Andrea Johnson/MDN Jeff Ringstad is the new administrator at Our Redeemer’s.

New Our Redeemer’s Christian School administrator Jeff Ringstad said he uses his life experiences to help students understand the value in trying new things.

Ringstad, who had taught social studies for five years at Midkota High School in Glenfield, had a varied career before he went into teaching.

“I’ve tried and failed at a lot of things,” he said with a laugh, listing a career path that included selling farm machinery, working as an electrician, and owning and operating a restaurant and campground on a lake during the summers.

“More than anything, I think I learned that I wasn’t where God wanted me to be,” said Ringstad. “Education was the path for me all the way along. That was where my gifts were at, that’s where my passion was.”

He completed his undergraduate degree at Mayville State University and is finishing a master’s degree in administration through the University of Mary.

Many of the classes he took for his master’s were online and he completed the course work while he was also teaching full time. He also took classes during the summer.

Ringstad said he wanted to move into school administration. When he saw a job listed for the Our Redeemer’s administrator position, it appealed to him in part because the school is affiliated with a Lutheran Brethren church. Ringstad has attended a church of that denomination and is familiar with the church and its teachings.

His wife will continue teaching this year in Cooperstown and his youngest son is still in high school there. The family will visit back and forth this school year and get to know Minot. For now, Ringstad has rented an apartment in Minot.

Ringstad said he has found that education is a real calling for him.

“The opportunity to see kids grow and learn was worth more than the pay ever was,” said Ringstad.