Let's hear it for Mankato area teachers!!

When we launched our teacher giveaway, we asked followers to nominate a favorite teacher and share why they deserved to be recognized.

We knew we’d hear some wonderful stories, but the response truly exceeded our expectations. We received SO many thoughtful nominations filled with stories of teachers who go above and beyond, make students feel seen and supported, inspire a love of learning and leave a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the classroom.

As we read through each nomination, one thing became very clear: there are so many incredible teachers in our community, and they are making a difference every single day.

So rather than letting those kind words live only in a nomination form, we wanted to share them. Below, you’ll find the teachers who were nominated along with the heartfelt messages shared by the people who believe they deserve to be celebrated.

To every teacher mentioned here, thank you for everything you do. And to everyone who took the time to nominate a teacher and share their story, thank you for helping us celebrate the educators who mean so much to our community. ❤️

Liz Holmgren

“She is calm, patient, and structured. She is exactly who I want caring for my little friends attending school for the first time!”

“She goes above and beyond!”

“She's the best!”

“Her kindness makes all of the kids so comfortable and look forward to school with her.  Her dedication to the students and school is unparalleled.”

“Miss Liz is the kindest most dedicated teacher. She genuinely cares about her students and I can see this at pick up time when the kids are saying good bye. She is so intentional about making eye contact with them and saying something meaningful about their day together. She also goes above and beyond supporting youth outside her classroom by volunteering for many organizations.”

“They are incredible with children, gentle and kind and compassionate and a marvelous teacher.”

“She has the biggest heart. Makes the kids feel so loved special and safe! Makes everyday so fun!”

“She is incredible and so kind and supportive to the kiddos”

“She was the best preschool teacher for my sweet girl and was always patient with her and the other kids in the class”

“She is such an amazing person and the absolute best teacher I could have asked for as my child went into preschool. I was very nervous sending my child off to school all day but I heard nothing but the best from her after the school day was over, day after day! Liz is an absolutely incredible teacher who cares so deeply for her students and I think she would be so deserving of this recognition.”

“Amazing teacher. Loves the students behind the learning and always makes everything fun and entertaining”

“Because she puts everything she has into her classroom and the children. She is so creative and really knows how to let children  be children. Liz has always made my children feel safe, loved and important”

“Liz is best definition to describe what it is to be a teacher. Her compassion, attentiveness to every child in her class, caring nature and positive attitude are exactly what every child needs and deserves to be successful💗”

“Miss Liz is an absolute gem of a human being. If you could take Miss Honey from Matilda and put her into an outdoor/experiential farm school, that would be her. She puts her whole heart into her job and truly treats the kiddos she works with as her own. I know she invests a lot into her littles, and not just emotionally. Miss Liz is the kind of teacher that your kid talks about long after the school year is over (in fact, we "pretend play" school and I get to be Miss Liz quite often 😂). She truly left an impression on our family and deserves to be recognized.”

“She cares so much for the kids and runs a great program”

“Miss Liz had an amazing ability to lead and teach young children in a unique environment. My daughter learned so much in one school year from this teacher. Her patience and attentiveness to each child was fun to see. I could tell she really "knew" my child well. I could tell Liz formed strong bonds with each child. She went out of her way to plan to make each child feel special even during the summer months. My child that had a summer birthday got a special message that was planned during the school year and sent on her birthday. She truly cares about the difference she makes in her students' education!”

“Miss Liz is incredible. She is very caring, thoughtful and treats our kids with such respect and love.”

“She is the most amazing teacher. Very student oriented and a very emotionally intelligent. She has a way with her students unparalleled in my experience”

“Liz goes above and beyond to make each child feel special. Recently she handmade backpack charms for her students and mailed them to the kids prior to school with a sweet note and a meet the teacher page. She is so kind and patient with all of the kids. My son had her and now I am so excited for my daughter to also have her.”

“Liz has a very unique teaching job out at Ruby Ranch, she not only teaches the usual things but she fosters relationships between students and the outdoors and animals. She teaches them how to treat animals and the outdoors with respect and kindness. She always goes above and beyond in everything she does and is just the most gentle soul. Kids are drawn to her and she makes them feel like the most important person in the room.”

“Liz is amazing with the kids she teaches and had been instrumental with my daughter's social development.”

“She makes my little feel special.”

“Dedication and love for her students is unmatched!”

“Liz is a kind, intelligent, gentle, and compassionate teacher who teaches kids the beauty of the world around them- she's the best!”

“She is amazing with the kids. You can tell she truly cares about each child and goes out of her way to make it a fun learning experience. My daughter loved her last year and wishes she can have her this year.”

“One of the very best teachers that we have ever had!”

“My daughter had a hard time with school drop offs as a first year preschooler. Every morning Miss Liz would show such genuine care for her and invite her into the classroom in the most curated way for her and what sparked her interest for the day. I saw her take this approach with many students in her class. She always fostered curiosity and never rushed a child through learning. All of her teaching was so specific to each students needs, interests and personality and I couldnt think of a better teacher for any of our kids.”

“Liz is so compassionate and all the kids love her!”

Hailey Hoppe

“Hailey has worked in a EBD level 3 setting at Rosa Parks Elementary in Mankato the last 4 years. She pours her heart n soul into those kiddos. Dealing with intense behaviors is very challenging. I have seen her overcome many obstacles with understanding and grace, and still go back and love on those kids even on their worst days. Love overcomes all and Hailey is doing God's work.  She deserves a metal of honor and so much more. She just graduated MSU and took her first teaching job in a level 4 setting at River Bend in New Ulm, but Rosa Parks will forever be in her heart. She deserves all the help in setting up her new classroom, because she is that teacher who will never give up on a student.”

“She is an incredible teacher!”

“Because she is so nice and really good and what she does !!”

“Hailey is so outgoing, she truly cares about the kids she teaches. She is such an amazing teacher and goes above and beyond for her students.”

Mary Jane Hollerich

“She is an amazing, kind, patient, loving teacher! She continues to show up for her kids every day despite battling stage 4 cancer. She runs marathons and is a wonderful mother on top of all of her teaching!! I'm so thankful she was there for my son in first grade.”

Amanda Stoffel

“Amanda is a strong, loving, valuable member of the Loyola team. She shows love to all of her students and allows them to be their own best self each day!”

Melissa Tom

“Our librarian is a true rockstar! She has transformed the library into a hub of reading, creativity, and innovation. Through multiple grants from the Arlington Education Foundation, she has brought a book vending machine, expanded the makerspace with robotics and STEM tools, and added new learning opportunities that inspire every student.  She partners with teachers to support classroom learning while encouraging students to become readers, creators, and problem-solvers. Every item purchased from her wishlist will go directly into the hands of students, providing books, makerspace materials, and hands-on learning experiences that make a lasting impact.  Help us celebrate a librarian who goes above and beyond every day by helping fill her wishlist!”

“She is the best Librarian”

“She is a great educator and librarian”

“Melissa is the best librarian. She has been in education for 30 years, and each year she is blessed to teach young students.”

 Greg Summers

“Has served so many in the community. Provides a different route than just four year college. EMT, cna, etc. He truly cares about the success and learning of all students.”

Stephanie Evans

“Stephanie is one of the most kind and compassionate teachers you will ever meet!  As a 5-6 grade health teacher she is talking to students daily about sensitive topics and guiding them in making healthy decisions.  She strives to make her classroom feel like home and have her students feel welcome.  Additionally, she is on the schools PBIS team that encourages positive behaviors within the school environment so schools are not only welcoming but feel safe as well.  Stephanie is my sister in law and I am SO exceptionally proud of her!”

Jake Janike

“Jake is the teacher, counselor, friend, dad, safe space in school. He not only prepares kids for many jobs in the trades, he is that person kids can always rely on. He is present and consistent, something many teens need. Teaching is hard but Jake excels!”

Shellee Hague

“Shellee goes above and beyond for her students. She volunteers for everything extra in our building. She is kind and compassionate.”

“Shellee is always thinking of new and exciting ways to engage learners. She is dedicated to providing quality instruction and always doing what's best for her students. She supports our team and shares her supplies and ideas.”

“She is always coming up with creative, fun ideas to make learning fun.  She loves to keep things fresh for the children to keep their interest.  She is amazing with the children as well as the staff.  She is constantly helping, sharing and collaborating with everyone around her.”

“Shellee and I have been working together for several years.  She is dedicated to her students' success as well as the teachers she works with.  She steps in to help any student whether they are on her caseload or not.  She offers ideas and helps prep and implement them with the classroom she is working in as the SPED teacher.  Shellee is patient and kind and becomes a pivotal asset to every family she works with as well as classrooms!”

 Abbie Ehlers

“I am excited to nominate Abbie Ehlers, an outstanding Maple River elementary school teacher who is very invested in her students' success. She inspires children through her kindness, compassion, and dedication everyday. Abbie is caring, patient, and selfless, always willing to help others and go the extra mile for her students. She creates a positive learning environment where children feel valued and encouraged to succeed. This money would help provide classroom supplies and resources, giving her students a strong start to the new school year.”

“She is just a great teacher for Kindergarten and 1st grade, kids love her!!”

“She's a wonderful teacher, and the kids love her”

“Abbie has an amazing love for her students. I've seen her care for them like no other I have seen before. She's so dedicated and deserving”

“She has the energy and patience to work with young children. She has a fun personality making learning fun and interesting.”

“She is amazing!!”

“She cares for every one of her students and spreads the love of the world to them. She is living out her dreams by teaching our future generations and showing them that even school can be fun.”

“She is a true gem; an all around amazing educator with the patience of a saint! My son is beyond excited to be in her classroom this fall!”

 Emily Seppmann

“She is an incredible teacher who also got to be my mentor teacher the last 4 years! She is amazing and has changed so many students and staff's lives.”

Polly Hiller

“so loves working with her students. she enjoys watching them grow and developed during the school year. she rocks K and 1st grade”

Ashley Bouman

“Somewhat self nominating! I teach kindergarten and our kindergarten team shares a wishlist. I would love to surprise my team with this to buy those big wishes before we start our school year! We love to create supportive, welcoming, and engaging classroom communities for our kinder kiddos!”

Dawn Clauson

“Because she's an amazing kindergarten teacher!”

“Dawn consistently goes above and beyond for her students. She takes time to get to know them and their families and always leads with kindness and compassion.”

Hannah Battenfeld

“Hannah wears her heart on her sleeve. She cares deeply, she loves hard, and does whatever she can do provide kids with a safe, encouraging, and positive education. She displays great joy for students, daily. Although bias, since she is my wife, I cannot tell you how much she loves what she does each and everyday for kindergartners and school.”

Rachel Sather

“She took my child, who was soooo far behind, and caught her up and then some. My child's test scores sky rocketed and more than any other kids test scores had. She made all of this hard learning and extra work so fun for my child. We cannot thank her enough!!!”

Jena Schoenrock

“She works with each student individually if needed, is friendly so students feel they can come to her about anything”

Kelsey McConkey

“Kelsey is an amazing Kindergarten teacher!  She is so organized and I can't thank her enough for always being 2 steps ahead in planning and preparation for daily lessons.  Her and I work together closely, so when she has already put together the lessons for the week, it takes a lot of stress off my shoulders.  After COVID, she got placed as a kindergarten teacher, even though it wasn't her first choice, and that was the toughest year I've ever had in my 15 years of teaching. Thankfully, her and I had each other to lean on and cry with on those really hard days.    Kelsey brings so many fun ideas to our team and she has made teaching Kindergarten more fun again!  She has spent so much of her own money to make her classroom feel like a second home to her students and the prize money would really go a long way in helping her continue to do that.”

“She is amazing at what she does, each child is seen and feels special in her room. She works hard to figure out how to get each child to succeed!”

Katie Wolf

“She is an amazing teacher! I had her as one of my teachers in 5th grade and now I get to teach alongside her for my first year teaching!!”

Dawn Dahline

“She's an amazing teacher! She loves all the children! She's very compassionate and empathetic her whole life! She's my sister!”

Jenna Byron

“Jenna is an outstanding math and AVID educator. She teaches grades 7-12 in Waseca. Jenna is always working towards creating projects that benefit the community of Waseca, while teaching the essential skills of her varied classes. Students know they have a remarkable educator to back them and call Jenna "Teacher Mom" because of the care, compassion, and concern she shows them not just as students but as people. She would put this money to excellent use benefitting students and our community.”

Nicole McCabe

“This was her first year teaching and she was fantastic! Made my daughter feel so loved and took the time to work with her one on one after school on things she needed a little extra help with.  She will always hold a very special place in my daughter's learning journey.  I appreciate her so much.”

Lucas Meyer

“He was able to help my son work through some of his struggles and be able to handle those struggles in the classroom rather than shutting down. My son still says to this day, hands down his favorite teacher!”

Tiffany Gasow

“She is such a wonderful teacher that every child loves!!”

Callie Pengilly

“New teacher and young family could use the help!”

“An incredible kindergarten teacher. She made such a difference for our daughter who was SO nervous, especially in those first few weeks of school. She helped her grow in confidence, learn so much and truly love school! Her genuine care, kindness & patience for every single child in class was so easy to see anytime we visited the classroom. As parents we especially loved all the photos & updates she would share about their days together in school. Can’t tell you how grateful we are for teachers like Mrs. Pengilly!”

Alyssa Weller

“For her dedication to her children and the tireless amount of time she spends with her children.”

“For her dedication to her students and her tireless efforts she makes throughout the year...she spend many days this summer looking for books for her classroom.”

Rachel Brennan

“Mrs. Brennan is the kind of teacher who makes a lasting difference in her students lives. She is deserving of this award because of the time, compassion, dedication, and heart she puts into her classroom every single day. I cannot think of someone more deserving of this recognition and support.”

Sarah Hein

“Sarah is the kindest and most compassionate teacher. She strives to make sure every student is thriving. Along with teaching 5th grade she also is tasked with teaching all the 5th graders at maple river science this year and has noted she has a need for supplies to do efficiently and effectively do so, this would be such a blessing.”

Beth Baker

“Beth Baker has been an inspiration to me and my kids since 5 years ago. She kind of took my problem child under her wing and after about a year, my daughter started having better behaviors and excelling in school. To this day, Beth still comes and gives my daughter and I hugs and talks to us like we're family. ❤️”

“She has so much patience with her students, she has helped my son grow and feel more confident in math and reading helping him catch up to his grade level when he was struggling.”

Clara Lynch

“She loves DEEP! She is caring, encouraging and fights for her kiddos. An inspiration!”

Brianna Peach

“She puts her heart into the kids & does everything in their best interest.”

Brittany Browning-Morton

“I would love to nominate Mrs. Morton because she represents everything you hope for when you send your child off to school for the first time. Kindergarten is such a huge milestone for everyone involved. There is so much excitement, but also a lot of worry about whether your child will feel safe, loved, confident, and cared for when they're away from home. A teacher like Mrs. Morton can make that transition so much easier, and I truly believe teachers like her deserve to be celebrated. Mrs. Morton helped shape my daughter's very first experience with school. She didn't just teach her how to read, write, and count, she also helped her become more confident, independent, kind, and excited to keep learning. Those are lessons that will stay with her far beyond kindergarten. Teachers pour so much of themselves into their students and families, often doing far more than anyone sees. They spend their own time, energy, and resources to make their classrooms special and making sure every child feels seen and valued. As a mom, knowing that my daughter spent her days with someone who genuinely cared about her growth and happiness meant more than I could ever put into words. Mrs. Morton deserves to be reminded that the work she does matters, not only to her students, but to the families who trust her with their most precious little people. I would be so happy to see Mrs. Morton recognized and spoiled a little as she heads into another school year. She truly deserves it! ❤️”

“Mrs. Morton goes up, over and beyond in teaching her kindergarten class.  She makes sure each and every kid is safe and cared for. She also helps children build confidence, independence, friendships, and a love of learning. She is literally one of the best teachers out there.”

“Brittany Morton is a fabulous kindergarten teacher in Nicollet. She makes learning fun and cares deeply for her kiddos 🩷”

“For always going above and beyond for her students! Makes her class room fun and cares for her students!”

Emmah Dmytrasz

“Emmah is a brand new teacher this year at Rosa Parks. She just graduated from MSU Mankato.  The kids are so lucky to have her! This could really help her get her first year started out right!”

“She is a new teacher with a heart of gold and a passion for teaching kids.”

“Emmah is a new teacher this year, but she was born to do this!  She has wanted to be a teacher since anyone in her family can remember.  In fact the house turned into a school during the summer and her and her sisters played school.  She wants to inspire the little minds to know they are safe and can do anything they want.    She was a student teacher last year in the district for only a few months and created some special bonds with her students in a short amount of time.”

“I am nominating Emmah because she is a very kind hearted , caring person, her students will learn so much from her!”

“First year teacher winning this would be life changing for her first classroom set up !!”

“First year teacher - she has spent so much of her own time and money getting ready to give her students the best possible year!”

Kristin Theis

“How much she has helped changed students lives and made a big impact. She listens to not just what they are saying but there needs and meets them where they are at.”

Amber Casto

“Amber is currently working on her Master's degree and teaching full-time in 5th grade. This is her first year teaching 5th grade!”

Maggie Fredrickson

“Maggie is the best kindergarten teacher. She's kind, empathetic, and patient with these young children. She makes each child feel safe when they are at school and takes the extra time when a child needs some extra help. 🥰 she's simply the best!?”

Mandy Pavelchik

“Mrs P goes out of her way to help students . She is also a continuous learner, always seeking continuing education.  She also supports future teachers be hosting student teachers each year.”

 Rebecca Strom

“She is so amazing at teaching math! Her students adore her and her passion!!!”

“Rebecca has been teaching math for years and constantly makes a positive impact on her students, making math make sense and fun even for people who are not "math people"!”

Sarah Strom

“She works so hard and is so great with all of her students. She pours her heart into work and has so much passion for what she does!”

“She is an amazing teacher, who is patient, kind, encouraging and more. She has taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade.  She exposes students to good literature, the arts (bringing in violin/cello musicians) as well as exploring creating art, and fun at recess.  She has an amazing gift for connecting with students of all backgrounds.”

“Sarah is passionate about her job and connects so well with her students! Her students are proud to have her as a teacher and love to walk up to her in public for a hug!”

 Cinthia Ochoa

“They are truly awesome. She always puts her students needs first and makes a long lasting impact on her students they will always remember!”

Jennifer Ulman

“She listened to us with care and compassion. She helped us figure out how to best support our son with his needs in the classroom setting and reassured us we are being the best parents for him. Her teacher and work went beyond the classroom and we are greeted with genuine smiles and communication outside the classroom as well.”

Mrs. Beth Schultz

“She creates opportunities for students to discover confidence and talents they didn't know they had.  She puts tremendous time and energy into theatre productions.  She makes every student feel valued and included.”

“Great teacher working on a shoestring budget!”

Brooke Vogel

“Brooke is an absolutely amazing teacher, who is always thinking about what is best for the kids. She is not afraid to put in the time and energy to create the best lessons possible. She builds positive relationships with all her students and genuinely cares for each of them.  Brooke is also a fantastic teaching teammate. She is my rock! I am so blessed to be her colleague and her friend. I have always said, "When I grow up, I want to be like Brooke!" (Even though I am older than her! 🙃)”

 Abby Visker

“She goes above and beyond for her students in the classroom and community. Not only is she an excellent teacher all year long, but she goes to her students activities in the community. Shes been to my kids sports, birthdays, and most recently to our house to pay visit to all three littles of ours (who she had for kindergarten) to see how they were doing after I had a stroke in May. Above and beyond for sure!!! She's a blessing.”

Leah Kemp

“Kindness and patience with her Special Ed students!”

“I am nominating Mrs. Kemp for the $250 teacher grant because of the incredible dedication, patience, and compassion she shows every day as a Special Education teacher.  Mrs. Kemp plays such an important role in helping students feel supported, understood, and capable of reaching their full potential. She recognizes that every child learns differently and takes the time to meet students where they are, celebrate their progress, and encourage them when things feel challenging.  Special Education teachers often make a difference in ways that may not always be seen, but their impact can last a lifetime. Mrs. Kemp helps students build confidence, overcome obstacles, and recognize their own strengths. She is not only an educator, but also an advocate and a source of encouragement for the students and families she serves.  I believe Mrs. Kemp is very deserving of this $250 grant. She gives so much of herself to her students, and this would be a wonderful way to recognize and support the meaningful work she does each day.”

 Chelsea Copeland

“Chelsea is an amazing teacher. She puts so much thought into every aspect of each and every day. Chelsea cares for each student who walks through not only her classroom doors, but the entire school. Our school community would not be where it is without Mrs. Copeland.”

“Chelsea is one of the most kind, caring teachers, I know. The rapport she built with students is unmatched and creates a lifelong relationship with the little people she works with. She stays long after the contract days are done and gives up things like her lunch and prep time to make sure kids have what they need. Chelsea is active in our school community and is a supportive coworker. Our school would not be the same without her!”

Jena Culhane

“She is remarkable teacher and mother and active member in community. She strives to make sure all her kiddos start school off on a good ambitious start. She's been doing special education for few years and every year try's to tune into each kids personality and goes above and beyond to make sure it's a comfortable exciting atmosphere for her littles in the class.”

Torie Doohen

“She is a wonderful kindergarten teacher”

“I have worked with her/ in her class as a substitute paraprofessional for the last two years and she truly is the best! She has the most fun ways for the kids to learn and is so patient with them!”

Chris Burger

“She's an amazing teacher and wants the best for all students”

Lexi White

“She is amazing and her students love her. My son did not personally have her while he was in elementary school, but he loved seeing her face everyday at school. She is super friendly and treats all hers students with respect! She enjoys bringing fun into her classroom as well!!”

Elizabeth Leibfried

“I am nominating Liz because she is truly an amazing special education teacher who goes above and beyond for her students in the DCD classroom. She is incredibly supportive, compassionate, and dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential. Her care goes far beyond the classroom, and she takes the time to understand each student's individual needs, strengths, and abilities. Liz also recognizes and values every member of her support staff. She treats us as an important part of the team, listens to our ideas, appreciates our contributions, and makes us feel respected and supported. She creates a positive, inclusive environment where both students and staff feel valued. Liz truly makes a lasting difference every day and is very deserving of this award.”

 Kaitlyn Jones

“Mrs. Jones has a huge heart for her students, their education, and most of all their well being! Special education is a difficult field to work in but she does it wonderfully. She works so hard for these kiddos and they are lucky to have her as their teacher.”

Rosanne Tesch

“There are a million reasons why I am nominating Rosanne, but at the heart of it all, she is simply a genuinely kind and caring soul. Rosanne is approaching her 20th year of teaching kindergarten, and I have had the privilege of knowing her since I was growing up, when she was my neighbor. She is the kind of person—and the kind of teacher—you hope every child has the opportunity to know. She leads with kindness, patience, compassion, and a true passion for helping children learn and grow.  What makes Rosanne so special is that her care for her students and their families doesn't end when the school year does. She continues to check in on families of former students simply because she genuinely cares about how they are doing. She builds relationships that last far beyond the classroom, and that speaks volumes about the person she is.  One moment that has always stood out to me happened when my dad was taking my younger sisters to school and our car unexpectedly broke down. Rosanne happened to be driving behind them with her own sons on the way to school. Without hesitation, she pulled over and offered to take my sisters to school with her. It was such a simple act of kindness, but it perfectly captures who Rosanne is: someone who notices when others need help and steps in without ever expecting anything in return.  Rosanne is also an incredible coworker. She genuinely wants every student to have an amazing learning experience and believes in giving children the best possible start in life. She works hard to create a classroom where children feel safe, supported, excited to learn, and free to have fun while doing it.  Rosanne doesn't just teach kindergarten—she makes a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families she encounters. Her kindness, dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her students are truly inspiring. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this nomination than Rosanne. She is the kind of person who makes her community, her school, and the lives of those around her better simply by being in them.”

Emma Wirm

“She has been my son's Special Ed teacher for coming up on 3 years. She has gone way above and beyond her normal job duties to help make my son's middle school experience a positive one. She has helped him to become a more outgoing kid and has helped him to feel more confident in his schoolwork. She has become someone that he can trust, confident in, and count on. She has been an incredible teacher and we feel very fortunate to have her helping our son!”

Mandy Brown

“I'm nominating her because she is one of the most selfless and dedicated teachers I've ever had. She puts so much time, energy, and heart into her students and genuinely wants each of them to succeed. As an English teacher, she does more than teach the material—she encourages her students, supports them, and creates a classroom where they feel valued. She gives so much of herself to her students, and I would love to see someone who gives so much to others receive something in return.”

Emma Dickinson

“Emma is not only an amazing teacher but she makes connections with her students. She advocates for her students when need be. She had a rough few years with personal/work issues but continued to show up for her students. Emma truly cares and loves her students. I admire her resilience, strength, and kindness.”

Courtney Vollmer

“Courtney is a special education teacher who works with DCD students. She is extremely hard working and an overall amazing teacher. She is always thinking about what she can buy to use with her students. Using her own money, she will buy activities, toys, storage bins, and other teaching related items. She has a heart of gold and truly cares for her students. 💛”

 Janna Hammes

“She teaches with her whole heart. Cares about the education, the child, and everything inbetween. Every child in the school talks to her and hugs her, regardless if she was their teacher of not. She's just magic in teacher form”

Kylee Yang

“I am nominating Kylee because she ALWAYS goes the extra mile for her kiddos. She puts in so much effort to making sure each student has a good experience with school and feels welcomed in her classroom every single day. She genuinely cares about her kids and that is what make a phenomenal teacher.”

Mashaye Hansen Begg

“Well I'm actually nominating my wife, she gives everything she has to teaching. She loves what she does and I know she wouldn't do anything else.”

Joanna Bequette

“We had the best experience with Mrs Bequette when my son was in kindergarten. She listened when we had struggles or concerns, kept me in the loop on anything going on, and made us feel at ease sending our first kid off to school. My son would say how much he misses her on any school breaks and was always so excited to go to school to tell her anything new and exciting. Forever grateful for our kindergarten experience with Mrs Bequette!”

Makenzie Evans

“She treats her students with such love and care - great communication with us as parents - does fun creative things like celebrating the 101st day of school with a 101 dalmation day - she is wonderful!”

Joy Drexker

“Mrs. Drexker made amazing connections with my daughter while she was at DMMS. She went out of her way to make sure her middle school experience was amazing!”

Julia Jockert

“She has been with the district for a while and through her health issues and other things in her personal life, she is still shows up EVERYDAY for the kids through and her coworkers through it all!  Hands down the best teacher my son had in Elementary!”

Holly Heidebrink

“My wife deserves to win this $250 for her classroom because she gives so much of herself to everyone around her.  She is not just a first grade teacher—she is a mom to our two children, an 8-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son, a wife and recently took on the role as a cheer coach. She is constantly giving her time and energy to the people she loves. She runs our kids to all of their activities, helps with homework, keeps up with the house, reads bedtime stories, and makes sure our family is taken care of. She is an amazing wife and mom, and somehow still finds time to volunteer and support our kids in everything they do.  Even with everything on her plate, she never stops going the extra mile for her first graders. She spends countless hours thinking of ways to make learning fun, creating special experiences for her students, and making each child feel cared for and important. She truly treats her classroom like an extension of her family.  Teaching is more than a job to her—it is something she is deeply passionate about. She gives her time, energy, and heart to her students every single day, often putting their needs ahead of her own.  Winning this $250 would mean so much because she would use it to make her classroom an even more special place for her students. She gives so much to her family, her students, and her community, and I couldn't think of anyone more deserving.”

 Angela Burnett

“I am so grateful for the incredible impact Angela Burnett had on my son during his kindergarten year. She made kindergarten such a fun, positive, and memorable experience for him that he developed a genuine love for school. As a parent, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your child excited to walk into school each day, and so much of that excitement is because of her.  She has an incredible ability to make learning fun. She is funny, engaging, creative, and brings so much joy and energy into her classroom. My son grew tremendously academically and socially last year, and I know that her encouragement, patience, and ability to meet students where they are played a huge role in that growth. She helped him build confidence in himself as a learner while also challenging him to continue growing.  What stands out just as much as her teaching is the warm, welcoming, and accepting classroom community she creates. She makes every child feel valued, included, and safe to be themselves. Her classroom is a place where children can learn, make mistakes, laugh, explore, and grow together. She has created an environment where my son feels like he belongs.  This amazing teacher deserves to be recognized! 💕💕💕”

Jakob Braaten

“Jakob loves teaching his student. He is excellent at understanding that every child comes from a different learning background. He puts the needs of the children first and makes learning fun! Outside of the classroom, he give his time back by coaching youth basketball camps to be around the students.”

April Malphurs

“I am honored to nominate April Malphurs for recognition as an outstanding art teacher. April is an incredibly passionate educator who goes above and beyond to provide her students with meaningful, innovative, and inspiring artistic experiences.  April has a remarkable ability to bring creative and innovative projects into her classroom that engage students and encourage them to think outside the box. Her passion for art and teaching is evident in everything she does. She doesn't simply teach students how to make art, she inspires them to explore their creativity, take risks, and discover the joy of artistic expression.  What makes April truly exceptional is the effort she puts into creating opportunities that extend far beyond the traditional art classroom. She brings visiting artists into her school, provides additional creative experiences, and continually looks for new ways to expose her students to different artists, techniques, and perspectives. These experiences give students opportunities they may not otherwise have and help them see that art exists far beyond the walls of their classroom.  April also creates a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every student feels that they have a place in the art room. She celebrates individuality and encourages students to express themselves in their own unique ways. Her classroom is a space where creativity is valued, differences are embraced, and students feel comfortable exploring and experimenting.  April is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher. Her passion, creativity, generosity, and dedication to her students are evident in the countless ways she goes above and beyond. She is not only teaching art, she is creating experiences, opening doors, and helping students discover their own creative potential. She is incredibly deserving of this recognition!! 💕💕💕”

 Brittany Orde

“She has my son on 4th grade this year. She is known for making her classroom feel like an incredibly inclusive, family environment. She already sent out hand written letters to each of her students, welcoming them to her class and sharing how excited she is for the school year.”

Casey Geariety

“My son hates reading and she worked so hard with him to find books he likes to read!”

Ms. Jazanne Brass

“Ms. Jazanne has been an amazing teacher for our daughter since day 1, she has a special talent in helping children learn and thrive in new environments. She has created such a positive experience that our daughter is beyond ready and excited for entering kindergarten!  I can't thank her enough for creating such a positive learning experience that has prepared us for a healthy start for education and growing with our early learner!”

 Kirsten Jeddeloh

“Incredibly dedicated to all of her students, works 12 months a year teaching and planning   26 years of hard work, caring and giving”

Angie Sheldrup

“Angie Sheldrup is the most kind, level headed, and caring teacher I have ever met. Not only does she have the most patience of anyone I have ever met, she goes above and beyond to make her students, their families and fellow staff members feel cared for. Whether that's through weekend check in's or spending additional one on one time with students, she is ALWAYS there.”

Emily Manser

“She puts her heart into her classroom and I'm so proud to call her my sister in law. 🫶”

Brenda Nielsen

“Because she is absolutely the most amazing person and pre-school teacher ever! No words can describe how amazing she truly is and she deserves the best!”

Rachel Gore

“Rachel is the most selfless person I've ever met, she puts those kids first each and everyday. She is the teacher and human we all aspire to be, she loves helping kids grow & makes it look easy!”

Andrea Moyer

“I think my mom should win the back-to-school prize because she really cares about her students and does a lot for them. Even though she doesn't teach at my school, I know some of the kids she teaches, and I know that some of them are going through really hard things. Some of them have serious and bad things going on at home, and my mom always tries to help them however she can. I think if my mom won, she would use the money to help her students who need it the most. She would probably buy things for her classroom, help kids who might not have what they need, or find other ways to make things a little easier for them. She doesn't do it because she has to—she does it because she really cares about her kids and wants them to feel supported. I think she deserves to win because she is the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond for her students.”

Sarah Odegard

“Kind, flexible, smart, loving, meets kids where they are at.  Finds solutions to problems.”

Mr. Zach Vine

“I would like to nominate Mr. Vine for recognition because he represents what an exceptional teacher looks like—not only in what he teaches, but in the way he makes students feel about themselves and what they are capable of achieving. As an elementary physical education teacher, Mr. Vine has a remarkable ability to meet students where they are. He is kind, encouraging, and genuinely attentive to each child as an individual. He recognizes their accomplishments, celebrates their progress, and encourages them to push themselves without making them feel inadequate for where they are starting. Through his support, students learn not only physical skills, but also confidence, perseverance, and the belief that they can accomplish more than they may have thought possible.  His influence extends well beyond the elementary gym. Mr. Vine has also developed strength and conditioning programs for middle and high school students, creating opportunities for students to grow physically while learning lessons that will serve them throughout their lives. His programs emphasize far more than athletic performance. He teaches students about the importance of nutrition, sleep hygiene, healthy habits, discipline, and mental toughness. These are messages our young people need to hear, and Mr. Vine has found a meaningful way to incorporate them into his work with students.  What I especially appreciate is that Mr. Vine understands that education is about the whole child. He is helping students become stronger, healthier, more confident, and more resilient people—not simply better athletes.  I also believe that our teachers in the "specials"—physical education, music, art, and others—are sometimes overlooked when we recognize the educators who make a difference in our children's lives. Yet these teachers can have an enormous impact on a child's school experience. They often see students in a different setting, discover strengths that may not be apparent in the traditional classroom, and create opportunities for children to succeed in different ways.  Mr. Vine has absolutely made a difference in the learning and school experience of both of my children. His kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students become their best selves have left an impression on our family. I am grateful that my children have had the opportunity to learn from him, and I believe he is very deserving of this recognition.”

Ms. Nisa Ruiz

“Ms.Nisa is the BEST teacher! She's the best coworker to work with, she always has a smile on her face no matter what. Ms.Nisa buys amazing things for the classroom. It would be so cool if she could get a gift card to do that! She is such an asset to headstart, she always shows up, she works hard and genuinely cares. I know this money would help SO much and that she would get great things for the classroom/kids! Last year Ms.Nisa applied for a grant to get a fish tank for the classroom, it was accepted and she set it up and then bought the fish for it! The kids absolutely love it! She's always planning special days for the kids too, (like ice cream party, water day, movie and popcorn day. She really takes the time to make sure everyone enjoys the experience! We love Ms.Nisa!”

Tori VanRyn

“Tori pours her heart and soul into her kids!  Everyone has so many great experiences with her!! She is teaching 17 Mighty Tree (Pre K) students this year. All day, everyday.  The schools never get everything they need and so us parents always step up to make sure the teachers have everything they need!  Volunteering and contributing back to our school is how it succeeds and how the kids thrive.  I would love to see Tori win this giveaway because I know she would do more great things in her classroom to help her kiddos thrive!”

Bobbi Haller

“I would like to nominate Mrs. Haller for being an outstanding teacher who truly goes above and beyond for her students. She is organized, kind, patient, and creates a loving and welcoming classroom where every child feels valued and supported. She takes the time to get to know each student and makes sure each child's individual needs are met. She is always willing to go the extra mile, whether it is helping a student who is struggling, celebrating their successes, or finding creative ways to make learning fun and meaningful. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to her students make a lasting impact, and she is truly deserving of recognition as a great teacher.”

“She has been a kindergarten teacher at the same school for 7+ years and is very dedicated to her students. She spends numerous hours and personal funds making her classroom safe & fun for all kiddos! She loves what she does and it is demonstrated everyday by the love she shows her students!”

Taylor Sonnek

“She is an amazing elementary art teacher and you know - art classes always need supplies !!”