Staff
Meet our Headmaster
Dr. Gerdts
Dr. Cory Gerdts has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Chicago. He is the Director
of Innovation and Customer Solutions for Protein BioSolutions and has worked in
Biotech for 15 years. He serves as Headmaster at Clear Lake Classical. Cory and his wife, Emily, have two children and reside in Clear Lake and are passionate about supporting classical and Christian education in North Iowa.
Dr. Gerdts
Dr. Cory Gerdts has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Chicago. He is the Director
of Innovation and Customer Solutions for Protein BioSolutions and has worked in
Biotech for 15 years. He serves as Headmaster at Clear Lake Classical. Cory and his wife, Emily, have two children and reside in Clear Lake and are passionate about supporting classical and Christian education in North Iowa.
Meet our Lower School Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Schmidt
Mrs. Schmidt was born and raised here in Clear Lake. She has worked with adults with disabilities for the last 24 years.
She and her husband, Johnny, reside in Clear Lake. They have 5 children, all of whom are grown. Her two youngest children are now alumni and were a part of the first graduating class at CLC. Julie is excited to be a part of the ministry that has been so beneficial for her own children.
Mrs. Schmidt
Mrs. Schmidt was born and raised here in Clear Lake. She has worked with adults with disabilities for the last 24 years.
She and her husband, Johnny, reside in Clear Lake. They have 5 children, all of whom are grown. Her two youngest children are now alumni and were a part of the first graduating class at CLC. Julie is excited to be a part of the ministry that has been so beneficial for her own children.
Meet our Upper School Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Jackson
Mrs. Jackson grew up on an acreage near Thornton, Iowa, and was home schooled by Christian parents. She attended Waldorf College and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in finance and banking.
Having experienced the blessing of Christian education, Mrs. Jackson is thrilled to be involved in a classical Christian school. She enjoys seeing the ways God is at work in the lives of the teachers and families at CLC. She believes that education using God’s Word and the classical model will prepare these students well for all that God has for them!
Mrs. Jackson
Mrs. Jackson grew up on an acreage near Thornton, Iowa, and was home schooled by Christian parents. She attended Waldorf College and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in finance and banking.
Having experienced the blessing of Christian education, Mrs. Jackson is thrilled to be involved in a classical Christian school. She enjoys seeing the ways God is at work in the lives of the teachers and families at CLC. She believes that education using God’s Word and the classical model will prepare these students well for all that God has for them!
Meet our Academic Dean
Mrs. Lund
Mrs. Lund, our Academic Dean, graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a 5-8 science endorsement. She received her Master of Education in curriculum and teaching from the University of San Diego in 2010. Mrs. Lund is a licensed teacher in the state of Iowa, certified K-6 in Iowa and K-8 in Minnesota.
Mrs. Lund is passionate about cultivating the hearts and minds of her students, helping them to love that which is worth loving. She and her husband, senior pastor at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, have three young children, all of whom are blessed to attend CLC
Mrs. Lund
Mrs. Lund, our Academic Dean, graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a 5-8 science endorsement. She received her Master of Education in curriculum and teaching from the University of San Diego in 2010. Mrs. Lund is a licensed teacher in the state of Iowa, certified K-6 in Iowa and K-8 in Minnesota.
Mrs. Lund is passionate about cultivating the hearts and minds of her students, helping them to love that which is worth loving. She and her husband, senior pastor at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, have three young children, all of whom are blessed to attend CLC
Meet our Lower School Teaching Staff
Meet our Lower School Dean
Mrs. Sokol
Mrs. Sokol grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and is certified K-6 in Iowa. She has 21 years of successful teaching experience with all levels of education in the public and private schools, and also home schooled her 5 children. One of her daughters was a part of the 1st graduating class at CLC and her youngest child currently attends. She and her husband of 28 years are members of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner.
She believes that each child is a unique individual created by God who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature spiritually, intellectually, and socially. She loves teaching children to read,helping them develop a love of good literature and incorporating the Word of God into every part of the school day. As she enters her 9th year of teaching at CLC, it is her desire to help the students meet their fullest God-given potential by providing loving, yet firm discipline, an atmosphere of learning that is formal, yet fun, and hopes to instill in her students alove of learning and a love for Jesus.
Mrs. Sokol
Mrs. Sokol grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and is certified K-6 in Iowa. She has 21 years of successful teaching experience with all levels of education in the public and private schools, and also home schooled her 5 children. One of her daughters was a part of the 1st graduating class at CLC and her youngest child currently attends. She and her husband of 28 years are members of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner.
She believes that each child is a unique individual created by God who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature spiritually, intellectually, and socially. She loves teaching children to read,helping them develop a love of good literature and incorporating the Word of God into every part of the school day. As she enters her 9th year of teaching at CLC, it is her desire to help the students meet their fullest God-given potential by providing loving, yet firm discipline, an atmosphere of learning that is formal, yet fun, and hopes to instill in her students alove of learning and a love for Jesus.
Meet our PreK Teacher
Mrs. Josten
Mrs. Josten has an Associates of Bible and Missions from Prairie Bible Institute and a B.A. of International Studies from the University of Colorado at Denver. She has experience in children's ministry and is a mother to four. She worked as a Volunteer Coordinator serving the local refugee population in Denver, which is where she met her husband. Mrs. Josten and her husband (who grew up in Ventura) have lived in Clear Lake since 2021. She is grateful for those in this community who are helping to influence her children, and the next generation, to know Christ.
Mrs. Josten
Mrs. Josten has an Associates of Bible and Missions from Prairie Bible Institute and a B.A. of International Studies from the University of Colorado at Denver. She has experience in children's ministry and is a mother to four. She worked as a Volunteer Coordinator serving the local refugee population in Denver, which is where she met her husband. Mrs. Josten and her husband (who grew up in Ventura) have lived in Clear Lake since 2021. She is grateful for those in this community who are helping to influence her children, and the next generation, to know Christ.
Meet our Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Torkelson
Mrs. Torkelson grew up in Mason City, Iowa. She attended Buena Vista University and earned her Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education, Human Resources, Sociology and a minor in Psychology. Mrs. Torkelson also earned endorsements in Reading, Special Education, and Social Studies. Mrs. Torkelson loves hands on activities that inspire wonder in the students. She has been with CLC since 2021.
Mrs. Torkelson lives in Thornton on a small farm with her husband and their three children. She and her family attend Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church in Garner, Iowa where she has been active in teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. In her free time, Mrs. Torkelson loves to spend time with her family, bake, cook, garden, and take care of the animals on the farm!
Mrs. Torkelson
Mrs. Torkelson grew up in Mason City, Iowa. She attended Buena Vista University and earned her Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education, Human Resources, Sociology and a minor in Psychology. Mrs. Torkelson also earned endorsements in Reading, Special Education, and Social Studies. Mrs. Torkelson loves hands on activities that inspire wonder in the students. She has been with CLC since 2021.
Mrs. Torkelson lives in Thornton on a small farm with her husband and their three children. She and her family attend Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church in Garner, Iowa where she has been active in teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. In her free time, Mrs. Torkelson loves to spend time with her family, bake, cook, garden, and take care of the animals on the farm!
Meet our 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith grew up in Garner and attended Garner-Hayfield School. She then went on to NIACC where she took AEA Classes to become a Para Educator. Mrs. Smith worked in the public school system as a Para Educator for 17 years. She also was a coach for 22 years. Mrs. Smith has 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter. Mrs. Smith moved back to this area a few years ago to be closer to her family. This is her third year working at CLC. She has 2 nephews and 1 niece that attend CLC.
Mrs. Smith was a foster parent and respite provider for 10 years and has also worked with special needs adults.
Mrs. Smith is an avid Cyclones, Twins, and Viking fan.
Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith grew up in Garner and attended Garner-Hayfield School. She then went on to NIACC where she took AEA Classes to become a Para Educator. Mrs. Smith worked in the public school system as a Para Educator for 17 years. She also was a coach for 22 years. Mrs. Smith has 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter. Mrs. Smith moved back to this area a few years ago to be closer to her family. This is her third year working at CLC. She has 2 nephews and 1 niece that attend CLC.
Mrs. Smith was a foster parent and respite provider for 10 years and has also worked with special needs adults.
Mrs. Smith is an avid Cyclones, Twins, and Viking fan.
Meet our 2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Burton
Mrs. Burton grew up in Virginia and graduated from Rockhurst College Paralegal School in 1995. She will be graduating from Liberty University in 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Elementary Education. She was first introduced to Classical Education while homeschooling her five children for 15-plus years. She has been married for 31 years, has 5 grown children, 3 daughters-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and 2 more on the way. She and her husband are empty nesters but stay busy traveling to see their children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Burton has been with Clear Lake Classical since September 2015 and is very excited to help the children grow in knowledge and in Christ and "awaken the wonder of learning".
Mrs. Burton
Mrs. Burton grew up in Virginia and graduated from Rockhurst College Paralegal School in 1995. She will be graduating from Liberty University in 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Elementary Education. She was first introduced to Classical Education while homeschooling her five children for 15-plus years. She has been married for 31 years, has 5 grown children, 3 daughters-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and 2 more on the way. She and her husband are empty nesters but stay busy traveling to see their children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Burton has been with Clear Lake Classical since September 2015 and is very excited to help the children grow in knowledge and in Christ and "awaken the wonder of learning".
Meet our 3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Kane
Mrs. Kane attended Faith Baptist Bible College where she earned a Bachelors in Christian Education and Administrative Assistant. She spent close to 20 years working for Wells Fargo as a mortgage underwriter and trainer which sharpened her love of teaching, math, and grammar.
She is actively involved in her local church as the Children’s Director which includes teaching and overseeing multiple children’s ministries. She also spends time counseling girls at summer camp and winter retreats. In her free time, Mrs. Kane loves to spend time with her family, play volleyball, and have people over to her home.
Mrs. Kane
Mrs. Kane attended Faith Baptist Bible College where she earned a Bachelors in Christian Education and Administrative Assistant. She spent close to 20 years working for Wells Fargo as a mortgage underwriter and trainer which sharpened her love of teaching, math, and grammar.
She is actively involved in her local church as the Children’s Director which includes teaching and overseeing multiple children’s ministries. She also spends time counseling girls at summer camp and winter retreats. In her free time, Mrs. Kane loves to spend time with her family, play volleyball, and have people over to her home.
Meet our 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Eakins
Mrs. Eakins grew up in Bloomfield, Iowa. She attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in math and reading. Mrs. Eakins has been with CLC since 2016.
Along with her husband and three children, the Eakins family are members of the Garner Evangelical Free Church where she is actively involved in children's ministry. She teaches Sunday School for pre-schoolers and is the director for VBS.
Since a young age, Mrs. Eakins has had a passion for working with children, and she is excited to bring that passion to Clear Lake Classical. She believes that God should be the center of all things, and education is no exception. It is her desire to actively and purposefully teach children the love, discipline, and understanding of God's Word. That way, when learning academic skills, children will begin to value all things from the perspective of their creator.
Mrs. Eakins
Mrs. Eakins grew up in Bloomfield, Iowa. She attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in math and reading. Mrs. Eakins has been with CLC since 2016.
Along with her husband and three children, the Eakins family are members of the Garner Evangelical Free Church where she is actively involved in children's ministry. She teaches Sunday School for pre-schoolers and is the director for VBS.
Since a young age, Mrs. Eakins has had a passion for working with children, and she is excited to bring that passion to Clear Lake Classical. She believes that God should be the center of all things, and education is no exception. It is her desire to actively and purposefully teach children the love, discipline, and understanding of God's Word. That way, when learning academic skills, children will begin to value all things from the perspective of their creator.
Meet our 5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Parcher
BIO COMING SOON!
Mrs. Parcher
BIO COMING SOON!
Meet our 6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Gerdts
Mrs. Gerdts grew up in South Dakota as part of a large farm family. Since then, she has travelled, lived, and worked in a wide variety of places. She holds degrees in Christian education and ministries from Dakota Bible College and Lincoln Christian University. A highly-creative person, she loves finding and using an array of methods and tools to teach age-old truths -- especially to children. Her experience includes nine years as a preschool teacher and director in Lincoln, IL; five years as Project Coordinator and Director of Partnership Development for Academic Development Institute in Lincoln, IL; and six years as Coordinator of Partnership Development and Early Childhood for the Parent Information Resource Center in Concord, NH. Mrs. Gerdts has also been a presenter at many national, state, and local conferences. An eager volunteer, she has served as a middle school choir director, youth group sponsor, family and youth camp worker, and women's ministry leader. She is eager to help her students become life-long learners who will give themselves fully to the cause of God's Kingdom. She and her husband, Tom, live in Clear Lake, are parents of five grown children living in five different states, and have eight grandchildren.
Mrs. Gerdts
Mrs. Gerdts grew up in South Dakota as part of a large farm family. Since then, she has travelled, lived, and worked in a wide variety of places. She holds degrees in Christian education and ministries from Dakota Bible College and Lincoln Christian University. A highly-creative person, she loves finding and using an array of methods and tools to teach age-old truths -- especially to children. Her experience includes nine years as a preschool teacher and director in Lincoln, IL; five years as Project Coordinator and Director of Partnership Development for Academic Development Institute in Lincoln, IL; and six years as Coordinator of Partnership Development and Early Childhood for the Parent Information Resource Center in Concord, NH. Mrs. Gerdts has also been a presenter at many national, state, and local conferences. An eager volunteer, she has served as a middle school choir director, youth group sponsor, family and youth camp worker, and women's ministry leader. She is eager to help her students become life-long learners who will give themselves fully to the cause of God's Kingdom. She and her husband, Tom, live in Clear Lake, are parents of five grown children living in five different states, and have eight grandchildren.
Meet our Lower School Art Teacher
Mrs. Becker
Mrs. Becker was born and raised in Mason City. She met her husband, Calvin, in high school, and they were married soon after. Mrs. Becker attended NIACC where she received an AA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management and an Entrepreneurial Certificate. She has spent the last 7 years raising their two children at home.
Mrs. Becker enjoys reading, drawing, music, and, of course, spending time with her family. Her family attends Rhythm Church where they are active on the worship team and in small group.
Mrs. Becker
Mrs. Becker was born and raised in Mason City. She met her husband, Calvin, in high school, and they were married soon after. Mrs. Becker attended NIACC where she received an AA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management and an Entrepreneurial Certificate. She has spent the last 7 years raising their two children at home.
Mrs. Becker enjoys reading, drawing, music, and, of course, spending time with her family. Her family attends Rhythm Church where they are active on the worship team and in small group.
Meet our Lower School P.E. Teacher
Mr. Fyfe
Mr. Fyfe is a native Iowan and has lived in Clear Lake for the past 34 years. He and his wife Kim have 5 children and 15 grandchildren. Mr. Fyfe attended Central College in Pella, IA where he studied PE/Coaching and Teaching. Though Mr. Fyfe spent 32 years working at Principal in Mason City, his love of teaching, coaching, and sports never waned. Mr. Fyfe has spent many hours teaching Sunday school and was the AWANA game leader for 25 years. In addition to his many years of involvement in children’s ministry at his local church, Mr. Fyfe also began coaching HS Boys Soccer and Jr High Cross Country at the local public school. In 2022 Mr. Fyfe joined the staff at CLC as the lower school PE teacher. He is not only passionate about teaching children how to play and enjoy sports and exercise, but he also wants to instill in them a love for the Lord.
Meet our Lower School Aide
Mrs. Hopkins
Melissa Upmeyer Hopkins graduated from Ventura High School! She is married to Travis and has nine children, one stepson, and eight grandchildren and counting. Melissa and her husband reside in Forest City where they owned and operated their construction business for over 25 years. She has a heart for and is passionate about working with children. Melissa is so excited to be part of classical Christian education at CLC.
Mrs. Hopkins
Melissa Upmeyer Hopkins graduated from Ventura High School! She is married to Travis and has nine children, one stepson, and eight grandchildren and counting. Melissa and her husband reside in Forest City where they owned and operated their construction business for over 25 years. She has a heart for and is passionate about working with children. Melissa is so excited to be part of classical Christian education at CLC.
Meet our Lower School Aide
Mrs. Callison
BIO COMING SOON!
Mrs. Callison
BIO COMING SOON!
Meet our Lower School Aide
Mrs. Miller
BIO COMING SOON!
Mrs. Miller
BIO COMING SOON!
Meet our Upper School Teaching Staff
Meet our Upper School Science/Spanish/Bible Teacher
Mrs. Rietjens
Mrs. Rietjens was born in Indiana, but grew up in Uruguay, South America, where her parents served as missionaries for 41 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master's in Christian Theology. She has been married to Drew since 2001, and they have four children.
Since 2015, Mrs. Rietjens and her family have been members of Clear Lake Christian Church where her husband gets to be the senior pastor. She teaches and helps in a variety of ways. Her favorite way to serve is to help lead worship on Sunday mornings.
While working on her master's degree, Mrs. Rietjens realized that she truly loved to teach. Her goals have always been to teach Christ first and then information and skills that develop, challenge, and transform her students. Classical education is exciting because it purposefully teaches in a way that gives students more than just information - it places the Triune God at the center of every subject and seeks to lead children to become learners, be disciplined, have useful skills, give reasoned defense, and bring glory to God.
Mrs. Rietjens
Mrs. Rietjens was born in Indiana, but grew up in Uruguay, South America, where her parents served as missionaries for 41 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master's in Christian Theology. She has been married to Drew since 2001, and they have four children.
Since 2015, Mrs. Rietjens and her family have been members of Clear Lake Christian Church where her husband gets to be the senior pastor. She teaches and helps in a variety of ways. Her favorite way to serve is to help lead worship on Sunday mornings.
While working on her master's degree, Mrs. Rietjens realized that she truly loved to teach. Her goals have always been to teach Christ first and then information and skills that develop, challenge, and transform her students. Classical education is exciting because it purposefully teaches in a way that gives students more than just information - it places the Triune God at the center of every subject and seeks to lead children to become learners, be disciplined, have useful skills, give reasoned defense, and bring glory to God.
Meet our Upper School Math Teacher
Mrs. Callison
Mrs. Callison attended Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA, and graduated with a
Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education. She also completed math courses at DMACC,
Grandview University, and Waldorf University. She was a substitute teacher in local schools,
taught English part-time, and helped students as a math tutor for 15 years prior to teaching at
CLC. Mrs. Callison teaches upper level math classes and assists with math tutoring.
She and her husband work at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp and attend Faith Baptist Church in
Mason City, where they enjoy serving in children’s, youth group, and music ministries. Their
four children attend CLC. Mrs. Callison is passionate about helping children grow in their
relationship with the Lord and learn to honor Him with every aspect of their lives.
Mrs. Callison
Mrs. Callison attended Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA, and graduated with a
Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education. She also completed math courses at DMACC,
Grandview University, and Waldorf University. She was a substitute teacher in local schools,
taught English part-time, and helped students as a math tutor for 15 years prior to teaching at
CLC. Mrs. Callison teaches upper level math classes and assists with math tutoring.
She and her husband work at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp and attend Faith Baptist Church in
Mason City, where they enjoy serving in children’s, youth group, and music ministries. Their
four children attend CLC. Mrs. Callison is passionate about helping children grow in their
relationship with the Lord and learn to honor Him with every aspect of their lives.
Meet our Upper School History/Theology/Literature/Poetry Teacher
Mr. Bang
BIO COMING SOON!
Mr. Bang
BIO COMING SOON!
Meet our Upper School Rhetoric/Thesis/Latin/Composition/Logic Teacher
Mr. Shanahan
BIO COMING SOON!
Mr. Shanahan
BIO COMING SOON!
Meet our Upper School Omnibus/Theology Teacher
Mr. Lund
Brian J. Lund loves classical education and seeing it blossom in the lives of children and families.
He studied at Bethel University, The Bethlehem Institute, and Westminster Theological Seminary, California. He has been excited to work peripherally with classical schools in three different states. Brian lives in Garner, IA with his lovely wife and three children, where he serves as minister of Word & Sacrament at Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church.
Mr. Lund
Brian J. Lund loves classical education and seeing it blossom in the lives of children and families.
He studied at Bethel University, The Bethlehem Institute, and Westminster Theological Seminary, California. He has been excited to work peripherally with classical schools in three different states. Brian lives in Garner, IA with his lovely wife and three children, where he serves as minister of Word & Sacrament at Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church.
Meet our K-12th Grade Music Teacher/Upper School Teacher
Miss Guth
Miss Lilly Guth grew up on a farm outside of Klemme, IA. She was homeschooled through high school and attended band at Garner, IA. While at Garner, she enjoyed participating in Honor Bands, All-State auditions, Solo and Ensemble competitions, as well as Marching Band and Percussion Ensemble. She took 15 years of piano lessons and 4 years of voice lessons. After high school, she attended the University of Northwestern-St. Paul where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bible with a minor in Literature.
While at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Miss Guth was an accompanist for voice students as well as choirs and a freelance musician for weddings. She also participated in the Northwestern Choir, Chamber Singers, Women’s Chorale and Northwestern’s Concerto/Aria competition. She participated in 3 different piano tours to various Midwestern states and took part in the NW Choir tour to Prague, Czech Republic and Budapest, Hungary. After college, Miss Guth continued teaching piano through the Academy of Music and was an active member of the Two Rivers Chorale for 4 years in the Twin Cities. She also enjoyed singing and acting in Bunce Backyard Productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and A Christmas Carol.
In her free time, Miss Guth loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and staying active walking and running in the great outdoors.
Miss Guth
Miss Lilly Guth grew up on a farm outside of Klemme, IA. She was homeschooled through high school and attended band at Garner, IA. While at Garner, she enjoyed participating in Honor Bands, All-State auditions, Solo and Ensemble competitions, as well as Marching Band and Percussion Ensemble. She took 15 years of piano lessons and 4 years of voice lessons. After high school, she attended the University of Northwestern-St. Paul where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bible with a minor in Literature.
While at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Miss Guth was an accompanist for voice students as well as choirs and a freelance musician for weddings. She also participated in the Northwestern Choir, Chamber Singers, Women’s Chorale and Northwestern’s Concerto/Aria competition. She participated in 3 different piano tours to various Midwestern states and took part in the NW Choir tour to Prague, Czech Republic and Budapest, Hungary. After college, Miss Guth continued teaching piano through the Academy of Music and was an active member of the Two Rivers Chorale for 4 years in the Twin Cities. She also enjoyed singing and acting in Bunce Backyard Productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and A Christmas Carol.
In her free time, Miss Guth loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and staying active walking and running in the great outdoors.
Meet our 3rd-12th Grade Band Director/Upper School Teacher
Mr. Jackson
Growing up in Brandon, South Dakota, Drew Jackson was blessed with opportunities to explore music on the piano, clarinet, guitar, and finally on bassoon, which quickly became his primary instrument. In high school, he was honored to have been selected for All-State Band every year. He also enjoyed playing in All-State Orchestra, symphonic band, the pit orchestra for spring musicals, and as a member of the Sioux Empire Youth Orchestra on the weekends. After high school, he studied at Waldorf College (now Waldorf University), where he received his bachelor's degree in music. At Waldorf, he traveled nationally and internationally as a member of the Waldorf Wind Symphony, the Waldorf Wind Quintet, and the Waldorf Choir. In 2017, he began developing and directing the band program at Clear Lake Classical and was soon a member of the Iowa Bandmasters Association. Since 2019, he has also taught high school math at CLC. Today, Mr. Jackson delights in teaching and sharing God's beautiful gift of music (and math!) with all his students at Clear Lake Classical!
Mr. Jackson and his wife, Emily, attend Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church, where they enjoy serving on the worship and media teams. He also enjoys photography, especially while exploring God's creation on road trips and occasionally by canoe. Since 2014, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have lived near Northwood, IA in their self-built, off-grid strawbale cottage.
Mr. Jackson
Growing up in Brandon, South Dakota, Drew Jackson was blessed with opportunities to explore music on the piano, clarinet, guitar, and finally on bassoon, which quickly became his primary instrument. In high school, he was honored to have been selected for All-State Band every year. He also enjoyed playing in All-State Orchestra, symphonic band, the pit orchestra for spring musicals, and as a member of the Sioux Empire Youth Orchestra on the weekends. After high school, he studied at Waldorf College (now Waldorf University), where he received his bachelor's degree in music. At Waldorf, he traveled nationally and internationally as a member of the Waldorf Wind Symphony, the Waldorf Wind Quintet, and the Waldorf Choir. In 2017, he began developing and directing the band program at Clear Lake Classical and was soon a member of the Iowa Bandmasters Association. Since 2019, he has also taught high school math at CLC. Today, Mr. Jackson delights in teaching and sharing God's beautiful gift of music (and math!) with all his students at Clear Lake Classical!
Mr. Jackson and his wife, Emily, attend Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church, where they enjoy serving on the worship and media teams. He also enjoys photography, especially while exploring God's creation on road trips and occasionally by canoe. Since 2014, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have lived near Northwood, IA in their self-built, off-grid strawbale cottage.
Meet our Upper School Drama Teacher
Mrs. Nicholas
Mrs. Nicholas attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts with an emphasis in Acting/Directing. While at Iowa State, Mrs. Nicholas took many classes in both acting/directing and journalism. Mrs. Nicholas first began volunteering at CLC in 2014. A few years later, she made it official and joined the staff part-time as the Director of Family and Community Communications. A few years after that, she joined the teaching staff as the 7-12 drama teacher in addition to her existing role at CLC.
Mrs. Nicholas has long been passionate about classical Christian education. It has been a joy over the last several years to see how the Lord has used Clear Lake Classical to train hearts and minds to love that which is worth loving. Mrs. Nicholas and her husband are blessed to have all 3 of their children attend CLC and praise the Lord for how he has provided their children with a solid education rooted in the gospel.
Mrs. Nicholas
Mrs. Nicholas attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts with an emphasis in Acting/Directing. While at Iowa State, Mrs. Nicholas took many classes in both acting/directing and journalism. Mrs. Nicholas first began volunteering at CLC in 2014. A few years later, she made it official and joined the staff part-time as the Director of Family and Community Communications. A few years after that, she joined the teaching staff as the 7-12 drama teacher in addition to her existing role at CLC.
Mrs. Nicholas has long been passionate about classical Christian education. It has been a joy over the last several years to see how the Lord has used Clear Lake Classical to train hearts and minds to love that which is worth loving. Mrs. Nicholas and her husband are blessed to have all 3 of their children attend CLC and praise the Lord for how he has provided their children with a solid education rooted in the gospel.
Meet our Upper School Aide/Teacher
Mrs. Stone
Pennie Stone and her family moved to Forest City from Las Vegas, Nevada in 2011 after her husband retired from active duty with the US Air Force. They have 3 adult children, and their youngest, Andrew, is in 8th grade at CLC. They also have 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Pennie and her family enjoy camping all around Iowa with family and friends.
Mrs. Stone
Pennie Stone and her family moved to Forest City from Las Vegas, Nevada in 2011 after her husband retired from active duty with the US Air Force. They have 3 adult children, and their youngest, Andrew, is in 8th grade at CLC. They also have 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Pennie and her family enjoy camping all around Iowa with family and friends.
Meet our Upper School Aide
Mrs. Sents
Iowa native Mrs. Sents has been in the Britt area since 2015. Before joining CLC, she and her husband Tony homeschooled their nine children. Two of those children have moved on to their own families, and the other seven are enrolled at CLC. Their family are members of Sovereign Grace Church in Dows.
While not at CLC, you can find Annie hanging out with family and friends, where her motto is "the more the merrier!", attending homeschool volleyball and basketball activities that her kids participate in, or snuggling her grandbabies.
Mrs. Sents
Iowa native Mrs. Sents has been in the Britt area since 2015. Before joining CLC, she and her husband Tony homeschooled their nine children. Two of those children have moved on to their own families, and the other seven are enrolled at CLC. Their family are members of Sovereign Grace Church in Dows.
While not at CLC, you can find Annie hanging out with family and friends, where her motto is "the more the merrier!", attending homeschool volleyball and basketball activities that her kids participate in, or snuggling her grandbabies.
Meet our Upper School Aide
Mrs. Pavelka
Kristy Pavelka, along with her husband, Jason, recently moved to Clear Lake. Although she grew up in Garner, Kristy and her husband lived in Britt for 23 years where they raised their four children. Following God’s leading, they homeschooled their children until graduation. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, and loving on her two precious grandchildren.
Kristy is thrilled to be a part of Clear Lake Classical where she can use her God-given talents to assist the wonderful staff in educating a generation of culture-shaping young men and women.
Mrs. Pavelka
Kristy Pavelka, along with her husband, Jason, recently moved to Clear Lake. Although she grew up in Garner, Kristy and her husband lived in Britt for 23 years where they raised their four children. Following God’s leading, they homeschooled their children until graduation. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, and loving on her two precious grandchildren.
Kristy is thrilled to be a part of Clear Lake Classical where she can use her God-given talents to assist the wonderful staff in educating a generation of culture-shaping young men and women.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8