Tonja Cantu, Ph.D.

Director of Education

Education

She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota with a minor in German. She continued to earn her first master’s degree in quality schools from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Her doctoral degree is from Capella University in Curriculum and Instruction, where she also earned an additional master’s degree in educational leadership.

Experience

This is her 27th year in the field of education. She has been an elementary classroom teacher for many of those years during the school day, along with teaching Adult Basic Education courses in the evening, and on the weekends at the county jail. She taught courses as an adjunct professor for Southwest Minnesota State University Master’s in Education program and transitioned into administration. This is her 10th year as a school administrator. She gained a passion for working with students and families, providing all options to help everyone be successful.

Fun Facts and Hobbies

  • Tonja loves demolition and remodeling. She is skilled at drywall, texture, painting, electrical, plumbing, tiling, and all things to beautify and revitalize spaces.
  • Tonja loves driving across the country – there is nothing better than taking a several day road trip and stopping at new places just to see what you can see and meet new and interesting people and see new and interesting places.
  • Tonja loves cooking Mexican foods and participating in Mexican holidays and traditions with her family.
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