Stacy Paleen, French and math teacher at Park High School. Photos: Morgan Chapman Media
South Washington County Schools teachers are being recognized for excellence.
Annually, the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Program, now in its 60th year, honors excellence in education across the state of Minnesota. Nominations open each fall, and a panel led by leaders in education, business, nonprofits and government selects the Minnesota Teacher of the Year from nominees.
In 2024, a total of 159 teachers were selected as candidates—the third-largest selection field since 2000—including four South Washington County Schools teachers. I invite you to meet these outstanding area educators and hear from them in their own words.
Stacy Paleen, French and math teacher at Park High School
I have been teaching and coaching in the district for 28 years. Over the years, I have been a math teacher, a French teacher, a soccer coach, a track and field coach, a math team coach, a Nordic ski coach, a talent development coach, a mentor [and] a site team chair and have served on numerous committees. I am a product of ISD 833. I attended Pine Hill Elementary, Oltman Middle School and graduated from Park High School in 1991. I understand the value of an educator from South Washington County Schools.
How did you feel when you received the nomination?
It is quite an honor to be recognized by a student, a peer or an administrator for the work that I do. These are the people who see me day in and day out. These are the people who see me stay late and come in early. These are the people who benefit from my dedication to this profession. When I did not advance to the next round, this is what I reminded myself: The selection committee does not know me. They only know what they read on paper.
What is your teaching philosophy?
As a high school French teacher, my philosophy revolves around fostering a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment that nurtures students’ linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding. My approach is rooted in the belief that language acquisition is not merely about memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules, but rather immersing oneself in the language and culture.
How do you strive to inspire students?
I try to inspire my students with my own passion for learning. I use games, music, cultural activities and humor to impress upon my students the value and importance of learning another language and other cultures.
Paul Pressnall, English teacher at Park High School
Paul Pressnall, English teacher at Park High School.
I have worked as an English teacher in SoWashCo for 17 years. For the last eight years, I have been at Park High School, teaching a variety of grade levels and courses … I hope that I inspire my students because they certainly inspire me to be the best teacher possible. They consistently make me smile, laugh and remind me to not take life too seriously. Also, I thoroughly enjoy working with the amazing teachers and staff at Park High School. My work and my recognition would not be possible without their help, support and collaboration.
How did you feel when you received the nomination?
… At first, I was genuinely surprised and then happy and honored. Once that sunk in, I had a sense of “imposter syndrome” in that I didn’t feel I deserved it as there are so many other amazing teachers I get to work with every day at Park High School who deserve such an honor and recognition. Once my colleagues convinced me that I did actually deserve the nomination, I had an immense sense of pride.
What is your teaching philosophy?
As a teacher, I believe that by offering the right support, feedback and encouragement to my students, each one can learn and grow and also appreciate any topic we are studying. As an English teacher, my philosophy is to make my students critical consumers of information in all forms so that they may compose their own opinions based on solid reasoning and present that information to others in a clear and logical way. I also firmly believe that students should be taught how to respectfully disagree with one another through meaningful discussions and civil discourse.
How do you strive to inspire students?
… by making what I do in my classroom as relevant as possible to their current and future lives. Because I teach juniors and seniors, so many of them are on the cusp of the next phase of their lives, so I try to do what I can to prepare them for whatever path they’ve chosen: work, trade school, college, etc. If I can create that relevance while supporting them in their choices, they are so much more engaged in the learning process and see it as a worthwhile endeavor. I also try to get to know my students on a personal level (as best I can), so I can support and encourage them in their pursuits outside of the classroom.
Elizabeth A. Stueve, kindergarten/first grade teacher at Valley Crossing Elementary School
Elizabeth A. Stueve, kindergarten/first grade teacher at Valley Crossing Elementary School.
I have had my teaching license since 1991 and have spent most of my career working [with children who attend] SoWashCo schools. I have experience teaching in all grades, kindergarten through sixth … I value working for a school district that allows their teachers to: Be seen. Be heard. Be bold.
How did you feel when you received the nomination?
I was excited and honored to be recognized for the hard work and dedication I put into my students’ academic and social success.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I strongly believe that teaching is the most rewarding and important job I will ever have next to raising my own children. Also, that I, the teacher, play a crucial role in the success of my current and past students. The joy and positive attitude I exhibit each day helps motivate students’ excitement to come to school, feelings of safety and overall enjoyment of learning. My hope is that each day, I show my students they are cared for while encouraging them to have a growth mindset and to take risks in their learning and social connections. I also deeply value meeting students where they are academically. Even our youngest learners need to feel challenged and/or successful with their own academic growth … Lastly, the community that I create in my classroom is key to my success as a teacher. This community includes students, staff and families. When I show interest in these groups of people both in the school environment and outside of it, people respond with excitement and surprise, especially my students.
How do you strive to inspire students?
I approach each school day as a new day, welcoming students with a smile and positive attitude. I allow students to be who they are and guide them to have their best day.
Robert Carrero, developmental cognitive disability and center based program teacher at Park High School
Robert Carrero, developmental cognitive disability and center based program teacher at Park High School.
I have worked in the district for 25 years and as a teacher for 30 years … [The] mix of serving as both a special education and general education teacher has provided me with a unique perspective of the challenges faced by students and teachers in both settings. Despite my many years as a teacher, I still have those feelings of insecurities like I did in my early years … Compassion will help you and others demonstrate the resiliency and grace in getting through the struggles that accompany one’s journey to become the best version of ourselves as teachers and students.
How did you feel when you received the nomination?
I feel humbled and honored to be recognized as a nominee. It’s not lost on me that there are many teachers who don’t get the recognition they deserve. They spend their career in the trenches, putting in countless hours outside of the school day and own money to support their students. I feel especially grateful to receive this acknowledgement when there are so many others out there who are as deserving of it as me.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My passion is to help every student reach their potential in all aspects of their educational journey and to prepare them for a smooth and successful transition into the adult/post-secondary world. The aspects of their educational journey not only includes academic skills, but also social skills, such as the ability to effectively communicate and interact with others.
How do you strive to inspire your students?
I try to maintain my enthusiasm with a steadfast effort to connect learning with importance to the real world. Like a coach, I want to guide them through the highs and lows of the learning process and adolescence itself. Guided by optimism, encouragement, patience and compassion, my goal each day is to come up with the right balance of encouraging maximum effort while at the same time being considerate of the varied qualities, experiences and personalities of my students.
Meet the Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2024
Congratulations to Tracy Byrd, an English teacher at Washburn High School in Minneapolis. To learn more about the Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, visit educationminnesota.org.
