New Teacher: Andy Witchger, Theology

Andy Witchger is a new theology teacher this year, but this isn’t his first experience with the BSM community. As a long-term substitute teacher last spring, Witchger is familiar with the school and looks forward to spending an entire year with students and becoming more involved in the culture of BSM.

Witchger has been a teacher for 15 years, working at Holy Family for 12 years and 3 years in the Edina School District. However, now he has found a place in the Red Knight community. “Last year, I started as a long term [substitute] for Ms. Meagher when she was on maternity leave, and I didn’t expect to stay. I just thought that it would be a temporary thing, but I ended up liking the community and the kids that I had in class so much that I decided to stay,” Witchger said.

Witchger was inspired by his high school teachers and college professors to pursue a career in education, specifically theology. “I chose to teach theology because it’s a fascinating subject and I enjoy helping students come to a greater understanding for, and appreciation of, their religious tradition,” Witchger said in an email.

Outside of work, Witchger enjoys spending time hiking, fly fishing, and spending time in nature and has an interest in birds. “I research the population and migration of songbird, hawk and owl species… [my research] helps our understanding of various toxic chemicals and pollutants on specific species as well as trends in their overall population and habitat,” Witchger said in an email.

His fellow faculty members and students have made the transition from a long-term substitute to a full-time teacher much smoother. He is looking forward to teaching his freshman introduction to scripture course and sophomore pastoral ministry class. “I’m excited to just be here for a full school year instead of just like a couple of months at a time,” Witchger said.