(KNSI) — Several area educators are among the 128 candidates for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
An independent panel of leaders from education, business, government, nonprofits and philanthropy will review candidates’ portfolios over the next few weeks and narrow the list to semifinalists.
Local nominees are:
Lisa Hennen, Kimball Area Public Schools
Britney Soldner, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools
Lindsey Trimbo, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools
Jodee Blair, St. Cloud Area School District
Devon Bowker, St. Cloud Area School District
Paige Janorschke, St. Cloud Area School District
Vida A. Petersen, St. Cloud Area School District
Susana Manea, Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools
The program celebrates the tradition of excellence in teaching in Minnesota. Eligible candidates include pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade, Early Childhood Family Education and Adult Basic Education teachers from public or private schools.
The panel meets again in March to review additional materials and select finalists. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year banquet is May 3rd at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
Education Minnesota, the state’s 84,000-member teachers union, organizes and funds the Teacher of the Year program.
___
Copyright © 2026 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!