Two St. Cloud Educators Among Minnesota Teacher of the Year Semifinalists

(KNSI) — Two local teachers are among the semifinalists for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.

Devon Bowker of Apollo High School and Paige Janorschke of Lincoln Elementary School are both semifinalists. They were chosen by a 22-member independent panel including former Teachers of the Year and finalists, fellow educators, school district officials, and business leaders, which narrowed the field from 128 candidates down to 30 semifinalists.

The panel will review portfolios and video submissions in mid-March before selecting around 10 finalists.

The winner will be announced at the Minnesota Teacher of the Year banquet on May 3rd at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Current Teacher of the Year Linda Wallenberg will name her successor at that event.

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