Hello!  My name is Kris Torgerson.  I have taught in the Stewartville School District for many years as a third grade teacher, and have also taught first and second grade here in Stewartville.  Working at Bear Cave provides many wonderful opportunities for students and teachers alike to work and learn collaboratively!

I was born in Winona, MN.  My family lived for many years in a small town in South Dakota, and we moved to a suburb of Milwaukee, WI when I was a third grader.  I graduated from South Milwaukee Senior High and went on to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Education from Winona State University.  I completed my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2008 at St. Mary's University in Winona, MN.  In recent years, I've added an additional 45 graduate credits in Curriculum and Instruction to my resume.

My husband Ross and I live in Rochester with our English black lab Stellaluna, our rescue cat Mommy Kitty, and her baby Lewis.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, drawing, traveling, and kayaking with my husband.

My teaching philosophy is first and foremost to provide each and every student the opportunity to learn in a safe, caring, welcoming environment.  Education should be a unique experience for each child.  I have high expectations for all of my students and for myself, and I firmly believe that ALL students can learn and achieve success!  My goal is to instill a life-long love of reading and a passion for learning.

Please feel free to contact me via email (checked regularly throughout the day) at kristin.torgerson@ssdtigers.org  or via phone at 533-1571 (VM available if I am working with students.)