MREA is pleased to announce the 2025 Educators of Excellence & Innovation Program Award honorees and recognize them for their resilience, leadership, and innovation in Greater Minnesota public education. MREA shared their stories and honored them at the Awards Ceremony on Nov. 16, which kicked off MREA’s Greater Education Summit. The banquet was live-streamed and can be viewed here.
2025 Educators of Excellence
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South: Marie Kruse, Lake City Public Schools
Learn about Her Story -
South Central: Amy Dougherty, Hancock Public Schools
Learn About Her Story -
North Central: Holly Becker, Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools
Learn about Her Story -
North: Josh Watne, Thief River Falls Public Schools
Learn About His Story
2025 Innovation Program Award Honorees
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Menahga Public Schools // Adaptive PE & Music Program
Learn About the Program -
Worthington Public Schools // Discovery Room Program
Learn About the Program
Each year, the MREA Board of Directors accepts and reviews nominations from four geographic zones in Minnesota and selects the an Educator of Excellence to honor in each zone. The award is given based on a nominee’s impact, innovation, leadership and collaboration.
“The incredible educators and innovative programs we see across Greater Minnesota are a powerful reminder of what makes our rural schools so special. In small communities, teachers aren’t just instructors—they are creators, problem-solvers, and relationship-builders who are able to do more with less, adapt quickly, and try bold ideas that meet the unique needs of their students,” says Fred Nolan, Interim Executive Director of MREA. “Rural districts have a remarkable flexibility and a deep connection to their local communities that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else. That partnership between schools, families, and community members is one of the true beauties of rural education—and it’s why our students continue to thrive in extraordinary ways.”
MREA is grateful for the sponsors who make these incredible awards and videos possible. The 2025 Educator of Excellence awards are sponsored by ICS and Baird. The 2025 Innovation Program Awards are sponsored by InGensa and Till360. Videos are filmed and edited by Captivate Media + Consulting.
MREA is the only advocate exclusively for Greater Minnesota schools. Under the leadership of school board members, administrators, teachers and community members, MREA focuses on what puts first the education, growth, and development of learners to bring about our best possible future. MREA’s membership represents more than 235 school districts in Minnesota. Learn more.