Hello! Welcome to Stewartville Early Childhood! I am beyond excited for school year 2025/2026!
This is my first year as a teacher. I will be serving students in several of the classrooms as an early childhood special education teacher. For the past few years, I have been in the classroom as a special education paraprofessional and a substitute teacher. I have subbed in ALL of the schools in the Stewartville school district. Each school and student is unique, and I have enjoyed all of my experiences at each of the schools and getting to know students, ages 3 years to 18+ years!
I was born and raised in the Stewartville area, other than a few elementary years in St. Peter, MN. I graduated from Stewartville High School. My associates and bachelors degrees are in business administration. I am currently well into earning my masters degree in teaching. Prior to working in the schools, I was a licensed childcare provider (10 years) while my children were home, and as an administrator for the chamber of commerce in Stewartville (12 years). I love to volunteer, and my main volunteer role is a girl scout leader for a troop of Stewartville girls in 12th grade. I have been leading this troop since its conception in their kindergarten year.
I am married to Ryan, and we have been together since high school. We will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this September. We have two children, a son and a daughter. Our son, Burkely, is in his last semester in college studying to be a music teacher. Our daughter, Greta, is a senior in high school and will be attending college next year for wildlife management.
Besides teaching and hanging out with amazing kids, I love to spend time with my family and friends in the outdoors, mainly kayaking. I am passionate about gardening, traveling, reading, volunteering, and learning. I also teach community education classes in cooking, baking, and nature courses/camps.
Please feel free to contact me:
Email: gwen.ravenhorst@ssdtigers.org
Phone: 507-533-1552 (the best time to call is either between 7:30am-8:15am or 2:45pm-3:30pm)
Current Class Times Through November Office Hours Through November
Monday - Thursday: 8:30am-11am Monday-Thursday: 7:30am-8:15am & 2:45pm-3:30pm
Monday - Friday: 12pm-2:30pm Friday: 7:30am-11am & 2:45pm-3:30pm
Teaching Philosophy
I believe every child is capable of learning, given the opportunities, resources, and services they need. Teachers are one part of the foundational support to champion kids.
We love to travel!
Girl Scouts!
Wildlife and Gardening!
Backyard Chickens!