November 22, 2015
MREA Honors Tom Melcher with Distinguished Service Award
MREA recognized Dr. Tom Melcher for his commitment and work on behalf of education with…
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Educators of Excellence Award
MREA presents the Educator of Excellence Awards to recognize, reward, and promote excellence in education that achieves the highest outcomes for Greater Minnesota students. This award honors inspiring educators who demonstrate:
- Positive impact on students and student achievement
- Leadership in the school, district and community
- Innovative and creative instructional practice that impact all students
- Collaborative efforts with fellow educators, parents, families and the community
View Past Award Recipients
Nominate an Educator
Nominations are currently closed.
Questions? Call the MREA Office at (320) 762-6574.
2023 Educators of Excellence Award Honorees
South Central
Carin Hagemeyer
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa School District
For 42 years, Carin Hagemeyer has been making the 60-minute drive each way to teach in the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa School District. Her passion and commitment for her students can easily be seen within the school building. The respect Carin has earned in her four decades of teaching is evident as she connects with students of all ages, teaching them real-life skills from her classroom.
See her story
South
Kristin Doeden
Worthington School District
Known for going the extra mile for her students, Kristin Doeden is a leader in her classroom, school building, and district. Kris continuously goes out of her way to help her students, many of whom are from immigrant families, feel welcomed, respected, and supported. Kris’s impact can also be seen in the way she’s helped create avenues for paraprofessionals to achieve their license – helping fill a much-needed gap in Worthington.
See her story
North Central
Angie Hurtig
Bertha-Hewitt School District
There’s no shortage of energy when you walk into Angie Hurtig’s second grade classroom at Bertha-Hewitt Public Schools . Her hands-on teaching style gives her students a unique, interactive learning experience that is often remembered for a lifetime. From Hurtig’s Hospital to Camping Week, Angie’s creativity and love of teaching shines bright.
See her story
North
Melissa Oberg
Cook County School District
After leaving the corporate world searching for something more meaningful, Melissa Oberg fell in love with teaching special education at Cook County Public Schools. Her impact is significant, and her care for her students is obvious. Melissa helps equip students with skills and connect them to meaningful work within the Grand Marais community, all while ensuring each student feels loved, seen, and respected.
See her story
Thank You to These MREA Award Sponsors
Innovation Award
From Ada to Zumbrota, across Greater Minnesota, MREA wants to know about members’ programs that serve as examples of innovative educational opportunities for our rural students. What are the compelling practices or programs at your school or educational organization? Programs throughout MREA member districts are nominated and then selected by the MREA Board of Directors based on these core criteria:
- Innovation — What made this program unique?
- Benefit to Students — How did your students benefit from this program?
- Collaboration — Who worked on developing this program with your school?
- Ease of Adaptability — How can other districts replicate this program?
View Past Award Recipients
Nominate a Program
Thank you for your interest in nominating an Innovative program! The deadline to nominate is February 29, 2024.
Questions? Call the MREA Office at (320) 762-6574.
Nominate a Program
2023 Innovation Program Award Honorees
Prairie Science Program
Fergus Falls School District
Fourth and fifth graders in the Fergus Falls Public School District have a unique opportunity to participate in the Prairie Science Program. This program takes place on the 300+ acres of prairie wetlands that are only a few miles from the elementary school.
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Nature Based Kindergarten Experience
Kasson-Mantorville School District
Kindergarteners in Kasson Mantorville are immersing themselves in the hands-on lessons of nature on Wilderness Wednesdays. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, teachers Kelly Schmidt and Megan Melhouse bring their classes of Kindergarteners outside to learn.
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Awards News
November 15, 2015
School Programs Honored with 2015 Profile of Excellence Award
MREA annually honors members with the Profiles of Excellence Awards to recognize innovative programs and efforts…
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November 10, 2015
Rockville Exploratory Program Earns 2015 Profile of Excellence Award
From defining the path from “grass to glass,” to pondering, “Would you like fries with…
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November 3, 2014
Skoe Receives MREA Distinguished Service Award
Over the years, there has been a growing funding disparity between metro and rural schools.…
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May 3, 2014
Ogilvie Schools Receives the 2014 MREA Profile of Excellence Exemplary Award
2014 Honorees Exemplary Program OGILVIE SCHOOLS Advocacy Groups “Kids don’t care how much you know…
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May 3, 2013
St. James Public Schools & Windom Area Schools Receive Awards on Their Exemplary Programs
2013 Honorees Exemplary Programs ST. JAMES PUBLIC SCHOOLS College Application Week College Application Week was…
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