I do math, science, and electives in the independent study program at the ALC. This will be my 53rd year in the teaching profession with 22 years at the ALC. Before teaching I served 4 years in the Navy. Before the ALC I did 27 years at YME teaching math and coaching football, girls' basketball, and golf.

I have my wife Nancy, 3 daughters, and 1 granddaughter. To me, my years here at the ALC have been the most enjoyable teaching years I have done. Who knows how many more there will be. 

I grew up on a small dairy farm outside of Rosen,MN. I graduated high school  from Ortonville, MN and college from MSUM, Moorhead. I received a MEd in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. I have been teaching for 19+ years. I am excited to continue sharing my love of science with the students at the ALC. 

I am married and have 4 kids. 

We have two dogs, one is an escape artist. 

I enjoy driving to watch my kids perform in their interests.

My name is Zak Jahn; I have the great pleasure of being the CTE teacher at the Montevideo ALC.  This is my first year teaching. I have worked in childcare at the Chippewa Valley Youth Club here in Montevideo and as an english tutor at Evergreen Valley College in my hometown of San Jose California.  I moved to Montevideo in 2018 for a quieter life and what I have found is a community that I found myself ready to buy into.  

I have followed an unconventional career and education path.  High School was difficult and college was even more so.  After my first failed attempt as a fulltime college student I jumped into work.  I have worked many jobs, Plumber, handyman, building maintenance manager, butcher, tutor, manufacturer and many retail jobs in between.  My move to Montevideo left me the space I needed to get myself back to school and closer to my goal of teaching.  While I am still working toward an English teaching credential I have found a hat that fits very well here at the ALC.  My rocky career path will serve as an example for the students I will have the pleasure of teaching about the world they are stepping into as members of the workforce.

Georgette Jones (she/her) holds a BS in Communication Arts/Literature from SMSU, with 15 years experience at LQPV before coming to the ALC.  She and her husband live in Watson.  They are parents to four adult children, a foster son, and 16 exchange students, many of whom attended Montevideo schools. Georgette enjoys singing, camping with her family, and being involved with regional theater productions and arts organizations. 

I am excited to start my second year serving as the principal for our staff and students! As a graduate of an alternative high school myself, I know the importance of sticking with it to finish a diploma and the opportunities that it can open.  Just like my high school education my professional education has been alternative.  I came into k-12 education after serving in the military for over 20 years.  Prior to joining the ALC team in 2022, I was teaching 7-12 grade mathematics.  I have found a second career in education both challenging and rewarding.

Fun facts:

• I have bowled a 300 game during a tournament

• I enjoy fishing and hunting

• I have camped above the arctic circle

• I enjoy games and puzzles

I look forward to an exciting year with our team helping students reach their goals.  "Change the environment, change the student"

I am excited to start third year at Minnesota Valley Area Learning Center, and my twelfth year of teaching!  Every year brings new challenges and learning opportunities.  I am a mom of three bio kids and a few bonus kids.   We enjoy camping and road trips as a family, and enjoy new adventures.  We are a musical family as well. My hobbies include bicycling, fishing, camping, writing, and playing piano.  I love all kinds of music and am always looking for new suggestions to add to my playlist.

I believe that everyone can succeed and has a different path to success.  Everyone has their own strengths and talents to contribute to their family, community, and society.  Having a growth mindset is key to becoming a lifelong learner.  Believe in the power of yet!  I’m looking forward to a great year!

Jim (he/him) earned his bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Education from SMSU, and his master's degree in English Literature from SDSU. He teaches English for grades 7-10, Graphic Communication, Writing, and Storytelling. He enjoys snacking on sweets, playing games, and acting in theatre. If anybody needs a book to read, he has over 50 in his room from his home library. 

Mrs. Rachel Smilovici comes to the ALC with over 6 years of teaching experience in Special Education. She recently moved from Las Vegas, NV to Minnesota to be closer to family. Rachel enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband and dogs. She is excited to be part of the team and start the school year.

Marissa comes with 8 years of Social Work experience, this being my second year at the ALC. I am originally from Montevideo, I graduated from SMSU in 2015 with my Bachelor's degree in Social Work. I decided to work at the ALC because I enjoy working with teenage kids. I enjoy spending time with my husband, kids and dog. Some fun facts about myself are, I enjoy being outside going on walks, I do not like ketchup, and a skill I want to learn is how to play the piano. 

"Grow through what you go through". 

I have been a social studies teacher here at the ALC for most of my life!  I started in 1997 and never looked back.  I have a wife, two weird kids, a dog and an annoying cat.  I’m a total history nerd and also love sports.  I try to make it a great day every day (even when it’s tough) and that seems to work out most of the time.  I’m very excited about our new staff and new direction as we continue to grow as a school community! 

I graduated from the MN Valley Area Learning Center in 2021. I then went on to earn my Associates in Special Education Transfer Pathways from Ridgewater in the spring of 2024.  I am attending SMSU in the fall of 2025 and continuing education to become a social worker. I have worked for the Montevideo Public Schools for the last 4 years as a special education paraprofessional and have really enjoyed getting to know all the students I have worked with and the teachers/staff as well. I am engaged to my fiance Joe and we have two kids, and three cats and a dog!

A little fun fact is I have a platypus as a tattoo (it's actually a Niffler from Fantastic Beasts, but they are similar in looks) which I learned is the mascot!