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 Assistant Headmaster
Mr. Carlson
Mr. Carlson grew up in Clear Lake, IA and graduated from NIACC with an automotive degree. After working 8 years in various auto shops, Mr. Carlson completed his BA of Theology & Exegesis from Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis. He spent three years as a Headmaster in a start up school in Minnesota before coming back to his hometown in 2023. He is currently working on his Master Degree in Classical Christian Studies from New Saint Andrews in Moscow, ID.
Mr. Carlson loves supporting God's church by helping families raise their children in the Paideia and fear of the Lord through classical and Christian education. He thoroughly enjoys marriage with his wife, Laura, and raising their four children on a local homestead. They are members of Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner. Mr. Carlson loves getting outside for sports, backpacking, and hunting big
game.
Mr. Carlson
Mr. Carlson grew up in Clear Lake, IA and graduated from NIACC with an automotive degree. After working 8 years in various auto shops, Mr. Carlson completed his BA of Theology & Exegesis from Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis. He spent three years as a Headmaster in a start up school in Minnesota before coming back to his hometown in 2023. He is currently working on his Master Degree in Classical Christian Studies from New Saint Andrews in Moscow, ID.
Mr. Carlson loves supporting God's church by helping families raise their children in the Paideia and fear of the Lord through classical and Christian education. He thoroughly enjoys marriage with his wife, Laura, and raising their four children on a local homestead. They are members of Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner. Mr. Carlson loves getting outside for sports, backpacking, and hunting big
game.
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, 3 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, 3 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 5th grade teacher, 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 5th grade teacher, 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 PreK Teacher
Mrs. Ogaard
Mrs. Ogaard grew up in Mason City. It is there that she and her husband, Doug, are raising their 10 children.
During her 23 years of homeschooling she was introduced to the classical method of education. She grew to love the approach to education that teaches students how to become life-long learners.
Mrs. Ogaard believes every child is created with a purpose. She is excited to be a part of the classroom as each child grows in, and matures, towards that God given purpose.
Mrs. Ogaard
Mrs. Ogaard grew up in Mason City. It is there that she and her husband, Doug, are raising their 10 children.
During her 23 years of homeschooling she was introduced to the classical method of education. She grew to love the approach to education that teaches students how to become life-long learners.
Mrs. Ogaard believes every child is created with a purpose. She is excited to be a part of the classroom as each child grows in, and matures, towards that God given purpose.
Meet Our Kindergarten Teacher/Art 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 Lower School Dean/1st Grade Teacher
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 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. Klaassen
Mrs. Klaassen is a Clear Lake native, with a Psychology degree from Central College and a M.S.T. degree from Drake University in Elementary Education. She has taught for 19 years in the public school system, and is excited to join Clear Lake Classical as a 3rd grade teacher. She and her husband reside in Forest City with their three children. They attend First Baptist Church, where Mrs. Klaassen serves on the missions team and in women’s ministry. She enjoys attending her children’s activities, walking, kayaking, and entertaining family and friends.
Mrs. Klaassen
Mrs. Klaassen is a Clear Lake native, with a Psychology degree from Central College and a M.S.T. degree from Drake University in Elementary Education. She has taught for 19 years in the public school system, and is excited to join Clear Lake Classical as a 3rd grade teacher. She and her husband reside in Forest City with their three children. They attend First Baptist Church, where Mrs. Klaassen serves on the missions team and in women’s ministry. She enjoys attending her children’s activities, walking, kayaking, and entertaining family and friends.
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 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 7th-8th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Rietjens
Mrs. Rietjens was born in Indiana, but grew up in Uruguay, South America where her parents have been missionaries for 41 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master's in Christian Theology. She has taught high school level Spanish for 5 years and homeschooled her two sons for two and a half years. She has been a substitute teacher for the last year. Mrs. Rietjens and her husband, Drew, also taught English in China for five months.
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.
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 the youth group, participates in the worship team, and gets to teach the Bible lessons for VBS. She and her husband have been married for 16 years, in vocational ministry for 11 years, and have four children.
Mrs. Rietjens
Mrs. Rietjens was born in Indiana, but grew up in Uruguay, South America where her parents have been missionaries for 41 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master's in Christian Theology. She has taught high school level Spanish for 5 years and homeschooled her two sons for two and a half years. She has been a substitute teacher for the last year. Mrs. Rietjens and her husband, Drew, also taught English in China for five months.
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.
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 the youth group, participates in the worship team, and gets to teach the Bible lessons for VBS. She and her husband have been married for 16 years, in vocational ministry for 11 years, and have four children.
Meet Our 7th Grade English and Upper School Latin Teacher
Mrs. Thompson
Tisha Thompson is in her sixth year teaching Latin at CLC and second year teaching 7th grade English. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a BA in English Education, and from Waldorf University with a BA in Music Performance. She is currently working on a Masters of Classics with an emphasis in Latin from the University of Georgia Athens.
Tisha taught High School English for one year in Brooklyn Center, MN and 4 months in Hertfordshire, UK. She also taught music for a year at Woden-Crystal Lake school and then after having her first child became a stay-home-mom.
Mrs. Thompson
Tisha Thompson is in her sixth year teaching Latin at CLC and second year teaching 7th grade English. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a BA in English Education, and from Waldorf University with a BA in Music Performance. She is currently working on a Masters of Classics with an emphasis in Latin from the University of Georgia Athens.
Tisha taught High School English for one year in Brooklyn Center, MN and 4 months in Hertfordshire, UK. She also taught music for a year at Woden-Crystal Lake school and then after having her first child became a stay-home-mom.
Meet Our Upper School Dean/Upper School Teacher
Mrs. Harting
After growing up in Frankenmuth, MI, Mrs. Harting graduated from Concordia College (now Concordia University) in Ann Arbor, MI, with a BA in Education, a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma and now also an Evangelical Lutheran Synod Teacher Certification. For over 40 years she has continued being a student herself while serving as a classroom teacher to students of all ages in church, private, public and home education. Private tutoring has also been a joy for her.
She and her husband Robert have been married for over 40 years and have been blessed with five children, two daughter-in-laws, and three grandchildren. They are members of Richland Lutheran Church (ELS) in Thornton, IA, where he serves as the pastor along with his congregation in Mason City, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (WELS).
Dawn joined the staff in 2017. She has a passion for Christian classical education which began for her when her parents transferred her to a Lutheran school in fifth grade. Concordia College offered a Liberal Arts Education which enabled her to experience the full benefit of Christian classical education. During the 24 years she homeschooled, Mrs. Harting continued to study classical education and to implement it while teaching her own children and others in their homeschool cooperative. In the classroom at CLC, she is blessed to serve the parents and students by providing that feast of truth, goodness and beauty to the students, centering everything around God’s Word. Soli Deo Gloria!
Mrs. Harting
After growing up in Frankenmuth, MI, Mrs. Harting graduated from Concordia College (now Concordia University) in Ann Arbor, MI, with a BA in Education, a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma and now also an Evangelical Lutheran Synod Teacher Certification. For over 40 years she has continued being a student herself while serving as a classroom teacher to students of all ages in church, private, public and home education. Private tutoring has also been a joy for her.
She and her husband Robert have been married for over 40 years and have been blessed with five children, two daughter-in-laws, and three grandchildren. They are members of Richland Lutheran Church (ELS) in Thornton, IA, where he serves as the pastor along with his congregation in Mason City, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (WELS).
Dawn joined the staff in 2017. She has a passion for Christian classical education which began for her when her parents transferred her to a Lutheran school in fifth grade. Concordia College offered a Liberal Arts Education which enabled her to experience the full benefit of Christian classical education. During the 24 years she homeschooled, Mrs. Harting continued to study classical education and to implement it while teaching her own children and others in their homeschool cooperative. In the classroom at CLC, she is blessed to serve the parents and students by providing that feast of truth, goodness and beauty to the students, centering everything around God’s Word. Soli Deo Gloria!
Meet Our Music 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 Band Director
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 Lower School Aide
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 2 years ago to be closer to her family. This is her first 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 2 years ago to be closer to her family. This is her first 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 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 acrivities that her kids participate in, or snuggling her new grandbaby.
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 acrivities that her kids participate in, or snuggling her new grandbaby.
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.
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 6th 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 6th 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 P.E. Teacher
Mr. Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter, our upper school P.E. Teacher, has a B.S. in Education from Illinois State University where he majored in Health and Physical Education and Recreation. Mr. Ledbetter also has a M.S. in Education from Olivet Nazarene University where he studied Curriculum and Instruction. He taught for 14 years in Bloomington, Il and for 20 years in Indianapolis. He and his wife currently reside in Clear Lake where he is an elder at the Clear Lake Christian Church.
Mr. Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter, our upper school P.E. Teacher, has a B.S. in Education from Illinois State University where he majored in Health and Physical Education and Recreation. Mr. Ledbetter also has a M.S. in Education from Olivet Nazarene University where he studied Curriculum and Instruction. He taught for 14 years in Bloomington, Il and for 20 years in Indianapolis. He and his wife currently reside in Clear Lake where he is an elder at the Clear Lake Christian Church.