Page 26 - TTMNSummer2024

Leadership
Page 26 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Finalists for 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Continued from Page 25

Susanne Collins Marie Hansen Jason Jirsa Jamie Williams

Edgerton Elementary School Burnsville High School Washburn High School Capitol Hill Gifted
Roseville Area Schools Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District Minneapolis Public Schools and Talented Magnet School
Grade 6 AVID/English, 10–11 Social Studies, 9–12. Saint Paul Public Schools
“Like many other teachers, I was inspired U.S. History, 7.
by a teacher. For me it was my high school “I teach for my colleagues. Teachers are “I teach because my students need me,
speech teacher. From him I learned the impor- the best of us the funniest smartest leaders we all need them and teaching and learning “I teach because I love it. Everyday is
tance of positive teachers and their powerful who will do anything to help each other out. can be a lot of fun. Before they leave my class brand new and there is never a dull moment,
inf uence on the students’ lives. My students I teach for myself. I teach because I love kids I want them to be better researchers, better especially at the middle school level and I
participate in many community building and I love books so here we are, but mostly I writers, better collaborators, better communi- enjoy most every minute. There are chal-
activities where they are encouraged to work teach for my students. I teach because my stu- cators, and those are all skills that I hope to lenges of course but every challenge is worth
outside of their comfort zone. I get to help dents are brilliant, kind, thoughtful, and funny give them. Now, that’s not easy and part of it. When I see the light bulb go off in students
them feel valued, appreciated, seen, and heard. and helping them grow into adults. The next my job that I love is the challenge that brings when they understand, when they make con-
I have the privilege to celebrate their accom- generation is going to change the world, is the me back every day. I cannot wait to see what nections, when they take what they’ve learned
plishments and identities every day.” greatest privilege. I teach because the world is they do after high school. In the simulation and apply it. I love teaching because it gives
a scary place but working with the next gener- today we were talking about climate change, me the fulf llment of seeing the next group
ation, a generation that believes in the power a problem our generation has not done well of students, the next generation of students
of love and the power of change, banishes that with, and yet when you listen to these students become something great and know that I saw
fear to the margins instead of the center.” and their ideas and their enthusiasm you have them when they were in their beginning. I love
hope for the future. I can’t imagine a job where teaching because I was made to do it.”
I can have a greater impact on the world.”

Sarah Dallum
Valley View Elementary School
Bloomington Public Schools
Grade 5
Laura Jensen
“I love to help my students belong to them- Hopkins North Middle School Michelle Morse-Wendt Ellen Wu
selves. It’s really important to me that they have Hopkins Public Schools Alice Smith Elementary
a deep belief in themselves. Watching them Language & Literature, 7 Turtle Lake Elementary School Hopkins Public Schools
develop that is one of my favorite things. My Mounds View Public Schools, Grade 4. Kindergarten.
students bring me hope and joy for the future. “I teach because it is still one of the
They are going to be the change.It allows me to most meaningful professions there is. I get “I teach because it’s just who I am and “I teach because I want to make a dif-
talk to my students about social justice issues, to spend my day with 11- to 13-year-olds, I can’t turn it off. There is this drive within ference and impact in the lives of our young
especially revolutionary leaders of the past and who approach life with fresh eyes and an me to learn from others and to share what I scholars. Every year I get 20 to 25 new best
present. My students also teach me about the amazing amount of spunk and quirkiness. I have learned from others. I teach because I friends. I get to help create memorable experi-
world. They love to talk about their cultures and teach because I’ll be laughing 1 minute and want every person to know that their unique ences for the very f rst time and I get to help
their religions and their perspectives and I love utterly awestruck the next. I teach because I cells matter and to teach them to live into set the foundation of their educational journey.
to soak that up with them. I love teaching and if hear stories from kids that give me hope and that person, to f nd that spark that only they I love that I am able to see my students grow
I didn’t I wouldn’t do this job.” that belief in humanity and stories that also have, and to bring that to the world. Kids are and learn and play and become active members
sometimes break my heart. I teach because I hilarious and this job is so entertaining. Today in society. Five and six year olds are extremely
get to come alongside kids and be part of their a student during a math lesson said out loud, excited and energetic and I love that I’m able
journey.” mostly to herself, ‘Toothbrushes can’t swim.’ to celebrate all those little things that they get
Only in this job.” excited about.”
Courtesy of Education Minnesota