6 SoWashCo Schools Teachers Named As Minnesota Teacher of the Year Candidates
6 SoWashCo Schools Teachers Named As Minnesota Teacher of the Year Candidates
SoWashCo Schools has six talented educators who were nominated to be Education Minnesota’s 61st Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to:
- Amanda Czepa, Park High School and Cottage Grove Middle School Orchestra Director
- "Ms. Czepa is an exemplar of what excellent teaching looks like. She values strong the relationships she has with her students above all else-the result is student who thrive in orchestra! In orchestra, students have the opportunity to express themselves musically, but come together as a community of performers to create memorable performances." said Principal Herber.
- "Ms. Czepa is an exemplar of what excellent teaching looks like. She values strong the relationships she has with her students above all else-the result is student who thrive in orchestra! In orchestra, students have the opportunity to express themselves musically, but come together as a community of performers to create memorable performances." said Principal Herber.
- Lisa Flynn, East Ridge High School Math Teacher
- "She understands that teaching math to developing minds is different for every student. She proactively plans differentiated lessons that approach learning through multiple lenses," said Principal Smokrovich.
- "She understands that teaching math to developing minds is different for every student. She proactively plans differentiated lessons that approach learning through multiple lenses," said Principal Smokrovich.
- Jennifer Strong, Cottage Grove Middle School Science Teacher
- "Ms. Strong is a dedicated middle school life science teacher who strives to foster an engaging classroom environment. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, maintaining high academic standards, and nurturing a positive learning environment. By enhancing relational skills, setting high expectations, and creating a structured yet flexible classroom, Ms. Strong inspires her students to explore and thrive in science. We are extremely proud of her nomination and of Ms. Strong herself." said Principal Ellevold.
- "Ms. Strong is a dedicated middle school life science teacher who strives to foster an engaging classroom environment. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, maintaining high academic standards, and nurturing a positive learning environment. By enhancing relational skills, setting high expectations, and creating a structured yet flexible classroom, Ms. Strong inspires her students to explore and thrive in science. We are extremely proud of her nomination and of Ms. Strong herself." said Principal Ellevold.
- Emily Ball, Park High School Language Arts Teacher
- "Ms. Ball has been a champion and advocate for her students. Her reach is broad-connecting and impacting many students every day and every year! As an English and Interantional Baccalaureate teacher and theater director-all her student know that she is someone special who cares about them and supports them." said Principal Herber.
- "Ms. Ball has been a champion and advocate for her students. Her reach is broad-connecting and impacting many students every day and every year! As an English and Interantional Baccalaureate teacher and theater director-all her student know that she is someone special who cares about them and supports them." said Principal Herber.
- Stephanie Harberts, East Ridge High School Science Teacher
- "She continues to bring science to life through understanding of teenage motivation and real-world applications," said Principal Smokrovich.
- "She continues to bring science to life through understanding of teenage motivation and real-world applications," said Principal Smokrovich.
- Jessica Wilds, Grey Cloud Elementary Kindergarten Teacher
- Mrs. Wilds is a kindergarten teacher at GCES. "She does so much more than just teach. While many teachers fill roles, and Mrs. Wilds fills many, what stands out about her is her unwavering commitment to students and staff. Her positivity and collaboration are elevating!" said Principal Loshek.
They are vying for the title against a pool of 142 total candidates to make it to the semifinalist rounds which will be announced in March.
The Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced on Sunday, May 4.