Ten others honored as Teacher of the Year finalists
Besides Lancaster, 10 other teachers were also finalists for 2022 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Here are their reflections on why they teach.
“We are tasked with a most important and awesome endeavor that will impact the lives of our students forever.”
Edward T. Barlow, Minneapolis
Music, grades 6-8
“Having someone that students can relate to and see themselves in and connect with on the level of feeling like they’re represented is really important.”
Yonnie Eiden-Giel, South Washington County
Social studies, grades 11 and 12
“I teach to create a safe and supportive environment for those who have not always had one.”
Jon Fila, Intermediate District 287
English, grades 9-12
“I teach because I believe our youngest learners need to begin their educational path, knowing that there is a place for them at school.”
Kendall Gonzalez, White Bear Lake
Kindergarten
“I teach because I want to nourish love and positivity in my students so they can bring that into their own societies and make the world a better place after they graduate.”
Paul Houck, Southwest Metro Intermediate District 288, English and math, grades 9-12
“I teach because I want to inspire kids. I want to tell them they can do anything they want and that they can follow their dreams.”
Bradley Hubred, Moose Lake
Science, grades 5 and 6
“I want to empower my students to embrace their unique selves and help them to imagine a bright future of their own design.”
Erin Karlgaard, Brainerd Public Schools
Grade 3
“I teach to allow students a safe space to discover who they are and know that they are loved for whoever they are.”
Rachel Volkmann, Hopkins
Grade 5
“I teach because I have a passion to unlock the superpowers of my students in the autism community. So they can discover their unique gifts and succeed in a world that doesn’t quite understand them.”
Andrea Welvaert, South Washington County
ASD/SPED, grades 6-8
“I teach because the classroom is a place where we can foster understanding between people of different perspectives in hopes of eliminating the divides that exist in our world.”
