My name is Mark Bjelland, I am from Billings, Montana. I graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 2018, and began attending the University of Mary later that fall. I currently am employed at Pride Inc., and I work with children who have disabilities. I love working and teaching children, and am very excited to become a teacher!
Ever since I was in the third grade, I have always been active within the Special Education setting. I would help out with reading in the Special Education classroom, and I would also help lead field day activities with them as well. Since 7th Grade, I started volunteering at the Special Olympics and have continued since then. I have volunteered with Track and Field (times, awards, leading, etc.), Basketball (referee), and Bowling (helping with bowling and supporting).
When I first arrived at the University of Mary, I was under the impression that I was going to become a Mental Health Therapist, so I was initially enrolled into the psychology program. After about half of the semester passed, I realized that I wanted to become a teacher. I was originally a secondary education major, with an emphasis in English. During this time, I volunteered around the Bismarck community for a bit. One of the most powerful experiences was helping prepare the South Central High School (SCHS) clothing drive. SCHS is an alternative high school located in Bismarck, ND; SCHS teaches students who have been expelled from public school, are single mothers, and works with many other students as well. All of their students are below the poverty line, and being able to help out with their clothing drive was a very rewarding experience.
Once I started working at Pride Inc., I realized that I wanted to go into Special Education and Elementary Education, and that lead me here! While working with Pride, I volunteered with Special Olympics (bowling), and have received many different trainings (located under professional experience tab). I have also helped out the Bismarck community by volunteering at Heaven Helpers Soup Cafe, by giving those who are a part of the lower socioeconomic status are able to get a meal.
After making the switch, I know it was for the best. I love all of my classes, and being able to work with kids brings me lots of joy! I am excited to teach the future generations of America.
Ever since I was in the third grade, I have always been active within the Special Education setting. I would help out with reading in the Special Education classroom, and I would also help lead field day activities with them as well. Since 7th Grade, I started volunteering at the Special Olympics and have continued since then. I have volunteered with Track and Field (times, awards, leading, etc.), Basketball (referee), and Bowling (helping with bowling and supporting).
When I first arrived at the University of Mary, I was under the impression that I was going to become a Mental Health Therapist, so I was initially enrolled into the psychology program. After about half of the semester passed, I realized that I wanted to become a teacher. I was originally a secondary education major, with an emphasis in English. During this time, I volunteered around the Bismarck community for a bit. One of the most powerful experiences was helping prepare the South Central High School (SCHS) clothing drive. SCHS is an alternative high school located in Bismarck, ND; SCHS teaches students who have been expelled from public school, are single mothers, and works with many other students as well. All of their students are below the poverty line, and being able to help out with their clothing drive was a very rewarding experience.
Once I started working at Pride Inc., I realized that I wanted to go into Special Education and Elementary Education, and that lead me here! While working with Pride, I volunteered with Special Olympics (bowling), and have received many different trainings (located under professional experience tab). I have also helped out the Bismarck community by volunteering at Heaven Helpers Soup Cafe, by giving those who are a part of the lower socioeconomic status are able to get a meal.
After making the switch, I know it was for the best. I love all of my classes, and being able to work with kids brings me lots of joy! I am excited to teach the future generations of America.