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:
Nominations are open until February 23.
Questions? Call the MREA Office at (320) 762-6574.
Hancock School District
At Hancock Public Schools, Amy Dougherty transforms business and technology education into hands-on, real-world learning that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Whether guiding them through computer repair or personal finance, she ensures every lesson connects to meaningful skills. Proud of her rural roots, Amy champions the potential of small-town schools—where strong relationships, high expectations, and community pride drive success. Her creativity and care inspire confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning in every student she teaches.
Lake City School District
For 20 years, Marie Kruse has been a cornerstone of early learning in rural Lake City, where her kindergarten classroom blends warmth, creativity, and agricultural roots. Growing up on a family farm, she brings those values to her teaching—helping students connect lessons to real life through hands-on activities and Ag Day celebrations. Marie’s passion for children and community shines in everything she does, creating a joyful, nurturing space where young learners grow, thrive, and feel loved.
Wadena-Deer Creek School District
Holly Becker brings passion, humor, and heart to every math lesson at Wadena-Deer Creek High School. For over two decades, she’s transformed math into a subject students love—blending rigor with laughter and care. Holly’s ability to challenge while supporting her students inspires confidence, growth, and even future teachers. Her classroom radiates connection and joy, embodying the power of rural schools to shape lives through strong relationships and lifelong learning.
Thief River Falls School District
Rooted in the same rural community that shaped him, middle school history teacher Josh Watne brings energy, empathy, and innovation to Thief River Falls Public Schools. A former student of the district himself, he’s dedicated to giving today’s learners the same encouragement that inspired his own journey. In his classroom, history comes alive through immersive simulations and role play that foster critical thinking and connection. Josh’s passion for students and his belief in the power of public schools create lasting impact across his rural community.
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:
Thank you for your interest in nominating an Innovative program! The deadline to nominate is February 23.
Questions? Call the MREA Office at (320) 762-6574.
Menahga School District
At Menahga Public Schools, “It’s not a disability, but a differing ability” is more than a saying—it’s a philosophy brought to life through their innovative Adaptive PE & Music Program. This program provides students with special needs inclusive opportunities to thrive in physical education and music alongside their peers.
In Adaptive PE, students engage in collaborative games and unified activities supported by peer mentors who model teamwork, empathy, and leadership. The music component empowers students to learn instruments—many mastering guitar—and even write and perform their own songs in school concerts. These shared experiences foster confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging.
The program’s ripple effect reaches the entire school community, transforming perceptions, strengthening student relationships, and building a culture of acceptance and celebration of individual strengths. With measurable growth in student engagement, communication, and success, Menahga’s Adaptive PE & Music Program is a truly inspiring model of innovation and inclusion.
Worthington School District
Worthington Public Schools’ Discovery Room is transforming how students experience learning—through sensory-rich, hands-on exploration designed to meet every child where they are. This innovative space gives students the freedom to regulate emotions, build social and motor skills, and engage with learning in ways that work best for them.
Teachers collaborate across disciplines to design activities that spark curiosity and calm, using light, texture, sound, and movement to foster growth. The Discovery Room isn’t just a sensory space—it’s a bridge that connects students, staff, families and the whole community through exploration and play.
The impact is visible every day: students gaining confidence, mastering self-regulation, and discovering joy in learning. By combining creativity, compassion, and research-based practices, Worthington’s Discovery Room has become a model for how schools can reimagine learning—ensuring that every learner has the chance to discover their full potential.
