Hello! I am Melinda Stiklestad, and I am the Early Childhood Coordinator and School Readiness teacher at Minneota Public. I began my teaching adventure in 2011, and I absolutely love this age because they are so curious! I am originally from Minneota and graduated here. It's wonderful to be a teacher in the school where I was the student. All of the wonderful educators shaped my decision to become one myself.

I graduated college from SMSU in Marshall, MN with degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I currently live on a farm near Clarkfield, MN with my husband, Steffan, two children (Maverick and Sydnee) and our two dogs (Bella and Ruger). My interests and passions other than teaching include photography, gardening, home decor, watching football and playing fantasy football, and doing anything outdoors (going to the lake and fishing for tasty walleyes)!

As a teacher, I have constructed my own philosophy of early education. I believe that children learn best through hands-on experiences and social interaction especially at the preschool level. Engaging in "play" is a wonderful experience for children because they enhance those social skills and are in control of their own learning and use of their imagination. When children learn through play, the information is there to stay!!

"If it hasn't be in the heart, hand and body...

it can't be in the brain." ~Bev Bos