As part of The Journal’s annual Back to School feature, we are introducing the new teachers who will be guiding, inspiring, and shaping the next generation of students.
This school year, fifth graders at St. Clair Elementary will have a new leader in the math classroom: Jack Mellstrom.
Mellstrom comes to St. Clair with a strong foundation in elementary education and hands-on teaching experience. A graduate of Windom Area High School, he earned his degree in education from Bemidji State University. Last November, Mellstrom joined Blue Earth Schools, where he served as a Title I educator and taught fourth-grade language arts and social studies. Now, he brings his passion for student growth and interactive learning to St. Clair’s fifth-grade math department.
For Mellstrom, choosing a career in education was rooted in a desire to provide students with the same strong support system he experienced growing up. “I became a teacher because I want to be a positive, steady person in my students’ lives,” he shared. “Growing up, I had adults who believed in me, and that support shaped who I became. I want my students to feel that same encouragement—someone who shows up for them, believes in them, and celebrates their progress.”
He points to two key educators as his primary inspirations. The first was his father, whom he had as a teacher for two classes in high school, witnessing firsthand the daily dedication required in the classroom.
The second was his fourth-grade teacher, Mike Peterson. “He had a way of connecting with every student. Everyone felt seen and supported in his classroom, and that stuck with me,” Mellstrom recalled. “The relationships he built are a big part of why I want to be a steady, positive presence for my own students now.”
When he isn’t in the classroom, Mellstrom stays active in the local sports scene throughout the year. In the summer months, he can be found on the golf course or playing baseball for Waterville’s townball team. Come winter, he laces up his skates for men’s league hockey in Mankato, where he resides with his wife of four years, Kelsey, and their dog, Lua, who has been part of their family since 2020.
As he steps into his new role at St. Clair Elementary, Mellstrom is eager to foster an encouraging learning environment from day one. “Heading into the 2026–27 school year, I’m focused on building strong relationships with my students and creating a classroom where they feel supported and confident in their learning,” he noted. “As I step into teaching fifth-grade math, I plan to set clear, high expectations so students know they’re capable of tackling challenging work. My goal is to make math approachable and engaging while pushing students to think deeply and take ownership of their learning. I’m excited to see the growth they’ll make throughout the year.”
The Journal welcomes Jack Mellstrom to the St. Clair School District community and wishes him and his students a successful school year ahead.
