OUR MISSION

Leah Bratlien (Teacher)

  Leah grew up in the Bemidji area, attending Bemidji State and getting licensed in elementary education and art education (k-12). She worked in the school district for over 20 years as an art teacher, while also teaching small group math and reading classes (Leah did take a couple year break from the district and worked as an administrator at the Boys and Girls Club when it was first opening.) Leah has two children of her own and enjoys spending time with them, taking walks, and doing various 'artsy' projects.

Peter Coffin (Teacher)

  Peter Coffin is a lifelong Bemidji resident and a 2020 graduate of Bemidji State University with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, specializing in World Literature and Composition. Having benefitted himself from attending a Christ-centered private school, Mr. Coffin can attest to the positive influence it has had in his own life. His goal every day is to provide to today’s generation what was given to him: quality individualized education in an atmosphere of encouragement, friendship, and faith. 

  Despite having degrees in the English field, Mr. Coffin would describe himself as “insatiably curious” about the world around him, in all its wonderful and various capacities. Among his many interests are world history - particularly medieval history, the natural sciences - particularly biology, and most recently a new-found love for algebra! His philosophy for learning is not to simply find answers to questions, but to explore and imagine what is possible. 

Most importantly Mr. Coffin loves Jesus very much.  He is convinced that Jesus is the only true source of Life and the only framework for understanding our world.  After spending six years with his wife as the Youth Ministers at Tenstrike Community Church, he knows for a fact that every student has a special purpose in God’s Kingdom, right now, just as they are.   Mr. Coffin has dedicated his life to the careful study of God’s Word and loves to help students enter into the wonderful journey of knowing Jesus and His scripture in a deep and meaningful way. 

  Whenever he is not teaching Mr. Coffin is spending time with his ever-wise and supportive wife, Lynnea, who he has been married to since 2015, and their daughter Novella. Mr. Coffin also enjoys hiking, canoeing and amateur mountain climbing. He is working on visiting every state park in Minnesota and every national park in the United States, among other travels. His top six favorite books are: Don Quixote, The Count of Monte Cristo, Moby Dick, War and Peace, The Lord of the Rings, and The Wind in the Willows. 

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Vacant (Paraprofessional)

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Dennis Peterson (Art Teacher)

 Dennis Peterson will be teaching art and we are so fortunate to have him with us! 

 Dennis is married to Nancy. They have two children and four grandchildren. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1970 and Bemidji State University Cum Laude in 1979. 

Dennis is a Vietnam veteran and has a lengthy work and teaching career. He has worked at Bemidji State University (Technology, Art, and Design), Deer River School District (grades 7-12), Waconia Public Schools (grades 7-12), Suburban Electric, CoreCraft Canoes, and Lindsey Rafter Factory in California. 

Some of Dennis's highlights include:

• 2009 Spirit of Discovery and Imagination Award from the state of Minnesota.

• 2009 OM/DI Coach of the Decade, Duluth Region

• 2002-2006 Judge for "Walt Disney Salutes the American Teacher" awards

• 2003 Inducted into BSU Outstanding Alumni

• 1999 Disney Mentor Teacher

• 1995 Inducted into the Bemidji State University Teacher Hall of Fame

• 1995/1990 Certificate of Commendation from Gov. Arne Carlson and Gov. Rudy Perpich

• 1993 Named a Christa McAuliffe Fellow for Educational Pioneering, Washington D.C.

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