2025 Teacher of the Year finalists
Eleven others nominated as Teacher of the Year finalists
Besides Linda Wallenberg, eleven others were selected as finalists. We asked them to share some reasons why they teach, which we have included below.
Stacy Bartlett, Stillwater Area High School
Stillwater Area Schools, biology, 10-12
“I teach because education is the great equalizer. It’s the ultimate act of social justice.”
Katelyn Bruce, Lake Harriet Lower Campus
Minneapolis Public Schools, second grade
“When a concept clicks for a seven- year-old, you see it in their whole body. That joy is contagious and it stays with you for a long time”
Ben Cuevas-Rengstorf, Roosevelt High School
Minneapolis Public Schools, culinary arts, 9-12
“I teach because I remember how education changed my life and I see how it changes the lives of my students.”
Christoph Dundas, Austin High School
Austin Public Schools, band, 9-12
“Every student should know that someone cares about them every day. Today could be the day that changes the direction of a student’s life.”
John Horton, J.J. Hill Montessori School
Saint Paul Public Schools, grades 1-3
“I teach because it’s woven into my life. I have a lot of students who haven’t yet found their joy, and I can’t wait to meet them!”
Amanda Jagdeo, Hamline Elementary School
Saint Paul Public Schools, pre-K
“Teaching is a stepping stone towards liberation. Teaching some of our youngest learners means I have the chance to eliminate the opportunity gap before it even exists.”
Zoe Kourajian, Edgewood Middle School
Mounds View Public Schools, U.S. history and girls’ leadership, 7-8
“I teach because it’s such a joy and a privilege to watch kids play and learn and grow. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.”
Soren Olesen, Roseau High School
Roseau Community School District
Welding, machine shop and work-based learning, 11-12
“Teaching is such a fun thing—every day is different and I love working with young people. I want them to know that life is meant to be lived and not to be worked.”
Sean Padden, Roseville Area Middle School
Roseville Area Schools, health, 7-8
“I believe education is the greatest weapon we have against injustice and those who seek to divide us. I teach because I believe teaching saves lives.”
Araceli Pastrana, Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion
Eden Prairie Schools, third grade
“Every child deserves to feel seen, heard and valued. I am grateful for every opportunity to grow alongside my students.”
Kong Vang, Washington Technology Magnet School
Saint Paul Public Schools, ethnic studies, 9-12
“I teach because I am a part of my students’ community. I want them to feel valued and important so that we can all experience more vibrancy in our community.”
