Karen Hughes-Hoffner, MCEC, Teacher
With a smile and a gentle touch, Ms. Karen welcomes young learners into her classroom each day.  She brings a sense of calm into a classroom of active four and five year olds.  Karen prepares her students for Kindergarten by nurturing their never-ending curiosity while setting clear boundaries.  Children are always excited for their preschool class because Ms. Karen engages them through play, songs and other hands-on activities.  She makes school fun and builds a foundation for life-long learning.

Nicole Snedden, Clear Springs, Teacher
At Clear Springs, Ms. Snedden motivates her students to achieve beyond their own expectations.  Her classroom has a culture of trust and respect that inspires her students. Her fifth grade reading clubs differentiate learning, improve student achievement and ensure all students feel included socially.  Ms. Snedden teaches from the heart and works with students individually to help them push through adversity and nurture their passions. 

Karl Boberg, Deephaven, Teacher
No two days of class are ever the same in Mr. Boberg’s fifth grade classroom.  Whether students are using iPads to manipulate images from electron microscopes or dissecting grapefruits to compare its qualities to the human brain, Mr. Boberg makes learning fun.  His creativity and humor make it safe for students to learn, ask questions and take risks.  After school, he advises a student leadership group of fourth and fifth grade students, developing leaders for the future through service to others –organizing activities like Toys for Tots and Pennies for Patients.

Jeri Braun, Excelsior, Teacher
As a speech language pathologist, Mrs. Braun works with students who have a wide-spectrum of skills and abilities.  From assisting students with language development to helping them with articulation, she is a master at finding strategies to help students learn.  Through humor and games, she is able to keep kids interested and working toward their speech goals.  Jeri has realistic but high expectations for her students, no matter their ability level.  She is also an innovator in using new technologies.  She continuously updates her teaching materials and approaches to bring out the best in each child.

Heidi Hammerback, Groveland, Teacher
Learning and fun go hand-in-hand for fourth grade students in Mrs. Hammerback’s class.  She is always finding new ways to inspire students to learn.  From creating games like “Math Lingo” to teaching students outdoors, Heidi looks for ways to excite and encourage her students to dig deeper and expand their minds.  Heidi truly brings out the best in each student.  She is an expert at differentiating her instruction to engage students with various learning styles.  Other teachers consistently seek her out for wisdom and advice. She is a valuable resource for everyone in the Groveland school community.

Julia Antonsen, Minnewashta, Teacher
Mrs. Antonsen has taught at Minnewashta Elementary since 1999.  In 2007  she made the switch from English to Spanish Immersion.  She brings energy, enthusiasm and organization into the classroom each day.  Spend just a few minutes in her classroom and you’ll see passion, care and commitment for each learner.  Julia is able to see the individual needs within a classroom of students and to  find unique ways to reach each and every one of them.  Parents appreciate her outstanding communication.  She writes a personalized letter weekly, letting parents know what’s happening in class and what to expect at home.

Melinda Barry, Scenic Heights, Teacher
Mrs. Berry instills a life-long love of reading for students at Scenic Heights.  By getting to know the interests of each child, she can recommend books that spark a desire to read.  Melinda will even purchase new books if she cannot find just the right one on her shelves.  She also teaches students how to properly use technology.  Mrs. Berry guides students in finding reliable sources and being safe when using the internet – important skills for media literacy. But, what many fifth graders most look forward to in working with Mrs. Berry is their chance to be on TV, as they produce a daily news show, which airs throughout the school.

Angie Kallman, MME, Teacher
If you walk by Mrs. Kallman’s math classroom, chances are you will see her breaking down a difficult math problem into steps her middle school students can understand.  Angie arrives at school early and stays late to help her students understand the math concepts they need to know.  To differentiate her instruction, she has students use handheld response systems which allows her to teach to the level of each student.  Angie is patient and compassionate.  She builds relationships with each of her students and knows where they are on both an academic and emotional level.

Mary Callahan, MMW, Teacher
Gentle, compassionate and innovative are some of the words parents use to describe Mary Callahan.  She is an expert with students who need a little extra help with the academic and social challenges of middle school.  Mary partners with the student, their parents and teachers to create a team dedicated to finding strategies for student success.  She does this by creating relationships of trust while always keeping communication open and honest.  Under her guidance, students have flourished and have learned skills that they can apply to situations for the rest of their lives.

Paula Holmberg, MHS, Teacher
The 2005 Minnesota Choral Director of the Year, Ms. Holmberg’s passion for music brings out the best in each of her students. Her award-winning choirs have traveled across the world, including a performance at St. Peters Basilica in Italy. Her students will tell you that Holmberg sets the bar high and inspires students to reach beyond their own expectations.  For gifted educators, like Ms. Holmberg, it is a matter of the heart that connects with each person.  She has a generosity of spirit and enthusiasm for learning that exalts individuals to commit fully to the learning journey, and when the voices in her choir unite, the audience enjoys a magical gift, wrapped in beauty, emotion and warmth.

Christopher Pears, MHS, Teacher
After a successful career in the business world, Mr. Pears wanted to become a teacher so he could give back.  For the last five years, he has shared his passion for politics, economics and current events with students at Minnetonka High School.  He brings an international perspective into the classroom and challenges students to look at issues through a variety of lenses.  Mr. Pears is exemplary in his commitment to students and his approach to innovative teaching—connecting learning to the world.  He was instrumental in launching the International Studies program at MHS which pairs Minnetonka students with students from partner schools in China, Russia, Serbia and the Netherlands.  Later this year, he will travel to the Netherlands with a group of MHS students, expanding their global connections.

Mike Dixon, Minnetonka Middle School West, Custodian
Mr. Dixon takes pride in creating a clean and safe learning environment for students and staff at Minnetonka Middle School West.  He is responsive and provides great customer service to everyone in the school.  For the last two years, Mike has worked with students, staff and parents to improve recycling at MMW.  With his direction, recycling and composting has increased by nearly 90% in the cafeteria and by more than 80% in the rest of the building.  Mike sets high standards for himself and his custodial staff to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone who enters his building.

Francine Boyce, Minnewashta Elementary, Nutrition Services
Francine makes children feel comforted and appreciated during a busy time of day, lunchtime at Minnewashta Elementary.  She greets students with a smile and encourages them to grab a piece of fruit or a vegetable if they forgot to put it on their lunch tray.  Francine gets to know each students by name and always provides an encouraging word of support, when needed.  She has a genuine love for kids and demonstrates this through her positive attitude and warm smile.

Donna Dahl, Groveland Elementary, School Social Worker
As a school social worker, Donna helps students navigate through academic and social challenges at Groveland Elementary.  She works with students, parents and teachers to develop plans that fit the individual needs of each child.  Donna always thinks of the needs of the child first and is positive, supportive and encouraging, no matter the situation.  She is an expert in her field and is sought after by parents and teachers to provide wisdom, support and advice.  Donna was a key-player in the roll-out of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program at Groveland earlier this school year.

Angie Wilz, Deephaven Elementary, Paraprofessional
Angie is dedicated to helping all students learn at Deephaven Elementary.  As a special education and instructional paraprofessional, Angie works with students to develop new skills.  Her caring, sensitive and positive attitude allow students to look to her as a resource and role model in their learning.  Angie has built strong relationships with students, who are always excited to see her and seek her out when they need additional help with school work.  She is able to touch the lives of students by first showing them she cares about them, then showing them she cares about their learning.

Therese Meyer, Excelsior Elementary, Paraprofessional
Where do Excelsior teachers turn to find extension materials, websites and resources for their classes? Media Center paraprofessional Therese Meyer is their special agent when it comes to investigating new resources for students and staff. She is also the first call for help if a piece of technology is not working quite right.  Therese has earned the respect of her colleagues by consistently going above and beyond her job duties. She takes pride in helping staff find just what they need and in helping students pick out books that excite, challenge and inspire a love of reading.  Therese is an integral part of learning and the school community at Excelsior.

Karin Maas and Wendi Hammond, Minnetonka Middle School West, Co-curricular Advisors
Karin and Wendy have produced and directed plays at Minnetonka Middle School West for the last four years.  Their enthusiasm for the arts is contagious, and they inspire students to perform beyond their own expectations.  Karin and Wendi encourage students to take risks and not be afraid of making mistakes.  The theater program at MMW has grown over the last few years with more than 100 students in the cast and crew of Seussical, Jr. this year.  Karin and Wendi’s encouragement and dedication to students have inspired a new level of excellence in musical theater at MMW.

Bob and Diana Davis, Backpack Tutoring
Inspiring students to understand and serve the greater good is central to our mission in Minnetonka schools.  Modeling this servant leadership for students are Bob and Diana Davis who organize Minnetonka’s Back Pack Tutoring program.   Each week, more than 300 students from Minnetonka High School travel to Minneapolis to tutor elementary students through the Backpack Tutoring program. Working as a husband and wife team, Bob and Diana spend countless hours recruiting, training and scheduling volunteers.  They also lead fundraising efforts to pay for bussing that transports Minnetonka students to Minneapolis each week.  With their leadership, this program has expanded to other high schools and has had an impact on thousands of young lives over the last 13 years.

Dan Sigurdson, Citizens Finance Audit and Advisory Committee
As chair of the Citizens Finance Audit and Advisory committee, Dan has been instrumental in helping the District negotiate its way through challenging financial situations over the years with his wise counsel. Dan knows our school district finances better than almost any other citizen in the District. His committee meets monthly to review budget trends, explore financial planning options and study the impact of legislative issues.  Dan is well-versed in Minnesota school funding but also brings his expertise in business and personal finance to provide counsel to the administration and School Board—and he has done this for 18 years.  He is a visionary who is always looking to make the best decisions for the students of our District, especially when budgets are tight.

Joanne Olds, Dream Makers Chair
Joanne has been a tireless volunteer for Minnetonka Schools since 2003.  She has volunteered countless hours for Groveland, Minnetonka Middle School East and Tonka Pride.  For the last two years, Joanne has brought vision, energy and creativity to the annual Dream Makers Dinner for the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation.  With her leadership, Dream Makers surpassed the $1 million milestone in funds raised for the Foundation’s endowment, which funds long-term innovative projects in the District, like the Writing Center at Minnetonka High School.  Attendance, business participation and overall donations have all increased during her tenure as Dream Makers chair.

Rachel Benson, Groveland Classroom Volunteer
Students in Mrs. Lovelace’s class at Groveland Elementary look forward to seeing Rachel in their class each day.  As a classroom volunteer, Rachel helps the second graders learn important skills.  Whether they are playing educational games or reading together, she is always patient and enthusiastic with students in the class.  Rachel has a special place in her heart for these students at Groveland.  If you spend just a few minutes with Rachel, you can see the care, concern and passion she has for every child she meets.  It is the same care and compassion that Minnetonka teachers like Sarah Lovelace gave Rachel as she grew through school.  A very special alum, Rachel is giving back to her community and getting so much more in return.

Sharon Garber, MME Volunteer
If there is a celebration of any type at Minnetonka Middle School East, Sharon Garber is the one organizing it.  She has become famous for organizing several meals each year for the staff at MME.  Through her hospitality, Sharon communicates the appreciation Minnetonka parents have for all of the dedication and commitment school employees have for their children.  For nearly ten years, she has volunteered behind the scenes, planning various projects and events at the school.  Her volunteer role will be hard to fill at MME as her youngest son moves on to Minnetonka High School this fall.

Steve London, Caribou Coffee (101 & Minnetonka Blvd)
Caribou Coffee donates by the gallon to help fuel events across the Minnetonka School District.  As the manager at County Road 101 and Minnetonka Boulevard, Steve London is gracious, generous and always willing to help.  Earlier this year, Caribou opened its doors, and coffee pots, to host weekly community book groups for Tonka Cares.  Parents and other community members enjoyed free coffee as they discussed ways to raise drug-free kids.  Steve is also a strong supporter of Minnetonka’s Preschool and ECFE programs.  We are fortunate to have a business partner like Caribou with a leader like Steve who sees the value in building a relationship between businesses and schools.

Steve Pieh, Minnetonka Community Education Advisory Committee
The Minnetonka community is a better place because of the dedication of Steve Pieh.  He has been a committed volunteer for more than 10 years and serves as an important liaison between our schools and cities.  He has brought together leaders from Minnetonka Community Education and the cities of Minnetonka and Hopkins to consolidate and cross-promote programming for senior citizens.  Steve is a listener and works to build consensus in every meeting he is at.  He serves on the Minnetonka Community Education Advisory Committee, the Tour de Tonka Committee and the Home Remodeling Fair committee.  He is also an active member of the Music Association of Minnetonka.  Steve’s devotion makes him a valuable part of the fabric of our community.

Ila Wheeler, ECFE Advisory Council Chair and Program Volunteer
Ila Wheeler currently serves as the Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE Advisory Council Chair.  She has had many leadership roles during her six years on the council, some of which include Advocacy Chair, Treasurer, Vice President and this year Chair.  “She has done it all and done it humbly,” said Executive Director of Community Education Tim Litfin.  Through her volunteer efforts, Ila has eagerly and loyally supported Minnetonka Community Education Programs and the Minnetonka Public Schools.  When different areas in ECFE needed leadership support, without hesitation, Ila moved in to help and ensure success and completion of each task on time. 

Ila has three young children, yet she manages time after time to lead or assist in projects and programs in ECFE.  “Ila is an amazing person, mother and leader,” said nominator Sheryl Elvestrom.