For Abby Pinke, becoming a teacher was a step in a healing process.
“After recovering from a brain surgery about six years ago, I went back to school and pursued education. It was something I had a passion for and worked really hard to accomplish.”
Pinke, who will teach grades 7-9 English Language Arts, grew in St. James, MN and graduated from high school there. Her first degree was in Community Health Promotion, which she earned at Winona State University.
But she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps.
“My dad taught for over 30 years. I always admired the profession. I love to learn and be around individuals with different wants, needs, and learning styles.”
She earned a degree in secondary English education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Before coming to Cleveland, Pinke taught at Prairie Winds Middle School in Mankato. Prior to that she taught at Hidden Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake.
“I love teaching English because I get to encourage people to love reading and help people find meanings in different books and stories,” she said. “I also like to incorporate current events in my classroom as often as possible.”
She chose CHS because of the mutualistic relationship between school and city.
“I like the sense of community that surrounds Cleveland school. The town is supportive of the school, and the school is supportive of the town.”
Pinke keeps occupied with a variety of interests outside of the classroom.
“I have a Golden Retriever puppy named Mickey that has kept me busy this summer. I love to read and spend time with friends and family. I love sports and going to Gopher football games with my family in the fall.”
Also a teacher, Pinke’s husband Austin teaches Special Education at TCU in Le Center.