many things that I enjoy about teaching, but one of the best things is when you can see kids engaged and having fun with what they are learning. It is that “light bulb” moment, when everything clicks and makes sense to them that really makes my day worthwhile. One of the biggest things I try to instill in my teaching everyday is this: they may not remember everything I teach them this year, but they will remember how I made them feel everyday and how they felt about themselves during our time together.
One interesting fact about me is that I traveled to London for two weeks during the summer of 2010. The highlight of my trip was actually getting to see a Harry Potter in the movie theater in London!
Mrs. Spartz
This is my first opportunity to work in Second Grade! While working in District 518 I have worked in Early Childhood Special Education and First Grade. I am married and have six children. I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and making cards. My main goal at work is to make a difference with the students I teach. I’m always looking for ways to make a difference in people’s lives! Even with the smallest act, such as a smile or a friendly “Hello”!
Ms. Steffl
My name is Ms. Steffl and I teach 2nd grade at Prairie Elementary. I received my Associate in Arts Degree from Minnesota West Community & Technical College. I then went on to Southwest Minnesota State University where I graduated with a degree is Early Childhood Education. Outside of school I enjoy being with friends and family, enjoying the sun and outdoor activities.
Mrs. Vortherms
Hello I am Kendall Vortherms. I teach 2nd 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.