Story 6.

 Nov, 11, 2010

Megan Norenberg

Director Kathleen Mortensen

  What would make someone want to stay in high school forever? Is it the sports, the education, or even the food? According to Paladin Academy Director Kathleen Mortensen, “it’s the kids.”

   With over 4 decades in school, Mortensen admitted at one point in her life she hated school. “After graduation, I never wanted to step foot in another school again,” Mortensen said with a grin. The following fall, Mortensen was the first child in her family to attend college.

   While in school, Mortensen was studying to become a veterinarian. As an animal lover and a fan of science, teaching wasn’t in the picture. Then “something hit me”, Mortensen recalled, “I no longer wanted to be a veterinarian, I wanted to be a teacher.”

   Instantly, she changed her major and received a Masters degree in special education. Mortensen’s schooling didn’t stop then. She later went on to receive another Masters degree in school administration. With both Masters degrees under her belt, Mortensen was appointed Director of Paladin Academy, a non-traditional high school based out of Blaine, Minn.

   As a director of a non-traditional school, Mortensen has the chance to connect with her students on a more personal level. Mortensen knows every student by name and knows their strengths and their weaknesses. Students confide in her with their secrets, their dreams, and their fears. “It is the hardest part of my job; hearing the struggles of these students,” Mortensen shares, “but watching them grow as young adults is the most rewarding.”

   After getting to know these students individually, it is hard for Mortensen to say good-bye. During each year’s commencements, she has to fight back the tears as she shakes each students hand and delivers their diplomas. “I have to think about something else in my mind whether it be items on my grocery list or counting to 10”, Mortensen says, “or the tears will take over.”

   One day it will be Mortensen’s turn to leave her students. “Retiring will be one of the hardest things I will have to do in my life”, Mortensen says, “I will miss the kids.” Don’t think that will stop her from teaching though. When she retires, Mortensen plans on teaching at a college part time and says there is a possibility she will become a substitute teacher but “there are no promises,” Mortensen jokes.

   Alongside teaching, Mortensen would like to continue traveling around the world. She also has hopes of finishing writing a half dozen children’s books she starting with her daughter as well as publish them. Mortensen said she dedicates her children’s books to her newly born grandson, Noah.

   Other than teaching on the side, traveling, and finishing her children’s books during her retirement, Mortensen plans on spending time with the other love of her life, her family. Mortensen is a dedicated wife, mother of two, and recent grandmother.

      Even when she retires, Mortensen hopes students of past, present, and of the future remember “anything is possible if you keep your head strait and stay on focus.”