Introducing Hamilton's New Teachers 26-27
All photos submitted by interviewees.
As we start the 2026-2027 school year, let's extend a warm welcome to Hamilton High School’s 10 new teaching staff members! These new teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds, but are all excited to start meeting everyone here and joining our community. Each new staff member was asked to talk about themselves, their past experiences with teaching, and what classes they would be responsible for this year. Let’s meet Hamilton’s new teachers!
Kendra Baumeister
Subject: Business
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
I grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, and attended UW Oshkosh, where I also played softball. I have an older brother, a twin sister (who is also a teacher), and a sweet pup named Tito! Growing up, I showed pigs at the county fair and always loved spending time around the farm. Outside of school, I love trying new workouts and being active, traveling with my friends and family, and cheering on my favorite Wisconsin sports teams.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my first year teaching!
Why did you get into teaching?
Teaching has always been a career that I knew I would love. I have a huge passion for learning, trying new things, and sharing my passion with others! My passion for working with students grew through my experiences in school and coaching softball.
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
Nope! This is my first year.
What classes are you teaching this year?
I will be at the Middle School teaching two classes of Intro to Business and at the High School teaching two blocks of Computer Applications.
Jeffrey Benjamin
Subject: Physics
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
My wife and I like to travel a lot during the summer. We have been to 21 countries so far. I am a big Brewers, Packers, and Badgers fan. I also read a lot and watch movies, especially science fiction. I graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Geology and Geophysics.
How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching for 27 years in both chemistry and physics.
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
Last year, I taught at Franklin High School and, before that, at Whitnall High School.
What classes are you teaching this year?
This year I will be teaching physics, AP Physics 1, and AP Physics C (Mechanics and E&M).
Milan Blazek
Subject: History
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
I grew up in Hartland, WI. I enjoy reading, spending time with my friends and family, and staying active through hiking and kayaking.
How long have you been teaching?
This will be my first year teaching! I just graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in social studies education.
Why did you get into teaching?
I have loved working with kids and students in my community. I chose social studies education because I loved taking those courses in high school, and I want to share the importance of global awareness and critical thinking with students.
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
I have worked in youth development for about six years, and that's a major reason why I wanted to be a teacher.
What classes are you teaching this year?
This year I will be teaching 20th Century U.S. history, Civics and Econ., and World History.
Grace Dow
Subject: ACE classroom
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
I love to go hiking, crochet, and ride roller coasters. I went to Cedar Point for the first time this summer, and it was amazing! I also love going to concerts. I was able to see Noah Kahan and Alex Warren this summer, and I am going to see Ed Sheeran and The Jonas Brothers this fall!
How long have you been teaching?
This will be my 3rd year teaching. :)
Why did you get into teaching?
I wanted to make a change and feel like a safe adult to students. I also love being in education, and my favorite teacher was the reason I wanted to be a teacher!
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
I was a part of Special Education Support at Templeton Middle School for the last two years!
What classes are you teaching this year?
I will be in the ACE classroom this year for the first time, so I am excited to try something new!
Kristina Kender
Subject: Computer Science
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
I live here in the Hamilton community with my husband, Nate, our two boys, Lucas (Junior at HHS) and Blake (Freshman at HHS), and our dog, Duke. A lot of my time outside of school is spent with my family and at my boys’ different sports and activities. I’m also a big Disney and Marvel fan, love technology, and probably enjoy decorating and rearranging my classroom more than I should!
How long have you been teaching?
I’ve been working in education since 2020.
Why did you get into teaching?
Teaching was actually a career change for me. Before education, I spent more than 16 years working in the corporate world, primarily in finance, analytics, business, and technology. Over time, I realized that the part I enjoyed most was helping people learn, problem-solve, and become more confident in what they could do. I wanted to do something where I felt like I was making a more direct difference in people’s lives, and teaching gave me that opportunity. One of the ideas I try to keep at the center of what I do is simply to “leave them better than you found them.”
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
Yes! Hamilton actually feels a little like coming home. I previously worked in the Hamilton School District as a substitute teacher and then at Templeton Middle School as a math interventionist. During that time, I also worked with some Hamilton High School students. Last year, I taught Business & Information Technology at Eisenhower and West in the School District of New Berlin.
What classes are you teaching this year?
This year I’ll be teaching Computer Applications, Computer Programming, Video Game Programming, and AP Computer Science Principles. I’m especially excited about the mix because it ranges from Microsoft Office skills that students can use immediately in college and careers all the way to coding, game development, and computer science.
Adrianna Mett
Subject: Communication Arts
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
I am originally from California, but have also lived in Oregon. My husband and I were born 26 miles apart in Northern California, but we both moved to the same place in Wisconsin! We just got married last year and have been enjoying traveling from coast to coast together for the past three years. I enjoy reading (I have a personal library of about 2,700 books), and I play ice hockey in a local women's league.
How long have you been teaching?
This is year five of teaching for me!
Why did you get into teaching?
I got into teaching because I suffered a traumatic brain injury in high school (I played JV and varsity hockey on the Grafton Ice Hawks). It took me six years to graduate high school, and it was the patience and compassion of my teachers that inspired me to go into education. I couldn't choose what I wanted to teach, so my degrees are in History and Secondary Education, with a minor in English education.
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
I started my career in Sheboygan Falls, teaching English 9, 10, 11, and Media Studies at the high school over the past four years.
What classes are you teaching this year?
I am teaching one section of Communication Arts 10 and several sections of College Reading and Writing.
Rachel Peterson
Role: Instructional Coach
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
I have three daughters and a husband. We live in Brookfield and are busy keeping up with basketball and softball for our daughter, Camryn; dance for our daughter, Leah; and soccer, which was just retired, for our daughter Hailey, who just started college at UWM.
How long have you been in the educational field?
I have been a teacher for 23 years.
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
I have even taught at the elementary and middle school. I previously spent 10 years in Menomonee Falls and 13 years in Elmbrook.
Why did you get into education?
I got into education because I enjoyed doing homework with the kids I nannied for in high school. One of the kids I nannied for struggled to learn, and I enjoyed working to help him understand concepts.
What position are you working in this year, and what does that entail doing?
My role is 'Learning and Instructional Specialist (Math and Science).' Basically, I work with teachers setting instructional goals, work together to try new strategies to achieve those goals, and finally gather data that shows the impact on student growth.
Brit Scheers
Subject: Library and Technology Literacy Specialist
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
I love to read fantasy, historical fiction, and suspense. During the summer, you'll see me at festivals, out with friends, gardening, with a book, or trying out new recipes. In the winter, you'll find me cooking for people at game night, crafting, baking, or cuddling up with a book and one of my cats. Perseus and Annabeth have moved from South Dakota to Texas to Wisconsin with me. I love learning about different cultures, art, and history; My toxic trait is that I can always find money for travel. I've been to five countries so far.
How long have you been teaching?
This will be my sixth year as a librarian, but my 14th year total as a teacher. I was an elementary school teacher, a high school English teacher, and an elementary librarian before coming to Hamilton High School.
Why did you get into teaching?
I had teachers who encouraged me to think outside of the box and to strive to reach my full potential. I wanted to give back to my community by doing the same thing for my own students.
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
I've taught in Rapid City, South Dakota; Houston, Texas; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What classes are you teaching this year?
I'm the new Library & Technology Literacy Specialist, so you'll find me in the IMC!
Madison Suarez Del Real
Subject: Special Education
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, friends, and boyfriend, going on road trips, camping trips, and finding fun things to do. I'm always up for an adventure and making new memories with the people I love.
How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching for about 5 years now.
Why did you get into teaching?
I got into teaching after realizing how much I enjoyed being someone students could turn to, whether they needed help, encouragement, or just someone to listen. After several years of teaching, I knew I wanted to keep doing something where I could build those relationships and make a true difference.
Have you taught at other places? If so, where?
Prior to Hamilton, I taught at County Line Elementary School.
What classes are you teaching this year?
This year, I am a special education aide.
Jenni Zuberbuehler
Subject: Special Education
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself (hobbies, family, etc.)?
When I’m not at school, I spend most of my time outdoors and traveling around Wisconsin. I enjoy kayaking, exploring roadside attractions, and discovering outdoor art with my dog. I also really like hiking! I’m working on completing the Ice Age Trail and have hiked 345 out of its 1200 miles - I’ve finished 6 counties so far! I have a son in college who shares my interests. We go to a lot of outdoor light shows in fall and winter and mini road trips in summer.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my first year as a teacher after 13 years as an education support staff member. I’ve worked at Hamilton High School the entire time; this is my 14th year at the school!
Why did you get into teaching?
I want to give each student the opportunity to learn and grow. To exceed expectations and believe in their own potential. My students are the young adults who will someday become active participants in our community and within society. Yes, academics are important, but helping students find their purpose and passion personally, socially, and vocationally is what really drives me to be the best teacher I can be.
What classes are you teaching this year?
This semester I’m co-teaching Sports & Motivational Lit, WHAM, and 20th Century. I’ve supported almost every academic course offered over the years, so I know a little bit about a lot of things.
