Rosemount Middle School English Teacher Alissa Standon is one of 131 nominees for 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Award sponsor Education Minnesota, the state’s educators’ union, announced nominees Jan. 26. 

In its 59th year, the Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers from pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade, as well as early childhood family education and adult basic education. A panel of leaders from education, business, government and philanthropy will review the nominations over the next few weeks and select semifinalists. The panel will meet again in March to name finalists and the winner will be announced May 7 at the Minnesota Teacher of the Year in St. Paul.

“It is an absolute honor to be nominated,” said Standon, who has taught at Rosemount Middle all of her 11 years in District 196. “I know that I make connections with my students, but sometimes you don’t truly realize the depth of those connections or the lasting impact you had on someone’s life.”

Standon said her approach to teaching is fairly straightforward. “(It’s) people first, content second, love always and my expectations never waiver. I may accommodate students for various things, but I will not lower expectations.”

Standon grew up in Mankato and earned her teaching degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University, where she is also pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership.