1. SCEA Educator Recognition

2. Stephanie Nord: Math at SAHS
Nominated by Liz Nelson
Stephanie is inspirational to students in the following ways:
Stephanie instills a sense of confidence in students and moves them to success in a subject in which they may struggle. She is passionate about her subject and helps students understand the relevance of learning math and its application to real world problems.

3. Stephanie Nord
1. I have been a teacher for 12 1/2 years, and I am finishing my 10th year in our district.
2. Currently I am teaching Algebra 2 and AP Calculus AB at the SAHS. Next year I will be teaching five classes of Calculus at the High School, taking over for our wonderful Cathy Gunvalson who has decided to retire. I have been on the re-licensure committee for six years, and I have been just re-elected for another two year term.
3. One of my favorite teaching memories is when I started teaching in the district. I was at Oak-Land Junior High and Stillwater Junior High teaching Algebra and Geometry. I had mixed 8/9 classes at O-L and a 7th grade Algebra at SJHS. My students at SJHS told all their friends that they were in the Gifted Algebra Class because Mrs. Bird teaches 8th and 9th graders at O-L.  I thought it so funny, but soon realized it was their mindset. They were the smartest and best class of 7th graders a new teacher could hope to have for a last hour class. I still have a little slip of paper that students signed and passed around the room, giving me accolades.
4. “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” -Benjamin Franklin
I believe the time spent learning new ideas is incredibly rewarding. Whether it is academic, social, emotional or financial rewards we are gifted from those pursuits. 

4. Michele Drommerhausen: Behavior Specialist Lake Elmo Elementary
Nominated by Scotty Stolz and Lisa Boland Black
Michele is inspirational to students in the following ways:
Michele is always looking for the positives in any situation when it comes to working with students and her colleagues. She always goes the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy. The students always have a big smile whenever they see her.
She provides students with proactive whole class lessons that help them gain social/emotional skills. She also created the Green Room, which is a safe space for students to go to reset and restore themselves.
This Green Room is where she teaches individuals and small groups how to self-regulate and care for themselves so they can be their best self as learners. She is a loving presence and students flock to her positivity. She is invaluable to the adult community. As she teaches strategies for adults to be their best selves, they go back refreshed and ready to use their best practices to support all learners.

5. Michele Drommerhausen
1. I have taught 19 years, 3 year teaching here in Stillwater. 2. I am a behavior specialist at Lake Elmo Elementary. I run the Green Room (a pilot at Lake Elmo) for school wide behavior support (proactive and reactive), social emotional learning, staff support, and family engagement. 3. My favorite memories all involve the "small moments" when you get to see children accomplish big things. Helping each student to develop a strong sense of inner wealth and of who they are which results in ownership of all learning. 4. ”If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Wayne Dyer

6. Chantel Erickson: School Psychologist at Lily Lake
Nominated by Kyle Snyder Chantel is inspirational to students in the following ways: Chantel is the consummate professional. Chantel’s approach to working with ALL students, even the very most challenging of students is something for us all to try and model. Chantel consistently treats all students in the building with respect and dignity, and tirelessly works to make sure that all children are being given the tools and support necessary to be the very best that they can be.

7. Chantel Erickson
Chantel always puts the child first, and then makes her plans and decisions accordingly. Chantel works with staff members at Lily Lake in a professional and collaborative manner, even during times of high stress and frustration. Is is so clear that Chantel clearly cares about the students and families she works with, and that she is using her gifts as a school psychologist to inspire those she works with. Chantel has for the last two years routinely gone above and beyond to best try and meet the needs of our students and building as a whole. Chantel has a “can-do” attitude that I believe is infectious to all who are lucky enough to work with her. Despite possibly having moments through the years of perhaps feeling overwhelmed and/or under appreciated in her role, Chantel never displays a helpless or careless demeanor. Her heart and sole are in the right place—it’s always been about the kids and what they need to be successful. The amount of work Chantel has taken on over the past couple of years has truly made the lives and jobs of others around her a little bit easier and smoother. The most professional, knowledgeable, and caring school psychologist I have ever had the opportunity to work with. We are so very lucky to have her at Lily Lake.

8. Chantel Erickson
1. This is my 8th year as a school psychologist and my 2nd year in the Stillwater School District
2. I am a school psychologist for the district and work with K-12 students.  Majority of my placement has been at Lily Lake Elementary working with students K-6.  I am at the High School 1.5 days a week.
3. A favorite moment or a high in my career is:  In my second year of working in the field I had been working with a student who was suffering from significant clinical depression, as well as Asperger's.  The student had hit rock bottom and had pretty much given up on school, wanting to drop out his senior year. I kept pushing him and with a little tough love and motivation, we slowly worked at setting some goals.  After a few weeks, something finally clicked and he started coming into school early and staying late to work with myself and his teachers to get caught up on his work.  It was a great pleasure to watch him walk across the stage at graduation a few months later. 
4. Educational Inspiration or Inspirational Education Quote: "The kids who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving ways"  This quote helps give me the energy to keep pushing forward when working with challenging students.  It helps keep things in perspective and reminds me of all the obstacles many of our students face on a daily basis.

9. Sheila Folden: Physical Education at Rutherford Elementary
Nominated by Paula Harrison Sheila is inspirational to students in the following ways: Her lessons are innovative and FUN! She develops lasting and meaningful relationships with her students and staff. She believes that teaching is not a job, but her passion and that all students deserve to reach their full potential to be active and healthy for a lifetime.
She invests time, energy, compassion and resources to do what’s best for each of her students. She is a supportive and inspiring colleague with her ability to share new and innovative ideas. In her building she goes above and beyond supporting her staff to help students focus on learning using physical activities. It is an honor to work with Sheila and we are very lucky to have her here to inspire not only her students, but all of us as educators to reach a common goal.

10. Sheila Folden
1. I've been teaching 22 years, 13 of which are with Stillwater.
2. I teach K-6 Physical Education where students learn to move and move to learn!!
3. Any ah-ha moment when the student has a smile from ear to ear and depending on the situation, maybe even a short squeal because they are SO excited they were able to do something for the first time or conquer a fear!
4. "Wherever you are - be all there” - Jim Elliot.  No matter if the same students tells me the same story one, two, or five times in a day...it's always the first time hearing it  :)

11. Nicole Malone: math at Stillwater Junior High
Nominated by David Kahl Nicole is inspirational to students in the following ways: Nicole is tireless in the time she dedicates to her students. I work across the hall, and I see the extra help she gives students both before and after school. I also see the genuine caring she has for them. My son has her for a teacher this year, and so I see first hand her willingness to bend over backwards to help them succeed.

12. Nicole Malone How long have you taught? 11 years
How long in our district? 10 years
 Current area of responsibility: 7th grade Mathematics
Favorite teaching memory: I don't have one particular memory; however, the highlight of each year is when students change their mind frame and allow themselves to enjoy math class. In addition, I celebrate the moments when students start to see the relevance of the math skills and when they will use them in their adult lives. 
 “ You are always a student, never a master. You have to keep moving forward.”- Conrad Hall

13. Julie Mock: 2nd grade at Lake Elmo Elementary
Nominated by Darla Simonet Julie is inspirational to students in the following ways: She is not afraid to be absolutely silly and crazy to make lesson memorable. She is incredibly gifted at differentiating for students’ needs. She expects the highest excellence from each of her students. She supports her staff/colleagues within her own building, as well as the union, specifically helping to orchestrate the SCEA Unity Event.

14. Julie Mock
26 years... all at Stillwater Area Schools, 2nd grade at Lake Elmo (but was also at Lily Lake and Rutherford), *Also, I work with a homebound student
Favorite Memory of Teaching:  I had a very special young man in my second grade class one of my first years of teaching.  (Let's just call him Kyle.) His parents were amazing and I watched him grow till he left for Junior High.  
Some years later, our church hired a new pastor.  We invited the new pastor and her family over for a dinner to meet some of the board members.  When the new pastor walked in, my student, Kyle, was part of the family.  I freaked out and needed to know everything about him - he was no longer 7 years old!  I found out he was in law school!  I was introduced to his girlfriend/ fiancé' (let's call her Dani) who was our new pastor's daughter.  
Fast forward a few years, and my son was asked to be the ring-bearer in Kyle and Dani's wedding.  Fast forward again about 9 years and my son got to be in Dani's 4th grade class.  
THIS is what I love about teaching!  It's a family... every child we touch has a story and we get to be a part of their story!
Favorite Quote: " The things you are passionate about are not random - they are your calling!” -Fabienne Fredrickson~

15. Joel Raddatz: history at Oak Land Junior High
Nominated by Darrell Salmi Joel is inspirational to students in the following ways: Mr. Raddatz has always been able to reach a troubled or struggling student with his ability to show compassion and empathy for all students. Likewise, he can accelerate and challenge the brightest students because of his willingness to use a variety of teaching strategies that he has learned and incorporated into his teaching. While observing Joel teach, one will see that he uses AVID teaching strategies that have a tremendous impact on student learning. Additionally, through his time spent studying an array of brain research, he has also incorporated movement opportunities into his classroom because of its positive impact on thinking and learning.

16. Joel Raddatz
I have just completed my 27th year of teaching. I spent the first 10 years of my career in the Hopkins School District working in their Tuition Programs which included residential and day treatment as well as juvenile detention. I have been here in Stillwater for the past 17years. I taught special education students at the high school and am currently teaching at OLJH/OLMS.
I teach social studies education to 7th and 8th graders. We have a US History course for 7th grade and a Global Geography class for 8th grade.
I have so many good teaching memories it’s hard to choose just one… I think my favorite memories are when my former students come back to visit, either after they have gone on to the high school or graduation and beyond.  They love to share their experiences and how they have matured into young adults and are doing well. It’s very rewarding when they stop by to say hi.
Teachers are what inspire me!  I was inspired to become a teacher because of my education and schooling experience. I. LOVED. SCHOOL!  There wasn’t anything about school I didn’t like. I was very fortunate to grow up in a community that was totally behind its schools and teachers. My teachers were amazing!  Our buildings were well kept. Our playgrounds and sports facilities were awesome. We had so many opportunities to take a wide variety of fun and challenging classes.  My teachers cared, they engaged me, and they were part of our community and very well respected.  Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something like that?!

17. Teri Randazzo: Early Childhood Special Education at ECFC
Nominated by Ann Robey Teri is inspirational to students in the following ways: She learns what is motivating to each of her special needs students and uses their unique loves to meet the child where they are and move them to the next level.

18. Teri Randazzo
I have been teaching for 25 years and 18 of those years have been with Stillwater school District.
I work at the Early Childhood Family Center and I am the Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and Speech-Language pathologist for the birth to three program.  I work with children in their home with their families and at daycares.  
My favorite teaching memories are when I go to a child's house and the family greets me at the door with excitement of what their child is now able to do no matter how small the progress may be.  
My favorite education inspiration are truly the children and families that I work with and their resiliency, determination, love and continued support for their child.   

19. Andrew Weaver: science at SAHS
Nominated by Stacy Bartlett Andy is inspirational to students in the following ways: Andy is one of the most passionate and dedicated teacher I have ever observed. He “walks the walk” on a daily basis, sharing his time, energy and knowledge and himself through all he does. I’m not sure how he has the time for all his outside (yet inside) school experiments and projects, but it turns out, that’ just who he is and those projects are just extensions of his genuine love for what he does. Whether he’s removing maple tree sap from the school’s maple trees, bringing in taming in a new raptor, hatching new birds on the baby bird cam, trapping and collecting data from animals in the ELC, writing and performing parody originals, or standing up for what he thinks is best for students. Andy’s commitment to his profession, the process of science, and students is undeniable and contagious. I’m honestly not sure I’ve ever witnessed another teacher who so clearly loves what he does and consistently and uniquely sparks the curiosity and imagination—the true foundation of science—in those around him.

20. Andrew Weaver 1) 31 years of teaching, 27 in Stillwater.
2)  This year I am teaching an overload with 3 advanced placement biology classes and 3 advanced placement environmental science classes.
3)  Not sure if this is my favorite but certainly recent.  One of my delightful kids let my ball python out of its cage 31 days ago.  His name is Julious Squeezer.  My classes (In a spring break mode) called Juliouses absence a snakation... He was discovered just a day ago by custodians wrapped around two stuffed foxes in my office.  He is back in his cage...I think.  Please make sure no administrative staff become aware of this event...They are still recovering from the flying squirrel incident.
4)  Lecture is not dead! Much of my knowledge came from wonderful, inspired, lectures given by college professors that worked to connect with me.  Teaching is about relationships and creativity NOT homogeny (common everything)