Our ‘Teachers Of The Month’ For 2026 [GALLERY]

Every month we surprise a teacher in their classroom to honor them as our "Teacher of the Month."

Our winning teacher receives prizes from Coyote Moon Grille, True's Pizza, Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Great Harvest Bread Company, and Ann Daniels Healing Salon, along with a custom tumbler and a plaque from All Star Trophy and Awards.

Here's a look at the winners so far for the 2025-26 school year!

TINA MARIE ARENDT - MADISON ELEMENTARY (ST. CLOUD)

"Tina is an amazing teacher because she goes far and beyond to have her students achieve their potential. She deserves to be Teacher of the Month because she helps others as much as she can.

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STEVE DRAKE - FOLEY ALC 

“The kids that attend the ALC say that Mr. Drake is very understanding, trusting and always there for them. He earns the kids respect and many come back after they graduate to let him know how and what they are doing.

I transport the students in the van from the High School to the ALC during the school day and I see the respect that the kids have for Mr. Drake. He does his best to make sure that the kids stay caught up so that they can graduate on time.

I feel that the ALC teachers often get overlooked but may be doing the hardest job. Steve definitely deserves to be nominated for Teacher of the Month.”

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ZACHARY WOLTMANN - WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY (ST. CLOUD) 

“He's a well-prepared Teacher; He always looks out for every student in his class. He keeps parents up to date with activities and the progress of our student.”

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LAUREN MARSHIK - LITTLE FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL 

Lauren goes above and beyond for her students. She always makes learning fun with her upbeat attitude and out of the box lesson plans. She makes kids enjoy learning! She deserves to be recognized for her hard work and dedication.

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CARISSA SOLARZ - PLEASANTVIEW ELEMENTARY (SAUK RAPIDS) 

Teaching involves being present, passionate, persuasive, and providing pastoral care. When I reflect on Ms. Solaraz, I see her as someone who invests in her students and enhances their learning journey.

Ms. Solaraz fosters a community atmosphere where each student feels appreciated, respected, and acknowledged. Her traits, such as patience and empathy, allowed my son to feel secure in taking risks and learning from his errors.

She employs innovative and engaging techniques, including games, projects, and pertinent examples, to ensure that lessons are both captivating and unforgettable. Whether in the classroom or in public, Ms. Solarz's compassion for our youth is abundant with love.

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If you know a teacher who is going above and beyond the call of duty, nominate them ---->HERE<-- for Teacher Of The Month. It could be your former teacher, your child's current teacher, your next-door neighbor who teaches... ANY teacher in your life that you think is deserving.

We LOVE being able to get out in the community to give back to those who give us so much!

It takes just a couple of sentences to nominate someone, and it could result in us showing up to their classroom unannounced to give them the surprise of a lifetime!