Five Bloomington teachers among candidates for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Published on Feb 04, 2025
Photos of Minnesota Teacher of the Year Candidates

Five Bloomington Public Schools teachers are nominated as candidates for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year program:

  • Lisa Berthiaume, Special Education EBD Teacher (Jefferson High School)
  • Jodi Carufel, Language Arts (Olson Middle School)
  • Laura George, Kindergarten (Indian Mounds Elementary)
  • Zach Semon, Special Education ABS Teacher (Jefferson High School)
  • Jake Wypyszynski, Special Education DAPE Teacher (Kennedy High School)

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program is organized by Education Minnesota. The program is in its 61st year and is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program to honor excellence in education.

There are 142 candidates this year. Over the next few weeks, an independent panel of leaders in the fields of education, business, government, nonprofit and philanthropy will narrow the list to a group of semifinalists, followed by a group of finalists in March. The 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be named in May and serve as an advocate and spokesperson for teachers statewide. 

Learn more about the distinguished honor at bit.ly/EduMN-toty.