Jodi Carufel named semifinalist for MN Teacher of the Year

Jodi Carufel, a language arts teacher at Olson Middle School, has been selected as one of 31 semifinalists for Education Minnesota’s 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year program.

Semifinalists were selected from a group of 142 candidates across the state, including five Bloomington Public Schools teachers. A panel of education, community and business leaders will select a group of 10 finalists and the Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in May.

Carufel is a homegrown Bloomington teacher. She attended Olson Junior High and graduated from Jefferson High School. Carufel is in her 30th year of teaching, having spent her entire career teaching 8th grade language arts at Olson Middle School.

“I’ve seen a myriad of changes over the years, but the one constant has been the kind of staff I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’ve been blessed to experience camaraderie, inspiration and support. Truly, Hubert Olson Middle has been my H.O.M. for 30 years,” said Carufel.

"I am so elated that Jodi has made it to the semifinals. Jodi is enthusiastic and creative, fostering a love for reading and writing while encouraging critical thinking and self-expression in her students.  This same enthusiasm is experienced by all of her colleagues which makes her such a joy to work with," said Olson Middle School principal Tim Ciavarri.

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.