Sartell High School Educator to Learn on Sunday if he is Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year

(KNSI) — Sartell High School’s Joe Schulte will learn if they can rise to the top of the class from 11 finalists for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

The technology instructor runs the SABREBuild construction program and other technical education courses, including building sets for the school’s drama productions.

Sartell-St. Stephen School Board Chair Matt Moehrle says there’s been a lot of buzz around the district. “It’s a rare honor. And it’s a very special honor. So, as a whole district, we’re very excited for him, regardless of what happens.”

Schulte will have a cheering squad with him in St. Paul with fingers crossed. “It’s quite the accomplishment. Our current superintendent will be there along with a couple of others at our table. So, we’re looking forward to that. It should be a good celebration.”

A selection panel of 21 people from various backgrounds interviewed Schulte and the other finalists to help make their selection.

The last 11 candidates have survived cuts to a field originally made up of 132 people.

Sartell had nine total candidates for the award this year. They were:

Barbara Eaton – Special Education at ORELC

Cris Drais – 1st Grade Teacher at PMPS

Karrie Fredrickson – Social Studies at SHS

Shannan Houghton – 3rd Grade Teacher at RIS

Holly Lathe – Music Teacher at PMPS

Nikki Perius – Instructional Coach at RIS

James Sinkel – Social Studies Teacher at SHS

Lindsey Trimbo – Kindergarten Teacher at ORELC

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