About Your Teacher

Mrs. McLean [esther.mclean@lakeland272.org]

Education: 

Associates General Education, North Idaho College 2014

Bachelor's of Science: Secondary Education Math, University of Idaho, 2017

A little about me:

I am Esther McLean, I graduated High School in 2002 from Bonners Ferry High School.  I spent about 10 years just working and living before truly deciding I wanted to be a teacher.  I was in a corporate training position and decided the short term classes were not fulfilling and I wanted to do something that had a greater impact on our world. So I stepped back to simpler job and starting going to school full time to be a teacher. I thought I wanted to teach high school, but once I was student teaching at the middle school level I absolutely fell in love.  Middle school students are fun, and weird and in this awkward place in life where they're trying to figure out who they are and its such a fun roller coaster to be on with them.  I hope each and everyday, that I impart not just Math knowledge, but the knowledge and wisdom that they can achieve if they are willing to work hard for it.  

My favs:

I love fishing, doing puzzles, drinking coffee (brown sugar cinnamon latte's!!), eating sushi, watching movies and hanging out with my husband Willy and daughter Valkyrie.

Mr. Peterson [craig.peterson@lakeland272.org]

Education: 

Bachelor's of Science: Elementary Education, University of Idaho, 2009

Master's of Arts: Curriculum & Instruction: Technology, Grand Canyon University, 2014

A Little About Me:

I've lived a lot of places, but my favorite (aside from Rathdrum, of course) is Alaska and Yukon Territory.  I ended up in Richland, WA for a while where I graduated as a Bomber @ Richland High School.  After that I went to University of Idaho and earned my Elementary Education Degree.  I earned my Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University a few years after that.  This school year will be my 18th year of teaching, but only my 2nd at the middle school.  I love it here and look forward to many more years. There's something about 8th graders that is equally frustrating and endearing at the same time! I didn't always like Math, but I've grown to love it and see it in my hobbies and life in general.  My goal is to help students realize that Math doesn't have to be hard or frustrating.  I want students to see that they can indeed change their outlook about Math. 

My Favs:

Hanging out with my wife of 23 years and our 3 children, volunteering with my Church (Calvary Rathdrum), drinking coffee, being outdoors, hunting & fishing, eating anything with peanut butter, & teasing 8th graders.