Secondary Staff

Kristin Baljet
English Language Arts & STEM

Hi! My name is Kristin (students call me Ms. B), and I am in my 12th year of teaching! This is my 6th year in the RCS district and consider myself here to stay. Fun fact: I am a product of this district myself - RHS Class of 2006! I am thrilled to be working with middle school students in our virtual campus through Language Arts and STEM courses this year. I am passionate about creative, technology-based learning and absolutely love the excitement that middle school students bring to the conversation. When I am not teaching, you can find me on a nature walk with my husband, 7-month-old son, and two coonhounds, relaxing at our family cottage in Lexington, or cheering on the Spartans on game day. Go Green!

Jack Barraclough
Math

I have been teaching in the Rochester School District since 2013. I began teaching at Adams High School and my RCS journey has taken me to Reuther Middle School, ACE High School and finally the Virtual Campus. Prior to 2013, I lived and taught in the UK - so I can make math more exciting by explaining concepts with a British accent! Outside of school I enjoy spending time outside with my wife and son - I can often be spotted in the yard or on the trails around Rochester.

Kristen Burwell
Special Education, Resource 

Greetings Rochester Community Schools Virtual Voyagers!  My voyage in teaching has been an expedition covering learning opportunities from kindergarten to 12th grade.  When I am exploring life outside of the teaching world, I enjoy traveling, riding my bikes leisurely, and volunteering for charities.  I have been to countries in Africa, Europe, and Central America.  Traveling abroad has been very rewarding!  I have completed cycling events ranging from a few miles, to a metric century a few years ago, I am looking forward to competing for a good cause in the future!  One charity close to my heart is Kids Coalition Against Hunger of Michigan, a local humanitarian organization where communities come together to package food for those in need.  Until I return full force back to in person teaching one day, in the words of Dayton, Ohio R&B group, Lakeside, "Come Along On a Fantastic Voyage" with me in the 2022-2023 RCS Virtual Campus!

Linda Craig
Special Education Resource

My name is Linda Craig and I have been a resource teacher in Rochester Community Schools for 17 years.  The last 15 years were spent at West Middle School teaching Math, Language Arts, Study Skills, and co-teaching Math.  For the past few years, I've truly enjoyed teaching a course in the Virtual Campus, so I’m excited to join the Virtual Campus full-time again this year.  Partnering with families to support the unique learning needs of each student has been my passion.  When I’m not teaching, you will find me spending time on the water at my cottage Up North.  I’m looking forward to a great year!

Christine Glenn
Art Teacher

I have been teaching over 20 years and this is my 5th year with RCS. Outside of the classroom, I am a mom of a 2 year old boy and a 9 year old boxer. In my free time I enjoy painting, pottery, music concerts, art festivals, and traveling. I absolutely love the Virtual Campus and spending time with our VC Art Club!

Matthew Harris
Music

Hello! I am the middle school music teacher this year, and I am very excited to share my passion for music with my students. I find it exciting to help my students experience music in new ways. I also work at Adams High School, so you might see me in person at band practice someday!

Lauren Hope
Science

Hello! I am thrilled to be joining the Virtual Campus team to teach science throughout this school year. This is my first year teaching in the district and I can't wait to share my passion, joy, and enthusiasm for science with all of our VC learners. I also work at Rochester High School, so you might see me there cheering on the Falcons!

Peter Majask
Social Studies

I have been a Social Studies teacher in Rochester for going on 25 years. I taught at the International Academy for 23 years and now at the RCS Virtual Campus. Before I became a teacher I was in the USAF and was an EMT. I am married and father of 3 boys. My wife is the Media Specialist at Stoney Creek. My favorite past hobby is playing paintball with my boys. I also enjoy reading and coaching basketball.

Anna Modlinski
Spanish 1 & 2

Hi everyone! My name is Profe Modlinski and I am so excited to be here with you all! This is my first year at both the Virtual Campus and Hart Middle School. Prior to this role, I studied English and Spanish Literature at Kalamazoo College. I look forward to sharing the wonders of this beautiful language with you all this year. I'm really passionate about linguistic conversations and I can't wait to share that passion with all of my students! 

Jessica Palace
Science

Hi! My name is Jessica Palace. This is my 5th year teaching in Rochester Schools. My favorite part about working with kids is building relationships and creating a safe space where students feel SEEN and HEARD. Science is MY SUBJECT so I love questioning things and exploring. In my free time I love to travel, camp, backpack, and basically do any and all things outdoors. I am also a yoga instructor and a singer, so I'm constantly listening to music and I can't wait until we can go to concerts again!

Shana Poll
Physical Education

I have been teaching over 20 years and this is my 21st year with RCS. Outside of the classroom I enjoy riding my bike and paddle boarding. You will often see me walking or riding the local trails during the warmer months.  I like to visit my family in Florida often.  I look forward to getting active with all of you this year.

Kristina Smith
English Language Arts

Hello! I am a 24 year veteran RCS Language Arts and History teacher. My favorite experience as a teacher is working with students and helping them build confidence in expressing their own opinion and voice when talking about literature. Exploring this new world of virtual teaching and learning is exciting! I hope you enjoy going on this journey with me!

Angie Snitgen
Social Studies

Prior to joining the Virtual Campus, I taught 8th grade US History for 14 years at Hart Middle School and would take students to DC each year to fully experience their curriculum. I hope to continue with field trips when possible year after year! I’m proud to be part of the Virtual Campus and absolutely love using technology to transform student learning and build relationships. In my spare time, you can find me playing with my two kids, Joey (8) and Lily (4).

Cindy Woodard
Math

I have been teaching math for Rochester Community Schools since 1994. I enjoy running, reading, hiking, and the beach life. I am married and have two beautiful daughters. One of the highlights in my career was being selected to represent the Science and Math departments on a zero gravity flight. It was so much fun! I love sharing that experience with my students and making connections for them with math.