By Christine Erntson, director of communication and community engagement
March 21, 2024 | 3 p.m.

Dear PACT Stakeholders,

I am pleased to announce that Teresa Widen has been hired as PACT’s new Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Literacy Lead. This role is pivotal to our academic community, and I am excited to have her join PACT’s leadership team. Teresa will oversee K-12 curriculum development, instructional practices, and assessment strategies in this position, ensuring alignment with Minnesota state education standards and the READ Act legislation. She will drive systemic change, foster professional growth among educators, and promote equitable student academic achievement.

Teresa brings 24 years of experience in one of Minnesota’s highest-performing school districts. She currently serves as a Reading Specialist and District-wide Peer Evaluator at Orono Public Schools. She has taken on various leadership roles throughout her career, including district-wide Mentoring and Induction Coordinator, K-12 Reading Specialist, and K-12 Peer Evaluator. Her organizational management, communication, and instructional leadership strengths have allowed her to create impactful systems that support professional growth, curriculum adoption, and high-impact instructional strategies. Dedicated to continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making, she prioritizes meeting the whole child's needs and values collaborative leadership, strong parent partnerships, and teacher engagement.

Reflecting on her new role, Teresa said, "I am grateful and honored to join PACT Charter School as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Literacy Lead. I am excited to be part of an organization that values partnering with parents, investing in teachers, and providing academic excellence and character development for all students. As a member of PACT’s leadership team and educational community, I look forward to the future as we continue to grow and achieve our goals together."

Teresa earned her K-12 Reading Licensure and master’s degree from Hamline University. She completed her undergraduate degree, K-12 Principal, and Superintendent licenses at Bethel University, where she is also pursuing her Doctorate of Education.

Please join me in welcoming Teresa Widen to our team! Her official start date is July 1, 2025.

Warm regards, 

Nathan Flansburg
Superintendent of Schools