Winter 2023/2024 Issue - Magazine - Page 8
Looking to the Past to
Prepare for the Future
By Ashley Hanley, North Mankato, MN
Sara (Beyer) Tostenson is a Social Studies
teacher at Mankato West High School. Because
our teachers shape the lives of our future
generations and leave a lasting impact, we
wanted to know how she prepared for her
career pathway and how she hopes to continue
to inspire others through a love of learning.
Educational background: High School: Morris Area Public Schools - College: I went to a junior college:
Ridgewater (Willmar, MN) in hopes to make it to a national tournament in softball (and we did!). I left with
my Associates degree and actually found my love of history because of my history professor, Sam Nelson. I
changed majors (started in elementary education) when I transferred to Minnesota State University,
Mankato. I double majored in Social Studies Education and History. After teaching for six years, I went back
to MSU to get my Masters of Science in History because I loved my history professors and their classes in
my undergrad.
How long have you been teaching? This is my 10th year (Wahoo I made it to a decade!)
Where have you taught? I started my teaching career at Loyola Catholic Schools in Mankato and was in the
Fitzgerald building where I was the sole social studies teacher for grades 6,7, and 8. Then I took a job at
Belle Plaine Public Schools where I taught world history to 11th graders and US history to 10th graders. In
COVID I transitioned to my dream job at Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) at Mankato West High
School. I have been here for four years and have taught: Human Geography and AP Human Geography,
World History, US History, and a Civil Rights and Ethnicity elective.
At Mankato West I have coached junior high basketball and softball. I like to fill in and do the official book
for varsity volleyball games. I am currently the Prom Advisor. I also serve as the Equity Team spokesperson
to our building leadership team. I am also a part of the Minnesota Council for History Education (MNCHE)
because I see the value in providing professional development in history to teachers K - 12 in the state.
Each summer we host a History Fest in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society.
Other jobs you’ve had? I have always worked with kids. When I was in high school I worked for Community
Ed working in athletics and worked at a daycare every summer. I loved it. In college, I continued to work in
daycares and nanny. I have coached at all levels of volleyball, basketball, and softball. In the past summers
I am usually spotted at Caswell Park welcoming athletes from around the country and world! I also referee
and assign refs for adult summer volleyball at Caswell Sports. Last spring I taught an introductory level US
History course at MSU.
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Womeninc Spring 2024
