Bethany Academy

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Click on a teacher's name to e-mail with questions.

	Mr. Michael Allison Bible 7, Apologetics, Israeli History, Keyboarding 7, Computer Applications Mr. Allison has a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. While in his fourth year teaching at Bethany Academy, Mike has six years prior teaching experience. He was also an associate pastor at a non-denominational church. He greatly enjoys studying the Word of God. Mike and his wife, Jane, have two sons who are alumni of Bethany Academy.
	Mr. Mark Arneson Junior High & High School Band Mr. Arneson attended Valley City State University and Moorhead State. He's also studied with a world renowned Jazz Instructor with an emphasis on music theory and arrangement. Mark is also on the roster with the Grammy nominated Minnesota Orchestra. He has taught at North Central University and has given private lessons as well. He also has his own recording studio, producing various local artists. This is Mark's fifth year at BA and he is honored to work with our incredibly talented and respected staff.
	Mr. Todd Bentz Earth Science, Algebra ll Physics, AP Calculus Mr. Bentz is in his 22nd year of teaching. He has taught in Christian High Schools in Hawaii, Illinois, and Minnesota. He loves sharing his faith with his students and also sharing his love of science and mathematics. In his spare time he likes running, playing hoops, golfing and fishing. Todd and his wife, Terri, enjoy traveling together and spending time with family and friends.
	Miss Genelle Clark English 9, English 10, AP British Literature 12, Speech, Miss Clark is in her 14th year at Bethany Academy. She is a graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul with a degree in Literature/Communication. Miss Clark previously taught at Sacramento Lutheran High School. In her spare time she enjoys snowmobiling and NASCAR.
	Mrs. Erica Hernandez Spanish I, II, III, IV Mrs. Hernandez is a graduate from the College of St. Catherine with a degree in Education. This is her third year at Bethany Academy. She is very thankful to God for giving her the passion to teach. She and her husband, Marco have three boys who attend Bethany Academy.
	Mr. Joe Hilgenkamp Civics, Economics,Summit, Bible 8 & 9, Ethics Mr. Hilgenkamp is a graduate of Bethel University with a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies with minors in Biblical Languages and Philosophy. He holds a Master's Degree in Old Testament from Luther Seminary. This is his fourth year at Bethany Academy. He is grateful to teach at a school that takes God's word and Great Commission seriously. Joe and his wife, Liana, reside in Eden Prairie.
	Mrs. Nancy Johnson K-12 Principal, National Honor Society Advisor, Math 7, Algebra I (8), Consumer Math This is Mrs. Johnson’s 12th year at Bethany Academy. She received a B.S. in Secondary Education in the areas of Math and History from Maranatha Baptist Bible College. She is currently pursuing her Principal Licensure at St. Scholastica. Nancy loves those light bulb moments when students grasp a new concept. She and her husband, Bryan, have a son who attends the Academy and two children who are graduates of BA.
	Mrs. Ginger Kendrick Physical Education This is Mrs. Kendrick’s 11th year at Bethany Academy. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in Physical Education and Health. Ginger and her husband, Tim, have a son, and two daughters who are graduates of BA.
	Mr. Stephen McMahan Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy Mr. McMahan graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a major in Biology and received his Master's Degree in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University. He has two years of prior teaching experience both in Seattle, WA, and the Dominican Republic. He really enjoys spending time in the classroom helping students understand the beauty of God’s creation and also enjoys spending time outside the classroom cheering on his students in their extracurricular activities.
	Mr. John Merry Academic Dean English 8, AP American Literature 11, College Composition, Yearbook, Health 9 This is Mr. Merry's sixth year at Bethany Academy, having previously taught at another Christian school. He has a B.S. in Business from the University of Minnesota and earned his Master’s Degree from Bethel University to become licensed as an English Teacher. He enjoys golfing, bicycling, reading, and serving as Treasurer of his church. John and his wife, Jenny, have a son who attends Bethany Academy and a daughter who is a graduate of BA.
	Mr. Chris Roth English, Art, Study Smarts Mr. Roth is a graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul, where he majored in art and English. Chris is also a freelance graphic designer and enjoys photography and traveling. He brings 18 years of teaching experience to the table. Chris really enjoys spending time in the classroom, laughing and learning with students as they use their God-given gifts to grow in faith and knowledge.
	Mr. Chad Peters History 7, History 8, U.S.History 9, World History 10, Geography This is Mr. Peters’ 12th year teaching at Bethany Academy. After graduating from Northwestern College with a B.A. in History, he received his Social Studies Licensure from Crown College. He has a Master's in Education from St. Mary's University. Chad and his wife, Kari, have two sons and a daughter.
	Mr. Jeff Ray Athletic Director, Geometry, Pre-Calculus Mr. Ray graduated from Northwestern College with a B.A. in Mathematics Education. He is an alumnus of Bethany Acdemy. This is his 16th year teaching at BA. In addition to serving as Athletic Director, Mr. Ray coaches boys’ Varsity basketball, and boys’ Varsity baseball. He and his wife, JayAnn, also an alumna of the Academy, have three daughters who attend BA.
	Mr. Keith Esala Junior High & High School Choir Mr. Esala has 31 years teaching experience. He is a graduate of Concordia University-St. Paul and earned his Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has been the choir director at several schools and churches. Keith and his wife, Beverly, have three grown children. Mr. Esala enjoys sharing his love of music and the love of Jesus with his students.