First, there was the release of the best schools in Minnesota and now we are on to the best teachers in Minnesota!

The nominations for 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year have been announced and it includes many within southern Minnesota schools!

Education Minnesota, which is a leading advocate for public education in Minnesota, shares that the Minnesota Teacher of the Year program is now in its 59th year. This is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program in Minnesota to honor excellence in education.

The program, as explained in an article from Bring Me The News, recognizes teachers from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as early childhood family education and adult basic education. Both public and private school teachers are eligible for the award.

On Wednesday Education Minnesota announced 131 nominees this year. While there were no teachers nominated from Owatonna or Faribault, there are still many nominated from other districts around including Albert Lea, Austin, Fairmont, Kenyon-Wanamingo, and Waseca.

Here are all the Candidates from Southern Minnesota for 2023 Teacher of the year:

  • Burke Egner (Albert Lea Area Schools)
  • Jessica Bernand (Austin Public Schools)
  • Heather Ruzek (Austin Public Schools)
  • Melinda Stewart (Fairmont Area Schools)
  • Maria DuPont Grams (Farmington Area Public Schools)
  • Anthony Boldt (Kasson-Mantorville School District)
  • Jeff Wibben (Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools)
  • Kari Raymond (Lakeville Area Schools)
  • Kari Healy (Mankato Area Public Schools)
  • Dawn Skinner (Waseca Public Schools)

You can also view the full list here.

Bring Me the News also explains the reviewing of the teachers:

A panel of leaders from fields including education, business, government, and philanthropy will review the nominations over the next few weeks and select semifinalists.

The panel will then meet again in March to narrow the group down to finalists. A winner will be announced on May 7 at the Minnesota Teacher of the Year banquet at the St. Paul River Centre.

you can also view more information on the selection process, eligibility, and more here.

Last year’s Teacher of the Year was Sarah Lancaster, a first-grade teacher at Onamia Elementary School. Can't wait to see which Teacher wins!

All information is credited to the article from bringmethenews.com and educationminnesota.org.

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