A field of 142 candidates is running for 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, including several from SE Minnesota.
Education Minnesota says an independent panel will research the candidates’ portfolios over the next few weeks and narrow the list down to semifinalists.
Candidates include Michelle Braun, Cannon Falls Area Schools; Debra Hinrichs, Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools; Katherine Norrie, Northfield Public Schools and Sarah Dixen, Winona Area Public Schools.
Heather Christensen, Shaun Lang, Brittany Lehrke and Criselda Martinez, all from Rochester Public Schools, are also candidates.
The panel will do further review in March and choose a group of finalists.
The 61st Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual banquet on May 4th.
Minneapolis Washburn High School English teacher Tracy Byrd was the 2024 winner.