Teacher of the year finalists announced

The five finalists for the 2008 District 112 Foundation Teacher of the Year Award were announced yesterday by Rick Ford, vice-president of the District 112 Foundation.

The finalists for the 2008 District 112 Foundation Teacher of the Year award are:

* Amy Bill, Middle School East

* Sue Gilbert, Chaska Elementary

* Michelle Swenson, Bluff Creek Elementary

* Arlene Borner, Chaska High School

* Denise Waletzko, Jonathan Elementary

"There are hundreds of teachers in District 112 who exemplify the best of this noble profession. To narrow it down to five was very difficult. We all know that teachers don’t become teachers because they expect riches or glory to come from it. They do it for love of children and community. Still, I am excited about the thought of a few riches and a little glory being bestowed upon at least one truly remarkable educator,” Ford stated in a press release.

The purpose of the 2008 District 112 Foundation Teacher of the Year Award is to honor and recognize an exceptional District 112 teacher for excellence in education. All nominees must be full-time teacher in Pre-K-12 in district for at least three years.

Two events are being planned to honor and recognize the five finalists. The first event is on 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 7 in the Chaska High School Media Center. The Chaska High School Student Council is hosting a reception to celebrate the accomplishments of the five finalists. The Chaska High School foods classes will be preparing the food and providing the beverages. The reception is free and open to the public. 

The second event is 5 p.m., Thursday, May 15 at Hazeltine National Golf Club. The District 112 Foundation will be hosting its second annual Teacher of the Year Celebration Dinner.

Admission is $50 per adult and $20 for children under 10 years of age. The five finalists will be introduced by the four mayors from the cities that make up District 112 (Jim Weygand, Carver; Gary Van Eyll, Chaska; Tom Furlong, Chanhassen; Mary Hershberger Thun, Victoria) and board chair Rod Franks.

Eric Songer, 2007 Teacher of the Year, will announce the 2008 Teacher of the Year.

The recipient of the 2008 District 112 Foundation Teacher of the Year award will receive a $3,000 grant and represent the district in the Minnesota Teacher of the Year competition.

The other finalists will receive a $500 grant each. All grant money is being contributed by KleinBank and Casualty Assurance.

To make reservations for the Teacher of the Year Celebration Dinner on May 15, and pay by credit card, go to www.CE4all.org and click on “Teacher of the Year” Or call (952) 556-6200 and ask for Connie.  Reservations must be made by 5 p.m., May 9.