Q&A: Kindergarten Teacher Nancy Ringling '81

Here's your chance to learn a bit more about Nancy Ringling, long-time kindergarten teacher at Minnehaha Academy!

 

Q&A

Q. What do you love about your role as a teacher?

My coworkers have become my best friends. We laugh and cry together. We pray and hold each other up in the tough times. Of course, I really love the kids! Being able to watch them grow up through their years at MA is the best!

 

Q. Why were you drawn to working with students?

My first career was in retail management, but God really led me to go into teaching. I’ve always had a passion for working with kids.

 

Q. What is your hope for your interactions with students?

My hope is that my students will see the light of Jesus shining through me each day in my words and actions. I hope that they will look to God to show them clearly the difference between right and wrong.

 

Ms. Ringling on Book Day in 2019

 

Q. How do you connect your faith with your role as a teacher?

The two really go hand in hand. God, as the Creator, is at the center of learning and knowledge. I share personal life stories with my classes of my walk with Jesus and things I’ve learned over the years.

 

Q. What is something adventurous or unique that you have done?

Twice now I have gone on a week’s white water rafting trip on the Colorado River. I’ve jumped off a 60 foot cliff into the water just for fun. I’ve had tea with the prime minister of Jamaica’s wife and Mrs. Mondale. I used to ride jet skis.

 

Q. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t stress the small stuff and be sure to laugh every day!

 

Q. Book you've read recently?

The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

 

Q. Favorite genre of movie?

I love comedies!

 

Q. Favorite way to start the day?

Sleep in and wake up on my own!

 

Q. What job would you be terrible at?

Working on a crab boat like in Deadliest Catch.

 

Ms. Ringling with her class in 2013

 

Q. What is one thing you would love to share with the parents of your students?

I’d like them to know how much I love their children, pray for their children and strive to give them my very best each day.

 

A Little More About Ms. Ringling

Education

Texas Christian University - Fashion Merchandising, BS Augsburg - Post Baccalaureate in Elementary Ed
Bethel - Master's in Educational Leadership

 

Hometown

Bloomington, MN

 

Years At Minnehaha Academy

30 years

 

Classes Taught

First grade, Kindergarten, Kindergarten Bound, International Studies

 

Interests and Hobbies

Shopping and travel to new places

 

Family

Husband Doug 
Son Josh '13
Daughter Gabby '22 
Daughter Jillie 16 years old
A 170 lb Saint Bernard
Two sibling West Highland White Terriers

 

Ms. Ringling at the 2022 Kindergarten Graduation