Westonka Welcomes New Educators for 2026-27 School Year

Westonka Public Schools is proud to welcome several new teachers to the district for the 2026-2027 school year. Meet Westonka's newest educators.

Hilltop Primary School

Coming from a small town in Wisconsin, Natasha Miller is Hilltop’s new school social worker. Angela Lohman, a former para and sub with the district, is the new English Language Learner (ELL) teacher for both Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools.

Shirley Hills Primary School

There are several new faces at Shirley Hills this year. 

Emily Oberdeck Baldus, a Westonka graduate, got married over the summer and is a new teacher on the first-grade team. Jena McIntyre, a former para at WMS, is a new special education teacher in EBD and social skills instruction. Kari Martinson, a long-term sub last year, is a new second-grade teacher. Barbara Zimmer from Brazil joins the Shirley Hills special education team.

Westonka High School

Westonka High School is eager to welcome and introduce three new teachers to Westonka. Grace Lee is a new social studies teacher. She comes to Westonka from Benson, MN. Originally from Guatemala, Loyda Mendolia joins the special education department.  A prior substitute for Westonka, she says this is her dream job. Katelynn Peglow will teach two medical careers courses in the new health care-focused career pathways program and will continue as athletic trainer.

Westonka Preschool

Sue Forster, a long-term sub last year, joins Westonka Preschool as a PreK teacher this year.

Welcome to all of Westonka’s newest educators!