Teacher information

About the Teacher

I completed my college studies as MSUM (Moorhead).  My degree is in Special Education with licenses in  Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD), Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), and Autism (ASD). (Individual teacher licenses can be viewed on the MN Dept. of Education website) 

Working with unique kids has been my passion since I was a sophomore in high school.  It was then that I began doing some PCA (Personal Care Attendant) work.  Since then, I have had experiences working with great children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Down syndrome, Reactive Attachment, Behavioral/Conduct Disorders, Learning Differences, Multiple Impairments, Physical, and Other Health Disabilities, such as AD/HD, Diabetes or CF, just to name a few.  Each child has taught me something truly unique.    

Throughout my time in Hancock, I have had the privilege of serving in many areas.  Some have been helping coach FFA teams, mentoring new special education teachers, supervising student teachers, serving on the health and safety committee, heading the local union as President, and leading the Continuing Ed Committee.  While I did not complete them all at the same time, I have gained valuable insight and tremendous knowledge from each experience.

My first teaching job was in Evansville, MN (2006-2007).  There I was the K-12 EBD/SLD Special Education Teacher.  Since 2007, I have been here in Hancock as the Elementary Special Education teacher.  It has been wonderful to join a great school and community!  Each day brings a new opportunity to work with exciting students!  

Joining the Hancock school and community has been a positive addition to my life!

2007-2011 School years I was with K-6th Grade

2011-2012 School year I taught K-7

2012-13 School year I taught PK-4th grade

2013-14 School year I worked with PK-4th 

2014-15 PK-4th grade students

2015-16 PK-5th grade students

2016-2017 K-5th grade students

2017-2018 K-4th grade students

2018-2020 K-5th grade students

2020-2021 K-grade 9 students 

2021-2022 K-4th grade students

2022-2023 K-5th grade students

2023-2024 k-4th grade students

2024-2025-k-5th grade students

2025-2026-k-5th grade students

Please feel free to contact me at 

kayla.rinkenberger@hancockisd768.org 

or 320.392.5621 ex 150