This year at Mayo High School we have a brand new science teacher, and before this he was teaching at Willow Creek Middle School. Mr. Ellefson started teaching all the way from 1991-2026 (present time), which means he has 32 years of experience. He’s taught many different subjects all revolving around science including classes like, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, Anatomy and more. If it’s a science class, there’s a good chance that he’s taught it!
One of his favorite subjects to teach is Earth Science. Ellefson enjoys this subject the most because he believes that students can comprehend the subject better since they can actually see real life examples and get very “hands on” with the matter, which makes it easier to understand. He claims Physics is cool too, but sometimes it’s harder for kids to understand because it’s not always as hands on. If it’s something students can touch, experiment with, or get involved in, he enjoys teaching it more, so when in Mr. Ellefson’s class, expect a lot of fun labs!
What’s most intriguing about Ellefson is how he decided that teaching was the job meant for him. It all clicked in college when he started tutoring other students for money. While tutoring, he noticed something vital. Kids would come in confused, stressed, or totally lost before a test, searching desperately for additional help. It was only after Ellefson explained the material thoroughly, that the students would begin to gain confidence in their ability in the subject. For him seeing the students going from nervous wrecks to confident and calm students made him feel good, and that’s when he realized that he likes helping people learn. He eventually started thinking to himself, “hmmm.. maybe teaching wouldn’t be so bad!” Clearly it wasn’t, since he’s been teaching for over three decades now.
With 32 years of teaching, Ellefson has gotten to understand the prospective of his students and swears, ”There’s always a reason for the assignments I give out; it’s to make sure my students come out successful.” While he may be strict sometimes, it’s for a good reason, for the good of his students. So even if his assignments seem hard at the moment, he wants everyone to know that the rigor is meant to help in the long run.
When the day is done, Ellefson still finds time to have fun outside of class! It doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside because he has a hobby for any time of the year. These span from Mountaineering, to ski patrolling up in Welch Village, as long as it’s outside Ellefson’s all in for it, after all outside is where his love for his wife blossomed.
While Ellefson has a deep love for his hobbies, his love for his family is even greater. He has a daughter and two sons who are all grown up now. Ellefson’s family live on the north side of town and despite being all grown up they still meet up together and have a good time together.
Overall, Mayo High School is lucky to welcome such a warm and science teacher. He cares for his students deeply, and genuinely wants the best for them. The people who have his class currently have a teacher who has the passion and tenacity needed to lecture his class.
