In an effort to recognize outstanding teaching, the District 112 Foundation proudly hosts the annual Excellence in Education Award program in cooperation with Eastern Carver County Schools. The Excellence in Education Award Program (Teacher of the Year) celebrates innovative teachers in pursuit of the best possible public education for students in our district. Each year, we recognize these professionals by awarding grants to them to support continued innovation in their classrooms.
Laura Tessmer Named 2022 Teacher of the Year
Laura Tessmer, a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Clover Ridge Elementary, has been named the 2022 Teacher of the Year by the District 112 Foundation.
Her passion for education is infectious and she brings an optimistic “can do” spirit into her classroom, which has been especially beneficial to her students during the past few years. A lifelong learner herself, Ms. Tessmer passes on her excitement for learning effortlessly. As an incredible storyteller, she frequently brings history to life in her classroom, acting out events from the past and using students as characters. Ms. Tessmer not only supports her students academically but also supports and guides their social growth. Meeting students where they are and recognizing that they also need time to “just be kids,” Ms. Tessmer creates opportunities for students to engage with each other, practice social skills, and relax and have fun.
One of Ms. Tessmer’s students shared with us about the classroom’s daily “Impact Maker.” Each day, her students learn about an impact maker, defines as someone who has done important things to impact the world in a positive way. Several of Ms. Tessmer’s students and their parents recognized Ms. Tessmer as an “Impact Maker” within Clover Ridge Elementary school and our broader school community.
In addition to Tessmer, finalists for Teacher of the Year were: Mary Ann Hallgren, a K-5 Special Education teacher at Carver Elementary; Kelly Motta, a 1st grade teacher at La Academia; Scott Presscott, a music teacher at Pioneer Ridge Middle School; and Erin Puk, a 1st grade teacher at Carver Elementary. Forty-three teachers were nominated this year representing buildings throughout the school district.
Eric Songer Named 2021 Teacher of the Year
Eric Songer, Music and Band teacher at Chaska Middle School West, has been named the 2021 Teacher of the Year by the District 112 Foundation. Songer has an infectious enthusiasm for teaching and believes that all students benefit from music education. He has made a positive contribution to the school community this year by being instrumental in helping the Music Department shift into hybrid and distance learning models. Mr. Songer was creative in setting up classroom structures that helped to preserve the integrity of the learning environment while also fostering a personal connection with each of his students. Throughout the past twelve months, Songer has visited students and families in the community, following social distancing guidelines, and has even organized driveway concerts. His colleagues praise him for shining his light amongst his peers, often speaking at national conferences to share his knowledge with other music educators. He promotes a team mentality and frequently sends staff nice emails or drops off “pick me up” donuts to peers he thinks could use some cheer. Songer’s students praise him for his commitment to education and for going above and beyond to connect with them and cheer them on. Devoting countless hours outside of school, Songer teaches students across the district how to play various musical instruments and various styles of music, igniting a passion for music in them that extends well beyond their school years.
Excellence in Education
In an effort to recognize outstanding teaching, the District 112 Foundation proudly hosts the annual Excellence in Education Award program in cooperation with Eastern Carver County Schools. The Excellence in Education Award Program (Teacher of the Year) celebrates innovative teachers in pursuit of the best possible public education for students in our district. Each year, we recognize these professionals by awarding grants to them to support continued innovation in their classrooms.
Laura Tessmer Named 2022 Teacher of the Year
Laura Tessmer, a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Clover Ridge Elementary, has been named the 2022 Teacher of the Year by the District 112 Foundation.
Her passion for education is infectious and she brings an optimistic “can do” spirit into her classroom, which has been especially beneficial to her students during the past few years. A lifelong learner herself, Ms. Tessmer passes on her excitement for learning effortlessly. As an incredible storyteller, she frequently brings history to life in her classroom, acting out events from the past and using students as characters. Ms. Tessmer not only supports her students academically but also supports and guides their social growth. Meeting students where they are and recognizing that they also need time to “just be kids,” Ms. Tessmer creates opportunities for students to engage with each other, practice social skills, and relax and have fun.
One of Ms. Tessmer’s students shared with us about the classroom’s daily “Impact Maker.” Each day, her students learn about an impact maker, defines as someone who has done important things to impact the world in a positive way. Several of Ms. Tessmer’s students and their parents recognized Ms. Tessmer as an “Impact Maker” within Clover Ridge Elementary school and our broader school community.
In addition to Tessmer, finalists for Teacher of the Year were: Mary Ann Hallgren, a K-5 Special Education teacher at Carver Elementary; Kelly Motta, a 1st grade teacher at La Academia; Scott Presscott, a music teacher at Pioneer Ridge Middle School; and Erin Puk, a 1st grade teacher at Carver Elementary. Forty-three teachers were nominated this year representing buildings throughout the school district.
Eric Songer Named 2021 Teacher of the Year
Eric Songer, Music and Band teacher at Chaska Middle School West, has been named the 2021 Teacher of the Year by the District 112 Foundation. Songer has an infectious enthusiasm for teaching and believes that all students benefit from music education. He has made a positive contribution to the school community this year by being instrumental in helping the Music Department shift into hybrid and distance learning models. Mr. Songer was creative in setting up classroom structures that helped to preserve the integrity of the learning environment while also fostering a personal connection with each of his students. Throughout the past twelve months, Songer has visited students and families in the community, following social distancing guidelines, and has even organized driveway concerts. His colleagues praise him for shining his light amongst his peers, often speaking at national conferences to share his knowledge with other music educators. He promotes a team mentality and frequently sends staff nice emails or drops off “pick me up” donuts to peers he thinks could use some cheer. Songer’s students praise him for his commitment to education and for going above and beyond to connect with them and cheer them on. Devoting countless hours outside of school, Songer teaches students across the district how to play various musical instruments and various styles of music, igniting a passion for music in them that extends well beyond their school years.