Congratulations to the following 2011 Teachers of the Year:

Apple Valley: Kim Bolleson, North Trail Elementary, Kindergarten
Kim is a fantastic teacher, and kids are drawn to her because of her personality and her compassionate manner. She has made an impact on each and every student that she has had in her class. She devotes a lot of individual attention to her students and is described as “an amazing woman” by one of her loyal fans. Kindergarten is such an important year, and she has clearly made an impact on students and parents!

Blaine: Carrie Nord, Wilshire Park Elementary, 5th Grade
Ms. Nord exemplifies what it means to be an engaged teacher. She is always challenging her students to think critically, but she also gets to know each one of her students on a personal level. She creates a positive learning environment and her students feel cared for and at home in her classroom. Ms. Nord has a creative mind that is always trying to find the most exciting, new, and fun way for students to learn. For example, she celebrated "Pi Day" by making each student a pie and having them measure the circumference and area of the pie. What 5th grader wouldn’t love that!

Eden Prairie: Gretchen Ulrich, Chanhassen Elementary, Kindergarten
Ms. Ulrich is an amazing teacher who truly cares about her students and parents. Her students are only kindergarteners, yet they’re already working on literacy centers, telling time, counting change, and explaining plots. She is developing life-long learners and believes that children learn through their mistakes. She has a tremendous connection with parents and is approachable and open to joint problem solving. Ms. Ulrich was described as a teacher who loves what she does and exhibits everything a teacher should be!

Edina: Kristi Alman, Hale Elementary, 2nd Grade
Mrs. Alman is described as the quintessential and classic teacher and outstanding educator. She is innovative and open to new ideas, a strong team member who reaches out and works well with all staff, and brings creative problem solving and ideas when challenges arise. Her academic standards are very high, and her involvement with parents is outstanding. Most of all Mrs. Alman is described as a teacher who goes out of her way to make sure every student knows they are respected, special, and LOVED. Many, many past students have named Mrs. Alman as their 'favorite teacher EVER'!

Maple Grove: Anna Pluim, Heritage Christian Academy, Kindergarten
Parents and Kindergarteners alike think the world of Mrs. Pluim. The students love the energy and enthusiasm she brings to class to make learning fun and inspirational! She’s clearly made a difference with each student identifying unique ways to challenge and advance each of their reading skills. Parents are amazed at her dedication in class, and even more so her ability to reach out with individualized communication regarding their student through phone calls and emails. She shares positive and negative factors with the intention of helping each child grow to their full potential.

Woodbury: Marcus Leab, Highland Park Senior High School, English
Mr. Leab always demonstrates how interesting the subject is that he is teaching, and is extremely enthusiastic. His students describe him as a great listener, pal, and teacher, who is always concerned about his students and gives good advice. Mr. Leab has a lot of passion for teaching and sees the good and potential in every student, and constantly goes out of his way to help his students. He cares a lot about his students in terms of their education and also their well being in general.