I interviewed Mr. Pederson. I loved getting to know him more! One of my favorite things I learned about him was how he got into this profession. He said teaching is all he really felt he wanted to do ever since he was in high school. It was a suggestion by his family when they asked, “What do you want to do when you get older?” He always enjoyed his Phy Ed classes, and his life has pretty much revolved around sports. 

Pederson’s favorite food is Mexican and Chinese food. His favorite thing to do outside of school is spending time with his daughters. He really enjoys his trips to his family cabin up north on Pickerel Lake in Ottertail County. He is fortunate enough to get up there a few times during the summer, and he cherishes all memories made with friends and family. He also enjoys golfing whenever possible.

Pederson’s favorite high school memories are how he was blessed to have a very enjoyable grade school experience, which is what also attributed to him wanting to be a teacher. He was able to be a part of a state tournament run in basketball as a sophomore and in football as a junior. Those are two experiences that he will never forget. 

If Pederson could do anything right now, he wouldn’t do anything because he loves everything he does and wouldn’t change a thing. His dream vacation is going up to his family cabin every summer. Something Pederson enjoys doing everyday is teaching and coaching. He couldn’t go a day without his morning coffee and spending time with his wife and daughters.

If Pederson won the lottery he thinks the responsible answer is to put everything into his savings or invest it. However, he would definitely look into traveling more and spoil his family and friends.

Something that makes Pederson come to work everyday are the relationships with his fellow teachers and students. His is blessed to be a part of a great school district that has the support of the community. Not all school districts are that fortunate. Fillmore Central students are lucky to have the teachers and staff that they have because all of their teachers want them to succeed, not only as students, but as human beings. 

Lastly, Pederson is looking forward to is watching our student-athletes compete in their extracurricular activities as well as work to improve themselves in the weight room. The Strength and Agility program continues to improve every year, and he looks forward to this next summer to continue to build on the successes that Fillmore Central have had over the past few school years.