To show a synapse of my backround and my very strong commitment to science, education and students based on a continuously broadening foundation of education, professional development, and a diverse wealth of personal experience.
I, Michael Dean Bechtel was born in Waukon, Iowa on August 22, 1971. I was raised on a family farm and had a keen interest in the sciences from the start. I participated in science fairs (Upper Iowa University and Iowa State University), competitions (Luther College, 4H and FFA) and attended symposiums (Wartburg College and University of Northern Iowa) throughout my adolescence. I graduated from Waukon Senior High School of the Allamakee Community School District in May of 1989. I first attended college at the University of Iowa in the fall of 1989, but soon realized that the facilities and community were too much of a culture shock for this farm boy. I came home after a semester to work on the family farm.
During a game at the high school, my chemistry/physics teacher, Mr. Dave Duncklee, found out that I had quit and asked me to check out Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He set up a visitation. I graduated from Wartburg College in may of 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I have a double major (biology and secondary education), a minor (chemistry), and three teaching endorsements (physics, physical science, and general science). I did my student teaching under Mr. Reibsalmon of the Hampton/Dumont Community Schools.
I received my first teaching assignment in the fall of 1994 at Twin Cedars Community School District in Bussey, Iowa working alongside Mr. Sharar. I taught one class of physics, one class of chemistry, two classes of biology, two classes of physical science, and photography. Due to my marriage to Melissa Kaye Sweeney on September 30 of 1995, I resigned to find an area that would have more opportunities for her profession, accounting.
In Des Moines, I was hired at Saydel Community High School for the fall of 1995, working alongside Mr. Larry A. Dean. I started part time teaching four different science preps (biology, general science, physical science, and exploratory science) in the auditorium. During an extended illness of one of my colleagues I taught eleven classes (seven preps) for a period of one semester. I had a substitute switch half way through periods so I could be with two concurrently running classes. I advanced through the ranks to science department head/advanced science instructor. I have taught every science class offered at the high school level for Saydel (exploratory biology, biology, general science, physical science, zoology, botany, ecology, anatomy/physiology, physics, chemistry, and advanced chemistry). Three of the classes (zoology, botany, and ecology) were started by me.
Upon the arrival of our two daughters, Alexandra Kaye and Abigail Lynn, we decided to move closer to our hometown so our daughters could see their granparents more often. We moved to Onalaska, Wisconsin, where I taught at Lewiston/Altura Community Schools in Minnesota alongside Mr. Penheiter. I taught chemistry, physics, and physical science. My wife became employed at Workforce Connections as the Director of Finance.
I was looking for less travel time to and from work and became employed at Central High School of the La Crosse School District. I currently teach science matters (physical science), team taught science matters, and chemistry. I forsee retiring with the La Crosse schools and am currently waiting the arrival of my third daughter in January.
