Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Jennifer Brist, Kristi Delaney, Todd Johnson, and Leonard Runck to the Board of Teaching.

Jennifer Brist, of Albert Lea, has been a Minnesota classroom teacher for over nine years. She currently serves as a Kindergarten teacher at Lakeview Elementary for Albert Lea Public Schools. Brist began her teaching career as an Early Childhood Teacher for Albert Lea Public Schools. She received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Brist is appointed as a classroom teacher member of the Board and will serve a four-year term which ends January 5, 2009. Brist replaces Renee Jesness on the Board.

Kristi Delaney, of Woodbury, has been a Minnesota classroom teacher for over seven years. She currently serves as a Kindergarten teacher at Liberty Ridge Elementary in Woodbury for South Washington County Public Schools. Delaney also has teaching experience in Cottage Grove, West St. Paul, Littleton, Colorado, and Elizabeth, Colorado. She received a B.A. in Psychology from Bethel University in St. Paul. Delaney is appointed as a classroom teacher member of the Board and will serve a term which ends January 1, 2007. Delaney fills the seat formerly held by Heather Lindstrom.

Todd Johnson, of Burnsville, is the owner and President of Titus Construction, Inc., a residential developer, builder, and remodeling firm. He also co-owns Classic Iron Cars, a car restoration shop in Savage. Johnson is currently serving his second term as a member of the Board of Education for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Public Schools. He currently serves as the Chairman of his School Board. Johnson is appointed as a public member of the Board of Teaching and will serve a four-year term ending January 5, 2009. Johnson replaces Richard Tschida on the Board.

Leonard Runck, of Lamberton, has been a Minnesota classroom teacher for over 25 years. He currently serves as the District Network Administrator and Technology Coordinator for Red Rock Central Public Schools. Prior to obtaining a work based learning coordinator endorsement on his teaching license, Runck spent sixteen years as a band teacher. He received a B.S. in Education and Music Performance from Minnesota State University-Mankato. Runck is appointed as a classroom teacher member of the Board and will serve a four-year term which ends January 5, 2009. He replaces Rosemary Crowe-Campos on the Board.

The Board of Teaching establishes rules governing the licensing of public school teachers and the accreditation of teacher education programs. The Board also establishes a code of ethics for teachers and has the authority to suspend or revoke a teaching license. The board is made up of eleven members appointed by the Governor.